View source for Montserrat

{{Short description|British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean}}
{{Distinguish|Montferrat}}
{{About|the British territory in the Caribbean|the location in Catalonia|Montserrat (mountain)|the feminine name and people named that way|Montserrat (given name)|other uses|}}
{{pp-move}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox dependency
| name            = Montserrat
| settlement_type = [[British Overseas Territories|British Overseas Territory]]
| image_flag = Flag of Montserrat.svg
| flag_size = 130px
| flag_link = 
| image_seal = Coat of arms of Montserrat.svg
| seal_size = 60px
| seal_type = Coat of arms
| seal_link =
| motto = "A people of excellence, moulded by nature, nurtured by God"
| anthem = "[[God Save the King]]"{{Efn|"God Save the King" is the [[national anthem]] by custom, not statute, and there is no authorised version. Typically only the first verse is usually sung, although the second verse is also often sung as well at state and public events.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Anthem |url=https://www.royal.uk/encyclopedia/national-anthem |access-date=10 April 2024 |website=The Royal Family |archive-date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520130352/https://www.royal.uk/encyclopedia/national-anthem |url-status=live }}</ref> The words ''King, he, him, his'', used at present, are replaced by ''Queen, she, her'' when the monarch is female.}}<br /><div  
style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">[[File:United States Navy Band - God Save the King.oga]]</div>
| song_type = '''National song'''
| song = "[[National Song of Montserrat|Motherland]]"<ref>[http://www.nationalanthems.info/ms.htm Motherland]</ref><br /><div  
style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">[[File:National Anthem of Montserrat - Motherland.ogg]]</div>
| image_map = Montserrat in United Kingdom.svg
| map_caption = {{map caption |location_color=circled in red}}
| mapsize = 290px
| image_map2 = Topographic-map-of-Montserrat-en.svg
| mapsize2 = 290px
| map_caption2 = Topographic map of Montserrat showing the "exclusion zone" due to volcanic activity, and the new airport in the north. The roads and settlements in the exclusion zone have mostly been conquered by natural forces.
| subdivision_type = [[Sovereign state]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| established_title = {{nowrap|English settlement}}
| established_date = 1632
| established_title2 = [[Treaty of Paris (1783)|Treaty of Paris]]
| established_date2 = 3 September 1783
| established_title3 = [[West Indies Federation|Federation]]
| established_date3 = 3 January 1958
| established_title4 = Separate colony
| established_date4 = 31 May 1962
| official_languages = [[English language|English]]
| demonym = [[Demographics of Montserrat|Montserratian]]
| capital = {{nowrap|[[Plymouth, Montserrat|Plymouth]] {{small|(''[[de jure]]'')}}{{efn|name=Plymouth|[[Ghost town|Abandoned]] in 1997, following a volcanic eruption, although it is still the ''de jure'' capital.}}}}<br />[[Brades]] {{small|(''[[de facto]]'')}}{{efn|name=Brades|Government buildings are now located in Brades, making it the ''de facto'' capital.}}<br />[[Little Bay, Montserrat|Little Bay]] {{small|(''under construction'')}}
| coordinates = {{coord|16|45|N|62|12|W|display=inline,title|type:isle}}
| largest_city = [[Brades]]
| ethnic_groups =
| ethnic_groups_year =
| government_type = Parliamentary [[Dependent territory|dependency]] under a [[constitutional monarchy]]
| leader_title1 = [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|Monarch]]
| leader_name1 = {{Current UK monarch |Charles III}}
| leader_title2 = [[Governor of Montserrat|Governor]]
| leader_name2 = [[Harriet Cross (diplomat)|Harriet Cross]]
| leader_title3 = [[Premier of Montserrat|Premier]]
| leader_name3 = [[Reuben Meade]]
| legislature = [[Legislative Assembly of Montserrat|Legislative Assembly]]
| national_representation = [[Government of the United Kingdom]]
| national_representation_type1 = [[Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories|Minister]]
| national_representation1 = [[Stephen Doughty]]
| area_km2 = 102
| area_rank = <!-- Area rank should match List of countries and dependencies by area:none -->
| area_sq_mi = 39
| percent_water = negligible
| elevation_max_m = 1050
| unit_pref = metric
| population_estimate =4,390<ref>{{cite web | url=https://population.un.org/wpp/ | title=World Population Prospects 2022 | date=2022 | publisher=United Nations | website=population.un.org | access-date=25 June 2023 | archive-date=16 August 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816232627/http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/index.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_census = 4,649<ref>{{cite web|url=https://statistics.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FINAL-REPORT-KEY-FINDINGS-CENSUS-LABOUR-FORCE-SURVEY-2018-.pdf|title=Intercensal Population Count and Labour Force Survey 2018|website=Montserrat Statistics Department Labour Force Census Results|publisher=Montserrat Statistics Department|date=6 December 2019|access-date=14 November 2019|archive-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114204109/https://statistics.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FINAL-REPORT-KEY-FINDINGS-CENSUS-LABOUR-FORCE-SURVEY-2018-.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> (intercensal count)
| population_estimate_year =2022
| population_census_rank = 
| population_census_year = 2018
| population_density_km2 = 46
| population_density_rank = not ranked
| population_density_sq_mi = 114 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->
| GDP_PPP = US$63 million<ref>{{cite web |url=http://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=Montserrat |title=UN Data |year=2014 |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-date=30 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230131950/http://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=Montserrat |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year = 2014
| GDP_PPP_rank =
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = US$12,384
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =
| GDP_nominal =US$181,680,000<ref>{{cite web|title=Montserrat Real Gross Domestic Product {{!}} Moody's Analytics|url=https://www.economy.com/montserrat/real-gross-domestic-product|access-date=2021-08-09|website=economy.com|archive-date=10 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810002444/https://www.economy.com/montserrat/real-gross-domestic-product|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GDP_nominal_year =2019
| GDP_nominal_rank =
| GDP_nominal_per_capita =
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
| Gini =
| Gini_year =
| Gini_change = <!-- increase/decrease/steady -->
| Gini_ref = 
| HDI = <!-- number only -->
| HDI_year =<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change = <!-- increase/decrease/steady -->
| HDI_ref = 
| HDI_rank =
| currency = [[East Caribbean dollar]]
| currency_code = XCD
| timezone = [[Atlantic Time Zone|AST]]
| utc_offset = -4:00
| drives_on = left
| cctld = [[.ms]]
|website=https://www.gov.ms/|population_estimate_rank=194th|iso_code=MS}}
'''Montserrat''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|m|ɒ|n|t|s|ə|ˈ|r|æ|t}} {{respell|MONT|sə|RAT}}, {{IPAc-en|local|ˈ|m|ɒ|n|t|s|ə|r|æ|t}}<ref>{{Cite LPD|3}}</ref>) is a [[British Overseas Territories|British Overseas Territory]] in the [[Caribbean]]. It is part of the [[Leeward Islands]], the northern portion of the [[Lesser Antilles]] chain of the [[West Indies]]. Montserrat is about {{convert|16|km|0|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|11|km|0|abbr=on}} wide, with roughly {{convert|40|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline.<ref name="cia.gov" /> It is nicknamed "The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" both for its resemblance to coastal [[Ireland]] and for the [[Irish diaspora|Irish ancestry]] of many of its inhabitants.<ref name="irishtimes">{{cite news|title=The Caribbean Irish: the other Emerald Isle|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/generation-emigration/the-caribbean-irish-the-other-emerald-isle-1.2610681|access-date=9 January 2018|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=16 April 2016|archive-date=16 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416044833/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/generation-emigration/the-caribbean-irish-the-other-emerald-isle-1.2610681|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="irishtimes-video">{{cite news|title=► VIDEO: Montserrat, the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/montserrat-the-emerald-isle-of-the-caribbean-1.2611786|access-date=9 January 2018|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en|archive-date=28 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628045103/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/montserrat-the-emerald-isle-of-the-caribbean-1.2611786|url-status=live}}</ref> Montserrat is the only non-fully sovereign full member of the [[Caribbean Community]] and the [[Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States]], although it is not the only dependency in the Caribbean.

On 18 July 1995, the previously dormant [[Soufrière Hills volcano]] in the southern end of the island became active, and its eruptions destroyed [[Plymouth, Montserrat|Plymouth]], Montserrat's [[Georgian era]] capital city situated on the west coast. Between 1995 and 2000, two-thirds of the island's population was forced to flee, mostly to the [[United Kingdom]], leaving fewer than 1,200 people on the island in 1997. (The population had increased to nearly 5,000 by 2016).<ref name="mvo.ms">{{cite web |url=http://www.mvo.ms/ |title=Montserrat Volcano Observatory |website=Mvo.ms |access-date=2 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002215712/http://www.mvo.ms/ |archive-date=2 October 2006 }}</ref><ref name=2016Pop/> The volcanic activity continues, mostly affecting the vicinity of Plymouth, including its docks, and the eastern side of the island around the former [[W. H. Bramble Airport]], the remnants of which were buried by flows from further volcanic activity on 11 February 2010.

