Montserrat

One of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, lying 43 km southwest of Antigua and 64 km northwest of Guadeloupe.

Size

The island is 18 km long and 11 km wide, with a total area of 101 sq km.

Climate

Tropical climate.

Topography 

Entirely volcanic and very mountainous. The coastline is rugged and offers no all-weather harbour, although there are several anchorages in the lee of the island sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. In 1995, the Soufriere Hills volcano in the south of the island became active for the first time in 350 years.  The volcano has remained active since then with pyroclastic flows, a collapse of the dome in 2003 and renewed dome growth.  Since April 2007, growth of the current volcanic dome has slowed and the latest scientific advice is that the volcano is in a state of ‘pause’, but with the danger of a large hot dome remaining.  

Biodiversity

Despite its small size, Montserrat supports at least 795 native plant species, 12 restricted range species of birds and 1,241 invertebrates, which include 718 beetles. Endemic to Montserrat are the Montserrat Oriole (Icteris oberis) and galliwasp (Diploglossus montisserrati). The endangered and edible 'mountain chicken' (Leptodactylus fallax)  (a frog) is found only on Montserrat and Dominica. Several other species are restricted to Montserrat and some nearby islands.

Main economic activities 

The limited economic activity on the island includes mining and quarrying, construction, financial and professional services and tourism

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