Economic Overview
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 volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity. the uk has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help reconstruct the economy. half of the island is expected to remain uninhabitable for another decade.
Environmental Issues
Land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation
Government Type
Na
Population
5,079
note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in july 1995; some have returned (july 2008 est.)
Location
Caribbean, island in the caribbean sea, southeast of puerto rico
Area
Total: 102 sq km
land: 102 sq km
water: 0 sq km
About 0.6 times the size of washington, dc
Country Aliases
Conventional long form: none
conventional short form: montserrat
Capital
Name: plymouth
geographic coordinates: 16 42 n, 62 13 w
time difference: utc-4 (1 hour ahead of washington, dc during standard time)
note: plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at brades estate in the carr's bay/little bay vicinity at the northwest end of montserrat
International Disputes
None
Sources: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