An [[Exclusion zone#Natural disaster exclusion zones|exclusion zone]] was imposed, encompassing the southern part of the island as far north as parts of the Belham Valley, because of the size of the existing volcanic dome and the resulting possibility of [[pyroclastic rock|pyroclastic]] activity. Visitors are generally not permitted to enter the exclusion zone,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Montserrat History & Facts |url=https://www.visitmontserrat.com/montserrat-history-facts/ |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=Montserrat Tourism Authority |language=en-US}}</ref> but a view of destroyed Plymouth can be seen from the top of Garibaldi Hill in Isles Bay. The volcano has been relatively quiet since early 2010 and continues to be closely monitored by the [[Montserrat Volcano Observatory]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/travel/montserrat-a-modern-day-pompeii-in-the-caribbean/ |title=Montserrat: a modern-day Pompeii in the Caribbean |first=Blane |last=Bachelor |publisher=[[Fox News Channel]] |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=16 March 2016 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630021210/https://www.foxnews.com/travel/2014/02/20/montserrat-modern-day-pompeii-in-caribbean/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11593700 |title=Bar/fly: Caribbean island of Montserrat |first=Kevin |last=Pilley |newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=29 February 2016 |access-date=30 November 2016 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628124817/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11593700 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015, it was announced that planning would begin on a new town and port at [[Little Bay, Montserrat|Little Bay]] on the northwest coast of the island, and the centre of government and businesses was moved temporarily to [[Brades]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-33865822 |title=Montserrat: Living with a volcano |first=Gemma |last=Handy |date=16 August 2015 |website=BBC News |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808012204/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-33865822 |url-status=live }}</ref> After a number of delays, including [[Tropical cyclone|Hurricanes]] [[Hurricane Irma|Irma]] and [[Hurricane Maria|Maria]] in [[Tropical cyclones in 2017|2017]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hurricanes Irma and Maria: government response and advice |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hurricane-irma-advice-for-british-nationals |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=GOV.UK |date=27 September 2017 |language=en |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702022358/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hurricane-irma-advice-for-british-nationals |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] beginning in early 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |title=UK Armed Forces step up support to the Caribbean Overseas Territories during coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-armed-forces-step-up-support-to-the-caribbean-overseas-territories-during-coronavirus-pandemic |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=GOV.UK |language=en |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702022630/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-armed-forces-step-up-support-to-the-caribbean-overseas-territories-during-coronavirus-pandemic |url-status=live }}</ref> the Little Bay Port Development Project, a £28 million project funded by the UK and the [[Caribbean Development Bank]], began in June 2022.

== Etymology ==
In 1493, [[Christopher Columbus]] named the island ''Santa María de Montserrate'', after the [[Virgin of Montserrat]] of the [[Santa Maria de Montserrat|Monastery of Montserrat]] near [[Barcelona]] in [[Catalonia]], [[Spain]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Minahan |first=James |title=The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems: Volume 2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qM5XAAAAYAAJ |date=1 December 2009 |publisher=Greenwood Press |isbn=978-0-313-34500-5 |page=724 |access-date=17 October 2015 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003185131/https://books.google.com/books?id=qM5XAAAAYAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> Montserrat means "[[Serration|serrated]] mountain" in [[Catalan language|Catalan]].

== History ==
{{Main|British West Indies|British Leeward Islands|West Indies Federation}}
[[File:Little Bay from above, Montserrat.JPG|thumb|A view of half of the coastline of Little Bay, and a glimpse of Carrs Bay, taken from partway up the headland between Little Bay and Rendezvous Bay, 2012]]
[[File:Admiralty Chart No 254 Montserrat, Published 1869.jpg|thumb|Map of Montserrat (top) and [[Plymouth, Montserrat|Plymouth]] (bottom) in 1869]]

===Pre-colonial era===
Archaeological field work in 2012 in Montserrat's Centre Hills indicated that there had been an Archaic (pre-[[Arawak peoples|Arawak]]) occupation between 2000 and 500&nbsp;[[Common Era|BC]].<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Antiquity |date=September 2012 |volume=86 |issue=333 |title=The earliest phase of settlement in the eastern Caribbean: new evidence from Montserrat |last1=Cherry |first1=John F. |last2=Ryzewski |first2=Krysta |last3=Leppard |first3=Thomas P. |last4=Bocancea |first4=Emanuela |name-list-style=amp |url=http://www.antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/cherry333/ |access-date=25 August 2013 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620015741/http://www.antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/cherry333/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later coastal sites showed the presence of the [[Saladoid]] culture (until 550&nbsp;AD).<ref>{{cite book |title=Myths and Realities of Caribbean History |last=Reid |first=Basil A. |year=2009 |publisher=[[University of Alabama Press]] |isbn=978-0-8173-5534-0 |page=21 |quote=However, archaeological investigations of the very large site of Trants in Montserrat ... [suggest that Trants was] one of the largest Saladoid sites in the Caribbean.}}</ref> The native Caribs are believed to have called the island ''Alliouagana'', meaning 'Land of the Prickly Bush'.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Montserrat-island-West-Indies |title=Encyclopædia Britannica – Monts/errat |access-date=28 June 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017182618/https://www.britannica.com/place/Montserrat-island-West-Indies |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, nine [[petroglyph]]s were discovered by local residents hiking in a wooded area near [[Soldier Ghaut petroglyphs|Soldier Ghaut]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2016-06-03 |title=Hikers on Caribbean island of Montserrat find ancient stone carvings |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/03/montserrat-petroglyphs-ancient-stone-carvings-hikers |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018185222/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/03/montserrat-petroglyphs-ancient-stone-carvings-hikers |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Cherry |first1=John F. |last2=Ryzewski |first2=Krysta |last3=Guimarães |first3=Susana |last4=Stouvenot |first4=Christian |last5=Francis |first5=Sarita |date=June 2021 |title=The Soldier Ghaut Petroglyphs on Montserrat, Lesser Antilles |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/latin-american-antiquity/article/abs/soldier-ghaut-petroglyphs-on-montserrat-lesser-antilles/F232AC485F4B58D87F7475C37C8AB317 |journal=Latin American Antiquity |language=en |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=422–430 |doi=10.1017/laq.2020.102 |s2cid=233932699 |issn=1045-6635 |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018185152/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/latin-american-antiquity/article/abs/soldier-ghaut-petroglyphs-on-montserrat-lesser-antilles/F232AC485F4B58D87F7475C37C8AB317 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Another was discovered in 2018 in the same area of the island.<ref name=":2"/> The carvings are believed to be 1,000–1,500 years old.<ref name=":1"/>

===Early European period===
{{Main|Irish immigration to Montserrat}}
In November 1493, [[Christopher Columbus]] passed Montserrat on his [[Voyages of Christopher Columbus#Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico|second voyage]], after being told that the island was unoccupied because of raids by the [[Island Caribs|Caribs]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Columbus: The Four Voyages|last=Bergreen|first=Laurence|year=2011|publisher=Viking|isbn=978-0-670-02301-1 |page=[https://archive.org/details/columbusfourvoya00berg_0/page/140 140]|quote=At daybreak on November 10, Columbus and his fleet departed from [[Guadeloupe]], sailing northwest along the coast to the island of Montserrat. The handful of Indians aboard his ship explained that the island had been ravaged by the Caribs, who had 'eaten all its inhabitants'.|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/columbusfourvoya00berg_0/page/140}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>

A number of [[Kingdom of Ireland|Irishmen]] [[Irish immigration to Montserrat|settled in Montserrat]] in 1632.<ref name="Colonial Law' 1966. P. 855">{{cite book |title=Commonwealth and Colonial Law |first=Kenneth |last=Roberts-Wray |location=London |publisher=Stevens |year=1966 |page=855}}</ref> Most came from nearby [[Saint Kitts]] at the instigation of the island's governor [[Thomas Warner (explorer)|Thomas Warner]], with more settlers arriving later from [[Virginia]].<ref name="auto"/> The first settlers "appear to have been cultivators, each working his own little farm".<ref name="The Island of Montserrat">{{Cite journal|date=1895|title=The Island of Montserrat|journal=The Illustrated London News|volume=106|issue=Summer Number|page=37|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>

The preponderance of protestant [[Anglo-Irish]] (Irish of British descent) in the first wave of European settlers led a leading legal scholar to remark that a "nice question" is whether the original settlers took with them the law of the [[Kingdom of Ireland]] insofar as it differed from the law of the [[Kingdom of England]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Commonwealth and Colonial Law|first=Kenneth|last=Roberts-Wray|location=London|publisher=Stevens|year=1966|page=856}}</ref>

The Irish being historical allies of the [[Kingdom of France|French]], especially in their qualified disdain of the English, invited the French to claim the island in 1666, although no troops were sent by France to maintain control.<ref name="Colonial Law' 1966. P. 855"/> The French attacked and briefly occupied the island in the late 1660s;<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.brown.edu/archaeology/fieldwork/montserrat/montserrats-archaeological-resources/|title=Brown Archaeology- Montserrat|date=9 July 2015|access-date=28 June 2019|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604123149/http://blogs.brown.edu/archaeology/fieldwork/montserrat/montserrats-archaeological-resources/|url-status=live}}</ref> it was captured shortly afterwards by the English, and English control of the island was confirmed under the [[Treaty of Breda (1667)|Treaty of Breda]] the following year.<ref name="Colonial Law' 1966. P. 855"/> Despite the seizing by force of the island by the French, the island's legal status is that of a "colony acquired by settlement", as the French gave up their claim to the island at Breda.<ref name="Colonial Law' 1966. P. 855"/>

A [[neo-feudalism|neo-feudal]] colony developed amongst the so-called "[[redlegs]]".<ref>{{cite book |last=Akenson |first=Donald H. |author-link=Donald Akenson |title=If the Irish ran the world: Montserrat, 1630–1730 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kbwvVtRTYEC |year=1997 |publisher=[[McGill-Queen's University Press]] |isbn=978-0-7735-1686-1 |pages=12–57, 273 |chapter=Ireland's neo-Feudal Empire, 1630–1650 |access-date=17 October 2015 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003185054/https://books.google.com/books?id=5kbwvVtRTYEC |url-status=live }}</ref> The protestant [[Anglo-Irish]] colonists began to transport both [[black people|Sub-Saharan African]] slaves and catholic Irish indentured servants for labour, as was common to most [[Caribbean]] islands. By the late 18th century, numerous [[plantations]] had been developed on the island.

