Montserrat

English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 9,538

Nationality (Noun): Montserratian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Montserratian

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: English

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): none

Country Name (short form): Montserrat

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Plymouth

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Montserrat: St. Kitts/Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe

Land Area: 102 sq km

Comparative Area: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Coastline: 40 km

National Holiday: Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

International Phone Code: -663

Currency Code: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Internet Country Code: .ms

US Embassy Location: none (overseas territory of the UK)

US Embassy Mailing Address: none (overseas territory of the UK)