Montserrat is a region situated in the Leeward Islands. In the year 1493 Montserrat was named by Christopher Columbus during his second world tour. The Island of Montserrat is also known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean. Area wise the nation of Montserrat is 16 km or 10 miles long and 11 km or 7 miles wide along with a coastline of nearly 40 kilometers or 25 mi. The island is known for active volcano from the beginning of 1990s. On July 18, 1995 the Soufriere Hills volcanic eruptions started which ruined the capital city of Plymouth. Nearly two-thirds people were strained to vacate the island. The short-term regime's centre at present is the village of Brades. In the north of the island a new town at Little Bay is being structured.

The island of Montserrat is also known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean. The island is famous for white beaches and hiking trails, blue horizon. The volcanic eruption in June 1995 ruined the tourism sector. Earlier this island was most preferred tourist destination. Mainly it was visited by movie stars. The culture of this island is blend of Irish, African and Caribbean heritage. Goat water a dish prepared with kidney and mutton with cloves and rum is the national dish of the Montserrat Island. Annually in July a festival known as Calabash is held to highlight the culture and heritage of the island. People of Montserrat are well known for its musical and art skills. Montserrat's Runaway ghaut is very attracted visitor's destination. It is known for its myth that people who drink the water from this point will be attracted to visit Montserrat again and again. Cricket is a very famous sport in Montserrat. A FIFA associated Football Team also represents Montserrat.

Montserrat Total Population - 5,140
Montserrat Male Population - 2,603
Montserrat Female Population - 2,567

The education system of Montserrat was not very well developed. Education in this island is mandatory from the age 5 to 14. Education is provided for no charge in this island till 17 years of age. Education here is classified into four levels. They are Primary education, Secondary education, Post-secondary education and Tertiary education. Primary School lasts from ages 5 to 12. Secondary education comprises of CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) Examinations for the ages 12 to 17. Post-secondary education directs to the CXC Caribbean Advanced Placement Examination (CAPE). Tertiary education is the College/University learning. Along with United Kingdom the regime of this island made plans to develop the education system.

Montserrat Symbols

A British territory situated in the Lesser Antilles is a Montserrat. The Tribes of the Arawaks and Caribs were the first people in this island. Sir Christopher Columbus discovered the island and named it Montserrat. Irish People colonized in the island in the year 1632. Then French settled in 1782. They continued till British got its power back in the Treaty of Paris a war which was held for 7 years. Slavery was eliminated from the island in 1834. In 1869 there was economic drop in the island. The 19th century the Island in associated with the West Indies Federation.

The beaches of Montserrat are popular for the grey volcanic sand, exclusive of the Rendezvous Beach. Bunkum Bay, The Foxes Bay, The Little Bay and the Lime Kiln Bay are few of the famous beaches of the island. International Fishing Tournament is held annually in October. Snorkeling, hiking and diving attract the tourists from all over the world. Tropical fishes, sea turtles, sponges and spotted rays can be seen in this island. The island is known for flora and fauna. Capital city Plymouth which is located in the volcanic exclusion zone and was destroyed. Hills of Soufriere well attract the tourists. Cultural Center of Montserrat and the fort and other historical sites of Carr's Bay are favorite visitor's destinations. Turtle-watching is famous here. There are around three species the Green Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtles in this island.

Transportation in the Island of Montserrat is not well developed. The volcanic eruptions commenced in the year 1995 damaged the majority of roadways of the island. It damaged around 227 km of road system. A new system is under construction. The volcano also ruined the airport of the island. Later a new airport named Gerald's Airport was developed in the island. The ports Little Bay only anchorages and ferry landing can be done here and Carr's Bay. There is no rail facility in the island.

University of Science, Arts and Technology, Olveston, Montserrat

Saint Anthony, Montserrat Population - 6,000
Saint Georges, Montserrat
Saint Peter, Montserrat

The structure of the Government of Montserrat is parliamentary democratic. The regime and a multi-party system are directed by the Chief Minister of Montserrat Island. The regime exercises Executive power. The government and the Legislative Council both vest the Legislative power. The Judiciary is free of the executive and the legislature. United Kingdom administers the Military defence of the island. Monarch selects the governor who further chooses the Premier amid the members of the Legislative Council. The Montserrat Constitution Order 2010 was accepted by Queen on 13 October 2010. The Legislative board has 9 members, voted every five years in one constituency.

Montserrat National Park is the first national park in the island of Montserrat. The stunning mountain can be seen around and the park can be reached easily by rail from Barcelona, by car, rack railway or cable car. The park is still lively with stunning beauty of nature.

Situated in the Caribbean region is the island of Montserrat. To the east-southeast nearly 480 km or 300 miles of the island is Puerto Rico and to the southwest nearly 48km or 30 miles is Antigua. The total area or the land area of the island is about 104 km² or 40 square miles. The island area wise the nation of Montserrat is 16 km or 10 miles long and 11 km or 7 miles wide along with a coastline of nearly 40 kilometers or 25 mi. In the Caribbean side the rock cliffs rose around 15 to 30 m or 50 to 100 feet above the sea. Montserrat's geographical coordinates are 16°45'N 62°12'W/ 16.75°N 62.2°W. The total arable land is only about 20 %. The island is prone to harsh hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. Little Redonda and Virgin, and Statue Rock are the two islands in the Montserrat region.

The economy of the island of Montserrat is small. The volcanic eruption started from July 1995 which hit the economy of the island badly. The economic condition was further disturbed by a shattering eruption in June 1997. The airport was totally ruined by this eruption. Nearly two thirds of inhabitants vacated the island. The short of appropriate agricultural land dislocated the agricultural sector. A three year Program to rebuild the economy of the island was initiated by UK with $122.8 million support. Regime and building services are two main economic providers in the island. The British regime and the Department for International Development (DFID) govern Montserrat's effective finances.