=== 18th century ===
There was a brief French attack on Montserrat in 1712.<ref name="auto1" /> On 17 March 1768, a [[Montserrat slave rebellion of 1768|slave rebellion]] failed but their efforts were remembered.<ref>{{cite book |title=Gallery Montserrat: some prominent people in our history |last=Fergus |first=Howard A. |year=1996 |publisher=Canoe Press, University of West Indies |isbn=976-8125-25-X |page=83 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2DD81ZHWhxgC&pg=PA83 |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928160251/https://books.google.com/books?id=2DD81ZHWhxgC&pg=PA83#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto1"/> Slavery was abolished in 1834. In 1985, the people of Montserrat made [[St Patrick's Day]] a ten-day public holiday to commemorate the uprising.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Montserrat-island-West-Indies |title=Encyclopaedia Britannica - Montserrat |access-date=28 June 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017182618/https://www.britannica.com/place/Montserrat-island-West-Indies |url-status=live }}</ref> Festivities celebrate the culture and history of Montserrat in song, dance, food and traditional costumes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Montserrat's St. Patrick's Day Commemorates a Rebellion |url=https://daily.jstor.org/montserrats-st-patricks-day-commemorates-a-rebellion/ |website=JSTOR Daily |access-date=19 March 2021 |date=16 March 2021 |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320103516/https://daily.jstor.org/montserrats-st-patricks-day-commemorates-a-rebellion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1782, during the [[American Revolutionary War]], as America's first ally, France [[French capture of Montserrat|captured]] Montserrat in their war of support of the Americans.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto1"/> The French, not intending to colonise the island, agreed to return the island to [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]] under the [[Treaty of Paris (1783)|1783 Treaty of Paris]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CCX3486500012&asid=8f6a1000a7714d6594e798b80e62edf4 |chapter=Caribbean |last=O'Shaughnessy |first=A. J. |title=Landmarks of the American Revolution: Library of Military History |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |year=2006 |editor-last=Boatner, III |editor-first=M. M. |edition=2nd |location=Detroit, MI |page=33 |isbn=978-0-684-31473-0 |via=Gale Virtual Reference |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003185058/https://galeapps.gale.com/apps/auth?userGroupName=&origURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.gale.com%2Fps%2Fi.do%3Fp%3DGVRL%26sw%3Dw%26v%3D2.1%26it%3Dr%26id%3DGALE%257CCX3486500012%26asid%3D8f6a1000a7714d6594e798b80e62edf4&prodId=GVRL |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== New crops and politics ===
In 1834, Britain [[Slavery Abolition Act 1833|abolished slavery]] in Montserrat and its other territories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pdavis.nl/Legis_07.htm |title=Slavery Abolition Act 1833; Section XII |date=28 August 1833 |access-date=23 May 2016 |archive-date=24 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524010152/http://www.pdavis.nl/Legis_07.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto1"/>

During the nineteenth century, falling sugar prices had an adverse effect on the island's economy, as [[Brazil]] and other nations competed in the trade.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|last=Beckles|first=Hilary McD|year=1998|editor-last=Finkelman|editor-first=Paul|editor2-last=Miller|editor2-first=Joseph Calder|chapter=Caribbean Region: English Colonies|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/macmillanencyclo00paul_0/page/154|title=Macmillan Encyclopedia of World Slavery|publisher=Simon & Schuster Macmillan|volume=1|pages=[https://archive.org/details/macmillanencyclo00paul_0/page/154 154–159]|isbn=978-0-02-864780-7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|year=1998|editor-last=Finkleman|editor-first=Paul|editor2-last=Calder Miller|editor2-first=Joseph|title=Plantations: Brazil|url=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/BT2350051325/WHIC?u=aubu98092&xid=7aa21dc7|journal=Macmillan Encyclopedia of World Slavery|publisher=Macmillan Reference USA|via=GALE World History in Context|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-date=28 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060425/http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/BT2350051325/WHIC?u=aubu98092&xid=7aa21dc7|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first lime tree orchards on the island were planted in 1852 by a local planter, Mr Burke.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1895 |title=The Island of Montserrat |journal=The Illustrated London News |volume=106 |issue=Summer Number |page=37 |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> In 1857, the British philanthropist [[Joseph Sturge]] bought a sugar estate to prove that it was economically viable to employ paid labour rather than use slaves.<ref name="auto"/> Numerous members of the Sturge family bought additional land. In 1869, the family established the Montserrat Company Limited and planted [[Key lime]] trees; started the commercial production of lime juice, with more than 100,000 gallons produced annually by 1895; set up a school; and sold parcels of land to the inhabitants of the island. The pure lime juice was transported in casks to England, where it was clarified and bottled by Evans, Sons & Co, of Liverpool, with a trade mark on each bottle intended to guarantee quality to the public.<ref name="The Island of Montserrat"/> 
[[File:Montserrat_lime_industry_transport.jpg|thumb|[[Barquentine]] 'Hilda' loading lime juice<ref name="The Island of Montserrat"/>]]
Much of Montserrat came to be owned by [[smallholding|smallholders]].<ref name="Connection">{{cite web |url=http://www.sturgefamily.com/Discover/THE+MONTSERRAT+CONNECTION.htm |title=The Montserrat Connection |website=Sturgefamily.com |first1= Joseph Edward |last1=Sturge |date=March 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104225552/http://www.sturgefamily.com/Discover/THE%20MONTSERRAT%20CONNECTION.htm |archive-date=4 January 2017 |access-date=8 July 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Templates/YearbookInternal.asp?NodeID=140427 |title=Montserrat |website=Commonwealth Secretariat |access-date=30 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708041758/http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Templates/YearbookInternal.asp?NodeID=140427 |archive-date=8 July 2011}}</ref>

From 1871 to 1958, the island was administered as part of the federal [[crown colony]] of the [[British Leeward Islands]], becoming a province of the short-lived [[West Indies Federation]] from 1958 to 1962.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hendry |first1=Ian |last2=Dickson |first2=Susan |title=British Overseas Territories Law |date=2011 |publisher=Hart Publishing |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1-84946-019-4 |page=325 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WxncBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA325 |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003185055/https://books.google.com/books?id=WxncBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA325 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto"/> The first [[Chief Minister of Montserrat]] was [[William Henry Bramble]] of the [[Montserrat Labour Party]] from 1960 to 1970; he worked to promote labour rights and boost tourism to the island, and Montserrat's original airport was named in his honour.<ref name="source2">''Gallery Montserrat: some prominent people in our history'' By Howard A. Fergus. Publisher: Canoe Press University of the West Indies. {{ISBN|978-976-8125-25-5}} / {{ISBN|976-8125-25-X}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=2DD81ZHWhxgC&dq=bramble+fergus+montserrat&pg=PA129] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060425/https://books.google.com/books?id=2DD81ZHWhxgC&dq=bramble+fergus+montserrat&pg=PA129|date=28 June 2023}}</ref> Bramble's son, [[Percival Austin Bramble]], was critical of the way tourist facilities were being constructed, and he set up his own party, the [[Progressive Democratic Party (Montserrat)|Progressive Democratic Party]], which won the [[1970 Montserratian general election]]. Percival Bramble served as Chief Minister from 1970 to 1978.<ref name=RA>Robert J Alexander & Eldon M Parker (2004) ''A History of Organized Labor in the English-speaking West Indies'', Greenwood Publishing Group, p144</ref> The period 1978 to 1991 was dominated politically by Chief Minister [[John Osborne (Montserrat politician)|John Osborne]] and his [[People's Liberation Movement (Montserrat)|People's Liberation Movement]] A brief flirtation with possibly declaring independence never materialised.

On 10 May 1991, the [[Caribbean Territories (Abolition of Death Penalty for Murder) Order 1991]] came into force, formally [[Capital punishment in the United Kingdom#Abolition|abolishing]] the [[Capital punishment|death penalty]] for murder on Montserrat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1991/988/contents/made/data.htm|title=The Caribbean Territories (Abolition of Death Penalty for Murder) Order 1991|publisher=Government of the United Kingdom|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15|archive-date=28 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060425/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1991/988/contents/made/data.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Corruption allegations within the PLM party resulted in the collapse of the Osborne government in 1991, with [[Reuben Meade]] becoming the new chief minister,<ref name=SA>South America, Central America and the Caribbean 2002, Psychology Press, p565</ref> and early elections were called.<ref name=SA/>

In 1995–1999, Montserrat was devastated by catastrophic volcanic eruptions in the [[Soufrière Hills]], which destroyed the capital city of [[Plymouth, Montserrat|Plymouth]], and necessitated the evacuation of a large part of the island. Many Montserratians emigrated abroad, mainly to the United Kingdom, although some have returned. The eruptions rendered the entire southern half of the island uninhabitable, and it is currently designated an Exclusion Zone with restricted access.

