Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades, in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat)
Administrative:
3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter's.
Population:
7,574
note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Languages:
English
Elevation:
highest point: Chances Peak (in the Soufriere Hills) 914 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural hazards:
severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (full-scale eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano occurred during 1996-97)
Climate:
tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation
Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998, but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcano and on public sector construction activity. The UK committed to a three year $125 million aid program in 1999 to help reconstruct the economy.
Industry:
tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances
Ethnicgroups:
black, white
Vaccination requirements:
No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