Criticism of the Montserratian government's response to the disaster led to the resignation of Chief Minister [[Bertrand Osborne]] in 1997 after only a year in office. He was replaced by [[David Brandt (politician)|David Brandt]], who remained in office until 2001. Since leaving office, Brandt has been the subject of multiple criminal investigation into alleged sex offences with minors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mnialive.com/articles/attorney-at-law-david-s-brandt-has-been-remanded-into-custody-at-her-majesty-s-prison-on-montserr|title=Attorney-at-Law David S. Brandt Has Been Remanded into Custody at Her Majesty's Prison on Montserrat|website=mnialive.com|access-date=28 June 2019|archive-date=28 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628034138/http://www.mnialive.com/articles/attorney-at-law-david-s-brandt-has-been-remanded-into-custody-at-her-majesty-s-prison-on-montserr}}</ref> He was found guilty of six counts of sexual exploitation and sentenced to fifteen years in July 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/montserrat-ex-chief-minister-sentenced-sexual-exploitation-case|title=Montserrat: Ex chief minister sentenced in sexual exploitation case|date=July 19, 2021|access-date=10 March 2022|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222104722/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/montserrat-ex-chief-minister-sentenced-sexual-exploitation-case|url-status=live}}</ref>

John Osborne returned as Chief Minister following victory in the 2001 election. He was ousted by [[Lowell Lewis]] of the [[Montserrat Democratic Party]] in 2006. Reuben Meade returned to office in 2009 to 2014.<ref>[http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/21440/88/ Radio Jamaica]{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, New MCPR Gov't in Montserrat, 9 September 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2009.</ref> During his term, the post of Chief Minister was replaced with that of [[Premier of Montserrat|Premier]].

In the autumn of 2017, Montserrat was not affected by [[Hurricane Irma]], and sustained only minor damage from [[Hurricane Maria]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inta.org/INTABulletin/Pages/Latin_America_Update_7218.aspx |title=Update on Caribbean IP Offices Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria |website=Inta.org |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613235138/https://www.inta.org/INTABulletin/Pages/Latin_America_Update_7218.aspx }}</ref>

Since November 2019, [[Easton Taylor-Farrell]] of the [[Movement for Change and Prosperity]] party has been the island's Premier.

==Politics and government==

{{Main|Politics of Montserrat}}

Montserrat is an internally self-governing [[British overseas territory|overseas territory]] of the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indexmundi.com/montserrat/government_profile.html|title=Montserrat Government Profile 2018|website=Indexmundi.com|access-date=28 April 2019|archive-date=28 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060426/https://www.indexmundi.com/montserrat/government_profile.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[United Nations]] Committee on Decolonization includes Montserrat on the [[United Nations list of non-self-governing territories]]. The island's [[head of state]] is [[King Charles III]], represented by an appointed Governor. [[Executive power]] is exercised by the government, whereas the Premier is the [[head of government]]. The Premier is appointed by the Governor from among the members of the Legislative Assembly which consists of nine elected members. The leader of the party with a majority of seats is usually the one who is appointed.<ref name="cia.gov"/> [[Legislative power]] is vested in both the [[government]] and the [[Legislative Assembly of Montserrat|Legislative Assembly]]. The Assembly also includes two ''[[ex officio]]'' members, the [[attorney general]] and financial secretary.<ref name="cia.gov"/>

The [[Judiciary]] is independent of the executive and the legislature.

=== Administrative divisions ===
[[File:Parishes of Montserrat.svg|thumb|upright=0.61|'''Parishes'''<br />St. Peter (red)<br />St. Georges (green)<br />St. Anthony (cyan)<br /><abbr title="abandoned and destroyed former capital city">Plymouth</abbr> (◾)]]For the purposes of local government, Montserrat is divided into three [[Parish (administrative division)|parishes]]. Going north to south, they are:
* [[Saint Peter Parish, Montserrat|Parish of Saint Peter]]
* [[Saint Georges Parish, Montserrat|Parish of Saint Georges]]
* [[Saint Anthony Parish, Montserrat|Parish of Saint Anthony]]

The locations of settlements on the island have been vastly changed since the volcanic activity began. Only the Parish of Saint Peter in the northwest of the island is now inhabited, with a population of between 4,000 and 6,000,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12356531/Montserrat |title=Central America and Caribbean: Monserrat |first=Jeff |last=Kowalski |date=11 September 2009 |access-date=26 October 2009 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060426/http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12356531/Montserrat |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statoids.com/mms.html |title=The Parishes of Montserrat |website=Statoids.com |access-date=26 October 2009 |last=Wittebol |first=Hans |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060425/http://www.statoids.com/mms.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the other two parishes being still too dangerous to inhabit.

A significantly more up-to-date statistical division would be the 3 census regions, primarily used for the population census.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/montserrat/|title=Montserrat: Census Regions & Villages - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information|website=Citypopulation.de|access-date=3 October 2023|archive-date=7 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507215244/https://www.citypopulation.de/en/montserrat/|url-status=live}}</ref> Going north to south, these are:

* Northern Region (2,369 pop.)
* Central Region (1,666 pop.)
* South of Nantes river (887 pop.)

For census purposes, these are further divided into 23 enumeration districts.

===Police===
Policing is primarily the responsibility of the [[Royal Montserrat Police Service]].

===Military and defence===
The defence of Montserrat is the responsibility of the United Kingdom. The [[Royal Navy]] maintains a ship on permanent station in the Caribbean ({{HMS|Medway|P223|6}})<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/january/20/200120-hms-medway-sets-sail-for-the-caribbean | title=HMS Medway sets sail for the Caribbean | access-date=12 July 2022 | archive-date=10 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510053232/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/january/20/200120-hms-medway-sets-sail-for-the-caribbean | url-status=live }}</ref> and from time-to-time may send another Royal Navy or [[Royal Fleet Auxiliary]] ship as a part of the Atlantic Patrol (NORTH) tasking. These ships' main mission in the region is to maintain British sovereignty for the overseas territories, provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief during disasters such as hurricanes, which are common in the area, and conduct counter-narcotics operations. In October 2023, the destroyer [[HMS Dauntless (D33)|HMS ''Dauntless'']] (which had temporarily replaced ''Medway'' on its Caribbean tasking), visited the territory in order to assist local authorities in preparing for the climax of the hurricane season.<ref>{{cite news |title=HMS Dauntless visits trio of Caribbean Islands in disaster relief preparation mission |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2023/october/04/231004-dauntless-caribbean-hop |access-date=4 October 2023 |agency=[[Royal Navy]] |date=4 October 2023 |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004143659/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2023/october/04/231004-dauntless-caribbean-hop |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Royal Montserrat Defence Force====
{{Main|Royal Montserrat Defence Force}}
The [[Royal Montserrat Defence Force]] is the home defence unit of the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. Raised in 1899, the unit is today a reduced force of about forty volunteer soldiers, primarily concerned with civil defence and ceremonial duties. The unit has a historical association with the [[Irish Guards]].

== Communications ==
The island is served by landline telephones, fully digitalised, with 3000 subscribers and by mobile cellular, with an estimated number of 5000 handsets in use. An estimated 2860 users have internet access. These are July 2016 estimates. Public radio service is provided by [[Radio Montserrat]]. There is a single television broadcaster, PTV.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.raffa.org.uk/raffa-in-the-caribbean/montserrat/peoples-tv/|title = People's TV|publisher = Raffa|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140921165133/http://www.raffa.org.uk/raffa-in-the-caribbean/montserrat/peoples-tv/|archive-date = 21 September 2014}}</ref> Cable and satellite television service is available.<ref name="cia.gov"/>

The [[Postal codes in the Pitcairn Islands|UK postcode]] for directing mail to Montserrat is MSR followed by four digits according to the destination town; for example, the postcode for Little Bay is MSR1120.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Postal-Code-Guide-pamphlet.pdf|title=Postcode guide pamphlet|website=Gov.ms|access-date=1 August 2018|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225172016/http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Postal-Code-Guide-pamphlet.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:Coastal cliffs.jpg|thumb|Montserrat's coastline]]
{{Main|Geography of Montserrat}}

The island of Montserrat is located approximately {{convert|25|mi}} southwest of [[Antigua]], {{convert|13|mi}} southeast of [[Redonda]] (a small island owned by [[Antigua and Barbuda]]), and {{convert|35|mi}} northwest of the French overseas region of [[Guadeloupe]]. Beyond Redonda lies the island of [[Nevis]] (which is part of the federation of [[St Kitts and Nevis]]), about {{convert|30|mi}} to the north-west.

Montserrat comprises {{convert|104|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and is gradually increasing owing to the buildup of volcanic deposits on the southeast coast. The island is {{convert|16|km|mi|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|11|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide and consists of a mountainous interior surrounded by a flatter littoral region, with rock cliffs rising {{convert|15|to|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} above the sea and a number of smooth bottomed sandy beaches scattered among [[cove]]s on the western (Caribbean Sea) side of the island.

The major mountains are (from north to south) [[Silver Hill, Montserrat|Silver Hill]], [[Katy Hill, Montserrat|Katy Hill]] in the Centre Hills range, the [[Soufrière Hills]] and the [[South Soufriere Hills|South Soufrière Hills]].<ref name="auto2"/> The Soufrière Hills [[volcano]] is the island's highest point; its pre-1995 height was {{convert|915|m}}. However, it has grown after the eruption due to the creation of a [[lava dome]], with its current height being estimated at {{convert|1050|m}}.<ref name="cia.gov" />

The 2011 estimate by the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] {CIA) indicates that 30% of the island's land is classified as agricultural, 20% as arable, 25% as forest and the balance as "other".<ref name="cia.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/montserrat/|title=Central America :: Montserrat — The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency|website=Cia.gov|access-date=28 April 2019|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218004435/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/montserrat/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Montserrat has a few tiny off-shore islands, such as [[Little Redonda]] off its north coast and [[Pinnacle Rock, Montserrat|Pinnacle Rock]] and [[Statue Rock]] off its east.

=== Volcano and exclusion zone ===
[[File:Montserrat Salem Eruption1.jpg|thumb|right|Eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano on 22 September 1997]]
[[File:Montserrat eruption.JPG|thumb|[[Plymouth, Montserrat|Plymouth City]] (former capital and major port of Montserrat) on 12 July 1997, after [[pyroclastic flow]]s burned much of what was not covered in ash]]
[[File:Soufriere Hills Volcano dome collapse.gif|thumb|False-colour time-lapse images of the Soufrière Hills volcanic dome collapse in 2010, from [[NASA]]]]
[[File:Plymouth City & Volcano.jpg|thumb|upright|Devastated Plymouth City and volcano (2003)]]

In July 1995, Montserrat's Soufrière Hills volcano, dormant for centuries, erupted and soon buried the island's capital, Plymouth, in more than {{convert|12|m|ft}} of mud, destroyed its airport and docking facilities, and rendered the southern part of the island, now termed the exclusion zone, uninhabitable and not safe for travel. The southern part of the island was evacuated and visits are severely restricted.<ref>{{cite book |last=Leonard |first=T. M. |year=2005 |title=Encyclopedia of the Developing World |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediadeve00leon |url-access=limited |publisher=Routledge |page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediadeve00leon/page/n1121 1083] |isbn=978-1-57958-388-0}}</ref> The exclusion zone also includes two sea areas adjacent to the land areas of most volcanic activity.<ref name="mvo.ms"/>

After the destruction of Plymouth and disruption of the economy, more than half of the population left the island, which also lacked housing. During the late 1990s, additional eruptions occurred. On 25 June 1997, a pyroclastic flow travelled down Mosquito Ghaut. This [[pyroclastic surge]] could not be restrained by the [[ghat|ghaut]] (a steep ravine leading to the sea) and spilled out of it, killing 19 people who were in the (officially evacuated) Streatham village area. Several others in the area suffered severe burns.

[[British nationality law]] has changed over time with respect to the status granted to Montserrat residents. In recognition of the disaster, in 1998, the people of Montserrat were granted full residency rights in the United Kingdom, allowing them to migrate if they chose. [[British citizenship]] was granted in 2002 to [[British Overseas Territories citizen]]s in Montserrat and all but one other British Overseas Territory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality/british-overseas-territories-citizen |title=Types of British nationality: British overseas territories citizen |website=British Government |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523172836/https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality/british-overseas-territories-citizen |url-status=live }}</ref>

For a number of years in the early 2000s, the volcano's activity consisted mostly of infrequent ventings of [[Volcanic ash|ash]] into the uninhabited areas in the south. The ash falls occasionally extended into the northern and western parts of the island. In the most recent period of increased activity at the Soufrière Hills volcano, from November 2009 through February 2010, ash vented and there was a [[Vulcanian eruption|vulcanian explosion]] that sent [[pyroclastic flow]]s down several sides of the mountain. Travel into parts of the exclusion zone was occasionally allowed, though only by a licence from the Royal Montserrat Police Force.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/montserrat |title=Montserrat (British Overseas Territory) travel advice |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=19 December 2012 |work=Travel & living abroad |publisher=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] |access-date=31 December 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060426/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/montserrat |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 2014 the area has been split into multiple subzones with varying entry and use restrictions, based on volcanic activity: some areas even being (in 2020) open 24 hours and inhabited. The most dangerous zone, which includes the former capital, remains forbidden to casual visitors due to volcanic and other hazards, especially due to the lack of maintenance in destroyed areas. It is legal to visit this area when accompanied by a government-authorised guide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mvoms.org/pub/Hazard_Level_System/HLS-20140801.pdf |title=Montserrat Hazard Level System Zones |publisher=Montserrat Volcanic Observatory |date=1 August 2014 |access-date=21 August 2021 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060429/http://mvoms.org/pub/Hazard_Level_System/HLS-20140801.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitmontserrat.com/montserrat-history-facts/|title=Montserrat History & Facts|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530163641/https://www.visitmontserrat.com/montserrat-history-facts/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The northern part of Montserrat has largely been unaffected by volcanic activity, and remains lush and green. In February 2005, [[Anne, Princess Royal|Princess Anne]] officially opened what is now called the [[John A. Osborne Airport]] in the north. Since 2011, it handles several flights daily operated by [[FlyMontserrat|Fly Montserrat Airways]]. Docking facilities are in place at Little Bay, where the new capital town is being constructed; the new government centre is at Brades, a short distance away.

=== Wildlife ===
{{Further|List of birds of Montserrat|List of mammals of Montserrat|List of amphibians and reptiles of Montserrat|Flora of Montserrat}}
[[File:Icterus oberi.jpg|right|thumb|Montserrat oriole, the official bird of the island]]
Montserrat, like many isolated islands, is home to rare, [[endemic]] plant and animal species. Work undertaken by the Montserrat National Trust in collaboration with the [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]] has centred on the conservation of pribby (''[[Rondeletia buxifolia]]'') in the Centre Hills region. Until 2006, this species was known only from one book about the vegetation of Montserrat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kew.org/news/kew-blogs/the-montserrat-pribby-part-one.htm |title=The 'Montserrat pribby' (part one) |first=Nick |last=Johnson |work=kew.org |date=22 October 2010 |access-date=30 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222184551/http://www.kew.org/news/kew-blogs/the-montserrat-pribby-part-one.htm |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> In 2006, conservationists also rescued several plants of the endangered Montserrat orchid (''[[Epidendrum montserratense]]'') from dead trees on the island and installed them in the security of the island's botanic garden.

Montserrat is also home to the critically endangered [[Leptodactylus fallax|giant ditch frog]] (''Leptodactylus fallax''), known locally as the mountain chicken, found only in Montserrat and [[Dominica]]. The species has undergone catastrophic declines due to the amphibian disease [[Chytridiomycosis]] and the volcanic eruption in 1997. Experts from [[Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust]] have been working with the Montserrat Department of Environment to conserve the frog [[In-situ conservation|in-situ]] in a project called "Saving the Mountain Chicken",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amphibians.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Mountain-Chicken-SAP-2014-working-draft-FINAL.pdf |title=Saving the Mountain Chicken:A Long-Term Recovery Strategy for the Critically Endangered mountain chicken 2014-2034 |website=Amphibians.org |access-date=20 March 2018 |archive-date=2 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802070923/http://www.amphibians.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Mountain-Chicken-SAP-2014-working-draft-FINAL.pdf }}</ref> and an [[Ex-situ conservation|ex-situ]] captive breeding population has been set up in partnership with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, [[Zoological Society of London]], [[Chester Zoo]], Parken Zoo, and the Governments of Montserrat and Dominica. Releases from this programme have already taken place in a hope to increase the numbers of the frog and reduce extinction risk from Chytridiomycosis.

The national bird is the endemic [[Montserrat oriole]] (''Icterus oberi'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arkive.org/montserrat-oriole/icterus-oberi/image-G55454.html |title=Montserrat oriole photo - ''Icterus oberi'' - G55454 |website=Arkive.org |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130042225/http://www.arkive.org/montserrat-oriole/icterus-oberi/image-G55454.html/ |archive-date=30 November 2016 }}</ref> The [[IUCN Red List]] classifies it as vulnerable, having previously listed it as critically endangered.<ref>{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International. |year=2017 |amends=2017 |title=''Icterus oberi'' |volume=2017 |article-number=e.T22724147A119465859 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22724147A119465859.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> Captive populations are held in several zoos in the UK including: Chester Zoo, [[London Zoo]], [[Jersey Zoo]] and [[Edinburgh Zoo]].

The [[Montserrat galliwasp]] (''Diploglossus montisserrati''), a type of lizard, is endemic to Montserrat and is listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered.<ref>{{cite iucn |author=Daltry, J.C. |year=2016 |errata=2017 |title=''Diploglossus montisserrati'' |volume=2016 |article-number=e.T6638A115082920 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T6638A71739597.en |access-date=8 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arkive.org/montserrat-galliwasp/diploglossus-montisserrati |title=Montserrat galliwasp videos, photos and facts - ''Diploglossus montisserrati'' |website=Arkive.org |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203013844/http://www.arkive.org/montserrat-galliwasp/diploglossus-montisserrati/ |archive-date=3 February 2017 }}</ref> A species action plan has been developed for this species.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.durrell.org/library/document/galliwasp_sap.pdf |last=Corry |first=E. |display-authors=etal |title=A Species Action Plan for the Montserrat galliwasp: ''Diploglossus montisserrati'' |publisher=Department of Environment, Montserrat |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-9559034-5-8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209022739/https://www.durrell.org/library/document/galliwasp_sap.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2017}}</ref>

In 2005, a biodiversity assessment for the Centre Hills was conducted. To support the work of local conservationists, a team of international partners, including Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, [[Royal Society for the Protection of Birds]] and [[Montana State University]], carried out extensive surveys and collected biological data.<ref name="durrell.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.durrell.org/library/document/durrell_cons_monograph_1_full_report.pdf |title=A biodiversity assessment of the Centre Hills, Montserrat |editor-first=Richard P. |editor-last=Young |year=2008 |series=Durrell Conservation Monograph No. 1 |website=Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust |access-date=23 June 2016 |archive-date=6 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406164925/http://www.durrell.org/library/Document/Durrell_Cons_Monograph_1_Full_Report.pdf }}</ref> Researchers from Montana State University found that the invertebrate fauna was particularly rich on the island. The report found that the number of invertebrate species known to occur in Montserrat is 1241. The number of known beetle species is 718 species from 63 families. It is estimated that 120 invertebrates are endemic to Montserrat.<ref name="durrell.org"/>

Montserrat is known for its coral reefs and its caves along the shore. These caves house many species of bats, and efforts are underway to monitor and protect the ten species of bats from extinction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sei.org/bats |title=Bats |publisher=Sustainable Ecosystems Institute |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122348/http://www.sei.org/bats |archive-date=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238734567 |title=Bats of Montserrat: Population Fluctuation and Response to Hurricanes and Volcanoes, 1978–2005 |first1=Scott C. |last1=Pedersen |first2=Gary G. |last2=Kwiecinski |first3=Peter A. |last3=Larsen |first4=Matthew N. |last4=Morton |first5=Rick A. |last5=Adams |first6=Hugh H. |last6=Genoways |first7=Vicki J. |last7=Swier |website=[[ResearchGate]] |date=1 January 2009 |access-date=31 July 2011 |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=6 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106014557/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238734567 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Montserrat tarantula (''[[Cyrtopholis femoralis]]'') is the only species of tarantula native to the island. It was first bred in captivity at the Chester Zoo in August 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/whats-happening/zoo-news/2016/08/montserrat-tarantulas-hatch |title=Montserrat tarantulas hatch in 'world first' |date=12 August 2016 |website=Chester Zoo |access-date=19 August 2016 |archive-date=17 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817164422/http://www.chesterzoo.org/whats-happening/zoo-news/2016/08/montserrat-tarantulas-hatch }}</ref>
{{Wide image|Panorama---Montserrat.jpg|700|Northern coast of Montserrat}}

=== Climate ===
Montserrat has a [[tropical rainforest climate]] (''Af'' according to the [[Köppen climate classification]]) with the temperature being warm and consistent year-round, and lots of precipitation. Summer and autumn are wetter because of [[Atlantic hurricane]]s.

{{Weather box
|width = auto 
|collapsed=yes
|location = Plymouth
|metric first = yes
|single line=yes
|Jan record high C = 32
|Feb record high C = 33
|Mar record high C = 34
|Apr record high C = 34
|May record high C = 36
|Jun record high C = 37
|Jul record high C = 37
|Aug record high C = 37
|Sep record high C = 36
|Oct record high C = 34
|Nov record high C = 37
|Dec record high C = 33
|year record high C = 37
|Jan high C = 29
|Feb high C = 30
|Mar high C = 31
|Apr high C = 31
|May high C = 32
|Jun high C = 32
|Jul high C = 33
|Aug high C = 33
|Sep high C = 32
|Oct high C = 31
|Nov high C = 30
|Dec high C = 29
|Jan low C = 23
|Feb low C = 23
|Mar low C = 24
|Apr low C = 24
|May low C = 24
|Jun low C = 25
|Jul low C = 25
|Aug low C = 25
|Sep low C = 24
|Oct low C = 24
|Nov low C = 24
|Dec low C = 23
|Jan record low C = 17
|Feb record low C = 18
|Mar record low C = 18
|Apr record low C = 18
|May record low C = 19
|Jun record low C = 21
|Jul record low C = 22
|Aug record low C = 22
|Sep record low C = 21
|Oct record low C = 19
|Nov record low C = 19
|Dec record low C = 18
|Jan precipitation mm = 122
|Feb precipitation mm = 86
|Mar precipitation mm = 112
|Apr precipitation mm = 89
|May precipitation mm = 97
|Jun precipitation mm = 112
|Jul precipitation mm = 155
|Aug precipitation mm = 183
|Sep precipitation mm = 168
|Oct precipitation mm = 196
|Nov precipitation mm = 180
|Dec precipitation mm = 140
|year precipitation mm = 1640
|source 1 = BBC Weather<ref name="weather1 plymouth">{{cite web
| url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003230 | title =Average Conditions Plymouth, Montserrat| access-date =14 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130154142/http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003230 |archive-date= 30 November 2010
| publisher =BBC Weather }}</ref>
|date=August 2010
}}

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Montserrat}}
[[File:Caribe Queen.jpg|thumb|The [[Motor ship|MV]] ''Caribe Queen'' is a [[Nevis]] ferry boat which formerly shuttled passengers between [[Antigua]] and Montserrat several times a week]]

Montserrat's economy was devastated by the 1995 eruption and its aftermath;<ref name="auto2"/> currently the island's operating budget is largely supplied by the British government and administered through the [[Department for International Development]] (DFID) amounting to approximately £25&nbsp;million per year.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} Additional amounts are secured through income and property taxes, licence and other fees as well as customs duties levied on imported goods.

The limited economy of Montserrat, with a population under 5000, consumes 2.5 MW of electric power,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.themontserratreporter.com/is-this-end-of-geothermal-energy-development/|title=Is this end of Geothermal Energy development?|last=Roach|first=Bennette|access-date=2020-01-31|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131043127/https://www.themontserratreporter.com/is-this-end-of-geothermal-energy-development/|url-status=live}}</ref> produced by five diesel generators.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/64126.pdf|title=Energy Snapshot: Montserrat|date=September 2015|website=NREL|access-date=31 January 2020|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804085725/https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/64126.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Two exploratory [[geothermal power|geothermal wells]] have found good resources and the pad for a third geothermal well was prepared in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/well-pad-ready-for-drilling-of-third-geothermal-well-in-montserrat/ |title=Well pad ready for drilling of third geothermal well in Montserrat |first=Alexander |last=Richter |work=Think Geoenergy |date=2 September 2016 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924104729/http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/well-pad-ready-for-drilling-of-third-geothermal-well-in-montserrat/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Together the geothermal wells are expected to produce more power than the island requires.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-34648340 |title=Does Montserrat's volcano hold the key to its future? |first=Gemma |last=Handy |work=[[BBC News]] |date=8 November 2015 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=3 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703002110/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-34648340 |url-status=live }}</ref> A 250&nbsp;kW solar PV station was commissioned in 2019, with plans for another 750&nbsp;kW.<ref name=":0" />

A report published by the CIA indicates that the value of exports totalled the equivalent of US$5.7&nbsp;million (2017 est.), consisting primarily of electronic components, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, limes, live plants and cattle. The value of imports totalled US$31.02&nbsp;million (2016 est.), consisting primarily of machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels and lubricants.<ref name="cia.gov"/>

[[File:Montserrat Island Sunset (4568325551).jpg|thumb|Montserrat from the [[Guadeloupe Passage]]]]

In 1979, [[the Beatles]]' producer [[George Martin]] opened [[AIR Montserrat|AIR Studios Montserrat]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.georgemartinmusic.com/george-martin/|title=Sir George Martin CBE (1926–2016)|website=George Martin Music|year=2017|access-date=8 July 2017|archive-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724130034/http://www.georgemartinmusic.com/george-martin/|url-status=live}}</ref> making the island popular with musicians who often went there to record while taking advantage of the island's climate and beautiful surroundings.<ref name="AirMonserrat">{{cite web |title=AIR Montserrat |url=http://www.airstudios.com/about-us/history/air-montserrat/ |publisher=AIR Studios |access-date=5 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018200519/http://www.airstudios.com/about-us/history/air-montserrat |archive-date=18 October 2014}}</ref> In the early hours of 17 September 1989, [[Hurricane Hugo]] passed the island as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane, damaging more than 90% of the structures on the island.<ref name="auto"/> AIR Studios Montserrat closed, and the tourist economy was virtually wiped out.<ref>{{cite book |author =National Research Council |title=Hurricane Hugo, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Charleston, South Carolina, September 17-22, 1989|date=1994|publisher=The National Academies Press|location=Washington, D.C.|isbn=978-0-309-04475-2|doi = 10.17226/1993 }}</ref> The slowly recovering tourist industry was again wiped out with the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano in 1995, although it began partially to recover within fifteen years.<ref>{{cite web|title = Montserrat tourism arrivals up 22 percent in first seven months of 2010 {{!}} Caribbean news, Entertainment, Fashion, Politics, Business, Sports....|url = http://www.thewestindiannews.com/montserrat-tourism-arrivals-up-22-percent-in-first-seven-months-of-2010/|website = www.thewestindiannews.com|access-date = 18 May 2015|archive-date = 19 May 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150519165637/http://www.thewestindiannews.com/montserrat-tourism-arrivals-up-22-percent-in-first-seven-months-of-2010/}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Montserrat Airport (15632994595).jpg|thumb|John A. Osborne Airport]]

===Air===
[[John A. Osborne Airport]] is the only airport on the island (constructed after the [[W. H. Bramble Airport]] was destroyed in 1997 by the volcanic eruption). Scheduled service to [[V. C. Bird International Airport|Antigua]] is provided by [[FlyMontserrat]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flymontserrat.com/schedule.php |title=FlyMontserrat flight schedule |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501140812/http://www.flymontserrat.com/schedule.php |url-status=live }} Retrieved on 16 May 2019</ref> and [[ABM Air]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://antigua-flights.com/ |title=ABM route map |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=16 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216190453/http://antigua-flights.com/ }} Retrieved on 16 May 2019.</ref> Charter flights are also available to the surrounding islands.

===Sea===
Ferry service to the island was provided by the Jaden Sun Ferry. It ran from Heritage Quay in [[St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda]] to [[Little Bay, Montserrat|Little Bay]] on Montserrat. The ride was about an hour and a half and operated five days a week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ferry.mniaccess.com/schedules |title=Jaden Sun Ferry Schedule |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604064141/https://ferry.mniaccess.com/schedules |url-status=live }} Retrieved on 16 May 2019</ref>

This service stopped in 2020 due to being financially unsustainable and the only access to Montserrat now is by air.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stvincenttimes.com/vincy-ferry-jaden-sun-makes-final-voyage-to-montserrat/ |title=St. Vincent Times ferry cancellation |access-date= 30 December 2024}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Montserrat}}
[[File:Montserrat population.svg|thumb|The 1997 eruption lead to a dramatic decrease in population.]]
Montserrat had a population of 7,119 in 1842.<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge, Vol.IV |date=1848 |publisher=Charles Knight |location=London |page=772}}</ref>

The island had a population of 5,879 (according to a 2008 estimate). An estimated 8,000 refugees left the island ([[Montserratians in the United Kingdom|primarily to the UK]]) following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; the population was 13,000 in 1994. The 2011 Montserrat census indicated a population of 4,922.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Montserrat-At-A-Glance.pdf |title=Census 2011 At a Glance |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |year=2011 |website=Government of Montserrat |publisher=Statistics Department, Montserrat |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403071254/http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Montserrat-At-A-Glance.pdf }}</ref> In early 2016, the estimated population had reached nearly 5,000 primarily due to immigration from other islands.<ref name=2016Pop>{{cite web |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/14/two-decades-after-volcano-eruption-many.html |title=20 years after Montserrat volcano eruption, many still in shelter housing |first=Ryan |last=Schuessler |date=14 February 2016 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=23 November 2016 |quote=Montserrat's population has grown to nearly 5,000 people since the eruption — mostly due to an influx of immigrants from other Caribbean nations. |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127131020/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/14/two-decades-after-volcano-eruption-many.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Age structure (2003 estimates):

* up to 14 years: 23.4% (male 1,062; female 1,041)
* 15 to 64 years: 65.3% (male 2,805; female 3,066)
* 65 years and over: 11.3% (male 537; female 484)

The median age of the population was 28.1 as of 2002 and the sex ratio was 0.96 males/female as of 2000.

The population growth rate is 6.9% (2008 est.), with a birth rate of 17.57 births/1,000 population, death rate of 7.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.), and net migration rate of 195.35/1,000 population (2000 est.) There is an infant mortality rate of 7.77 deaths/1000 live births (2003 est.). The life expectancy at birth is 75.9 years: 76.8 for males and 75.0 for females (2023 est.).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Life expectancy at birth - The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/life-expectancy-at-birth/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=www.cia.gov |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212221326/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/life-expectancy-at-birth |url-status=live }}</ref> Globally, only Montserrat has a higher life expectancy for males than females, a difference of 1.8 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-22 |title=List of Countries by Life Expectancy 2023 {{!}} life —— lines |url=https://life---lines.com/articles/list-of-countries-by-life-expectancy/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |language=en-US |archive-date=3 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403155555/https://life---lines.com/articles/list-of-countries-by-life-expectancy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The total fertility rate is 1.8 children born/woman (2003 est.).

According to the Montserrat government's 2024 population census, the island has a total population of 4,386, a 10.9% drop compared to 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=de Shong |first=Dillon |date=2024-04-21 |title=Census shows Montserrat's population is declining |url=https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/census-shows-montserrats-population-declining |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Loop Caribbean News |language=en}}</ref>

===Language===
[[English language|English]] is the sole official language and the main spoken language. A few thousand people speak [[Montserrat Creole]], a dialect of [[Leeward Caribbean Creole English]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cxYGQfiD_1oC&dq=montserrat+languages+creole&pg=PT13587|title=Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics|date=24 November 2005|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=978-0-08-054784-8|via=Google Books|access-date=22 October 2022|archive-date=5 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805201033/https://books.google.com/books?id=cxYGQfiD_1oC&dq=montserrat+languages+creole&pg=PT13587|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Montserrat-island-West-Indies|title=Montserrat &#124; Facts, Map, & History &#124; Britannica|website=www.britannica.com|access-date=28 June 2019|archive-date=17 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017182618/https://www.britannica.com/place/Montserrat-island-West-Indies|url-status=live}}</ref> Historically, [[Irish language|Irish Gaelic]] was spoken, but has disappeared from use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caribbeanandco.com/irish-in-montserrat/|title=Timeline, History, and Cultural Legacy of the Irish in Montserrat - Black Irish of Montserrat|first=Ursula Petula|last=Barzey|date=30 August 2022|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010124533/https://www.caribbeanandco.com/irish-in-montserrat/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Irish language in Montserrat ====
The Irish constituted the largest proportion of the white population from the founding of the colony in 1628. Most were [[indentured servant]]s; others were merchants or plantation owners. The geographer Thomas Jeffrey claimed in ''The West India Atlas'' (1780) that the majority of those on Montserrat were either Irish or of Irish descent, "so that the use of the [[Irish language]] is preserved on the island, even among the Negroes."<ref>Cited in: {{cite book |last=Truxes |first=Thomas M. |year=2004 |title=Irish-American Trade, 1660-1783 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |page=100}} See also: {{cite book |title=The West India Atlas or, A Compendious Description of the West-Indies |author=The late Thomas Jefferys, Geographer to the King |publisher=Robert Sayer and John Bennett |location=Fleet Street, London |year=1780}}</ref>

African slaves and Irish indentured servants of all classes were in constant contact, with sexual relationships being common and a population of mixed descent appearing as a consequence.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Rodgers |first=Nini |title=The Irish in the Caribbean 1641-1837: An Overview |journal=Irish Migration Studies in Latin America |date=November 2007 |volume=5 |number=3 |pages=145–156 |url=http://www.irishargentine.org/0711rodgers1.htm |access-date=25 March 2016 |archive-date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927012637/http://www.irishargentine.org/0711rodgers1.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref> The Irish were also prominent in Caribbean commerce, with their merchants importing Irish goods such as beef, pork, butter and herring, and also importing slaves.<ref>{{cite book |last=McGarrity |first=Maria |year=2008 |title=Washed by the Gulf Stream: The Historic and Geographic Relation of Irish and Caribbean Literature |publisher=Associated University Presses |pages=33–34 |isbn=978-0-87413-028-7}}</ref>

There is indirect evidence that the use of the Irish language continued in Montserrat until at least the middle of the nineteenth century. The [[County Kilkenny]] diarist and Irish scholar [[Amhlaoibh Ó Súilleabháin]] noted in 1831 that he had heard that Irish was still spoken in Montserrat by both black and white inhabitants.<ref name="De Bhaldraithe">{{cite book |editor-last=De Bhaldraithe |editor-first=Tomás |editor-link=Tomás de Bhaldraithe |year=1979 |title=[[Cín Lae Amhlaoibh]] |publisher=An Clóchomhar Tta |location=[[Baile Átha Cliath]] |page=84 |chapter=Entry 2700, 1 Aibreán 1831 [1 April 1831] |quote=Is clos dom gurb í an teanga Ghaeilge is teanga mháthartha i Monserrat san India Thiar ó aimsir Olibher Cromaill, noch do dhíbir cuid de chlanna Gael ó Éirinn gusan Oileán sin Montserrat. Labhartar an Ghaeilge ann go coiteann le daoine dubha agus bána. [I heard that the Irish language is the mother tongue in Montserrat in the West Indies since the time of Oliver Cromwell, who banished some Gaelic Irish families there. Irish speaking is common among both blacks and whites.] |language=Irish}}</ref>

In 1852, Henry H. Breen wrote in [[Notes and Queries]] that "The statement that 'the Irish language is spoken in the West India Islands, and that in some of them it may be said to be almost vernacular,' is true of the little Island of Montserrat, but has no foundation with respect to the other colonies."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0DFmyJVInw8C&pg=PA256|title=Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-Communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc|date=15 July 1852|publisher=Bell|via=Google Books|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003185126/https://books.google.com/books?id=0DFmyJVInw8C&pg=PA256#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1902, ''[[The Irish Times]]'' quoted the ''Montreal Family Herald'' in a description of Montserrat, noting that "the negroes to this day speak the old Irish Gaelic tongue, or English with an Irish brogue. A story is told of a [[Connaught]] man who, on arriving at the island, was, to his astonishment, hailed in a vernacular Irish by the black people."<ref>''[[The Irish Times]]'' (Monday, 8 September 1902), page 5.</ref>

A letter by [[William Butler (British Army officer)|W. F. Butler]] in ''[[The Athenaeum (British magazine)|The Atheneum]]'' (15 July 1905) quotes an account by a [[Cork (city)|Cork]] civil servant, C. Cremen, of what he had heard from a retired sailor called John O'Donovan, a fluent Irish speaker:

{{blockquote|He frequently told me that in the year 1852, when mate of the brig Kaloolah, he went ashore on the island of Montserrat which was then out of the usual track of shipping. He said he was much surprised to hear the negroes actually talking Irish among themselves, and that he joined in the conversation...<ref name="De Bhaldraithe"/>}}

The British [[Phonetics|phonetician]] [[John C. Wells]] conducted research into speech in Montserrat in 1977&ndash;78 (which included also Montserratians resident in London).<ref name=Wells>{{cite journal |last1=Wells |first1=John C. |year=1980 |title=The brogue that isn't |url=http://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/wells/brogue.htm |journal=Journal of the International Phonetic Association |volume=10 |issue=1–2 |pages=74–79 |access-date=29 April 2017 |doi=10.1017/s0025100300002115 |s2cid=144941139 |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316223516/https://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/wells/brogue.htm |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> He found media claims that Irish speech, whether [[Anglo-Irish]] or [[Irish Gaelic]], influenced contemporary Montserratian speech were largely exaggerated.<ref name=Wells/> He found little in phonology, morphology or syntax that could be attributed to Irish influence, and in Wells' report, only a small number of Irish words in use, one example being ''minseach'' {{IPA|[ˈmʲiɲʃəx]}} which he suggests is the noun ''goat''.<ref name=Wells/>

=== Religion ===
In 2001, the CIA estimated the primary religion as Protestant (67.1%, including [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] 21.8%, Methodist 17%, Pentecostal 14.1%, Seventh-day Adventist 10.5%, and Church of God 3.7%), with Catholics constituting 11.6%, Rastafarian 1.4%, other 6.5%, none 2.6%, unspecified 10.8%.<ref name="cia.gov" /> By 2018, the statistics were Protestant 71.4% (includes Anglican 17.7%, Pentecostal/Full Gospel 16.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 15%, Methodist 13.9%, Church of God 6.7%, other Protestant 2%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Rastafarian 1.4%, Hindu 1.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, Muslim 0.4%, unspecified 5.1%, none 7.9% (2018 est.)<ref name=":4">{{Citation |title=Montserrat |date=2024-09-10 |work=The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/montserrat/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |language=en}}</ref>

=== Ethnic groups ===
Residents of Montserrat are known as Montserratians. The population is predominantly, but not exclusively, of mixed African-Irish descent.<ref name="freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com">{{cite web |url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dgarvey/Garvey_us_census/Montserrat.html |title=How Irish is Montserrat? (The Black Irish) |first=Brian |last=McGinn |website=[[RootsWeb.com]] |access-date=5 April 2014 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709220425/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dgarvey/Garvey_us_census/Montserrat.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is not known with certainty how many African slaves and indentured Irish labourers were brought to the West Indies, though according to one estimate some 60,000 Irish were "Barbadosed" by [[Oliver Cromwell]],<ref name="yale.edu">{{cite web |url=http://www.yale.edu/glc/tangledroots/Barbadosed.htm |title=Barbadosed: Africans and Irish in Barbados |website=Tangled Roots |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208021534/http://www.yale.edu/glc/tangledroots/Barbadosed.htm |archive-date=8 December 2014}}</ref> some of whom would have arrived in Montserrat.

Data published by the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] indicates the ethnic group mix as follows (2011 est.):<ref name="cia.gov"/>

:88.4%: African/black 
:{{0}}3.7%: mixed 
:{{0}}3.0%: Hispanic/Spanish (of any race, including white)
:{{0}}2.7%: non-Hispanic Caucasian/white 
:{{0}}1.5%: [[Indo-Caribbean|East Indian/Indian]]
:{{0}}0.7%: other
As of 2018 the statistics were estimated at:<ref name=":4" />

* African/Black 86.2%, 
* mixed 4.8%
* Hispanic/Spanish 3%
* Caucasian/White 2.7%
* East Indian/Indian 1.6%
* other 1.8%

== Education ==
{{Further|Education in Montserrat}}

Education in Montserrat is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 14, and free up to the age of 17. The only [[secondary school]] (pre-16 years of age) on the island is the [[Montserrat Secondary School]] (MSS) in [[Salem, Montserrat|Salem]].<ref name="ilab">{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.dol.gov/ilab/media/reports/iclp/tda2001/territories.htm |chapter=Territories and Non-Independent Countries |title=2001 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor |publisher=[[Bureau of International Labor Affairs]], [[US Department of Labor]] |year=2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050328070122/http://www.dol.gov/ilab/media/reports/iclp/tda2001/territories.htm |archive-date=28 March 2005}}</ref> [[Montserrat Community College]] (MCC) is a [[community college]] (post-16 and tertiary educational institution) in Salem.<ref>[http://www.mcc.ms/ Home page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416061436/https://mcc.ms/ |date=16 April 2023 }}. [[Montserrat Community College]]. Retrieved 24 November 2017. "Salem, Montserrat W. I."</ref> The [[University of the West Indies]] maintains its Montserrat Open Campus.<ref>"[http://www.open.uwi.edu/montserrat The Open Campus in Montserrat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527072751/https://www.open.uwi.edu/montserrat |date=27 May 2023 }}." [[University of the West Indies]] Open Campus. Retrieved 24 November 2017.</ref> [[University of Science, Arts and Technology]] is a private medical school in [[Olveston, Montserrat|Olveston]].<ref>"[http://usat.edu/contact-usat/ Contact USAT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040300/http://usat.edu/contact-usat/ |date=1 December 2017 }}." [[University of Science, Arts and Technology]]. Retrieved 24 November 2017. "Main Campus: South Mayfield Estate Drive, Olveston, Montserrat"</ref>

==Culture==
{{See also|Music of Montserrat|Cricket in the West Indies}}
===Cuisine===
{{main|Cuisine of Montserrat}}
The national dish of Montserrat is [[goat water]], a hearty stew made from goat meat, typically served with crusty bread rolls.<ref name=2016Pop/> Montserrat's cuisine reflects a blend of British and [[Caribbean]] culinary traditions, owing to its status as a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. The local diet features a variety of light meats, including fish, seafood, and chicken, which are commonly grilled or roasted. Montserrat's culinary heritage is a fusion of multiple cultural influences, including [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[French language|French]], African, Indian, and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Amerindian]], contributing to the complexity and diversity of Caribbean cuisine. Sophisticated dishes, such as [[Shrimp|Montserrat jerk shrimp]], flavored with rum, cinnamon bananas, and cranberry, showcase this multicultural influence. In more rural areas, traditional homemade dishes like [[Mahi-mahi|mahi mahi]] and locally baked breads remain popular, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.

===Media===
[[File:Montserrat Cultural Center (5809290561).jpg|thumb|The Montserrat Cultural Centre overlooking Little Bay]]
Montserrat is served by a single national radio station, Radio Montserrat. The station provides a diverse range of programming, including music and news, catering to both local residents and the Montserratian diaspora via online streaming. Prominent programs include the ''Morning Show'', hosted by Basil Chambers, and the ''Cultural Show'', presented by Rose Willock.

Montserrat has been a filming location for notable media projects. In the 1980s, the island was used as the backdrop for music videos by the rock band The Police, specifically for their songs "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" and "Spirits in the Material World." Additionally, significant portions of the 2020 film ''Wendy'' were shot on the island in 2017.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Varun |first1=Patel |date=27 February 2020 |title=Which Island Was "Wendy" Filmed On? |url=https://thecinemaholic.com/wendy-filming-location/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130085222/https://thecinemaholic.com/wendy-filming-location/ |archive-date=30 November 2021 |access-date=2 December 2021 |agency=TheCinemaholic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |date=2010-06-02 |title=Uncommon Caribbean - The Police – Ghost in the Machine: Music We Love |url=https://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/montserrat/ghost-in-the-machine/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Uncommon Caribbean |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2023, a documentary titled ''Ben Fogle and the Buried City'', produced by [[Ben Fogle]], explored the abandoned capital of Plymouth, which was devastated by volcanic ash. The 90-minute film premiered on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom and was also screened at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, attracting a substantial local audience.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ben Fogle And The Buried City {{!}} Preview (Channel 5) |url=https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/pr-fogleburiedcity-c51 |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=www.tvzoneuk.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ben Fogle speaks to emotional presenter in Channel 5 Buried City clip {{!}} Radio Times |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/ben-fogle-buried-city-clip-exclusive-newsupdate/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=www.radiotimes.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Montserrat Tourism Division Announces Successful Premiere of Channel 5, Ben Fogle and the Buried City Documentary |url=https://www.gov.ms/2023/05/24/montserrat-tourism-division-announces-successful-premiere-of-channel-5-ben-fogle-and-the-buried-city-documentary/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Government of Montserrat |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ben Fogle and the Buried City |url=https://www.channel5.com/show/ben-fogle-and-the-buried-city |website=Channel 5|access-date=3 April 2025 }}</ref>

=== AIR Montserrat studio ===
{{Main articles|Associated Independent Recording#AIR Montserrat (1979–1989)}}
AIR Montserrat was a residential recording studio located in Salem, Montserrat, at coordinates 16°44′28″N 62°12′53″W. Established by Associated Independent Recording (AIR) and constructed near the residence of producer George Martin, the studio opened in July 1979. It featured several villas to accommodate clients during recording sessions. The studio was equipped with a 46-channel Neve mixing console, two MCI 24-track recorders, three Ampex ATR-102 2-track tape recorders, an MCI synchronizer for 46-track work, and JBL and Tannoy monitors.

The first band to record at AIR Montserrat was the Climax Blues Band, working on their album ''Real to Reel''. Other prominent artists and bands who recorded there included Dire Straits, Elton John, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jimmy Buffett, Michael Jackson, the Police, the Rolling Stones, and Rush.<ref name="AirMonserrat" /> Notable albums produced at the studio include:

* Dire Straits' ''[[Brothers in Arms (album)|Brothers in Arms]]''
* [[Duran Duran]]'s ''[[Seven and the Ragged Tiger]]''
* [[Jimmy Buffett]]'s ''Volcano'' (named for Soufrière Hills)<ref name="AirMonserrat" />
* the Police's ''[[Synchronicity (The Police album)|Synchronicity]]'' and ''[[Ghost in the Machine (The Police album)|Ghost in the Machine]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zimmerman |first=Lee |date=2021-10-19 |title=Story of the Ghost: Celebrating 40 Years of a Classic Police Album |url=https://rockandrollglobe.com/new-wave/story-of-the-ghost-celebrating-40-years-of-a-classic-police-album/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Rock and Roll Globe |language=en-US}}</ref> 
* Rush's ''[[Power Windows (album)|Power Windows]]''

AIR Montserrat operated for over a decade until it was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, leading to its closure. The island faced further challenges due to volcanic eruptions between 1995 and 1997. In response to these events, George Martin organized fundraising initiatives to support Montserrat's residents.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

In September 1997, Martin hosted ''Music for Montserrat'' at London's Royal Albert Hall, featuring performances by artists such as Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Elton John, Sting, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, and Midge Ure. The event raised £1.5 million for short-term relief efforts. Additionally, Martin released 500 limited-edition lithographs of his score for the Beatles' song "Yesterday," signed by himself and Paul McCartney. The sale of these lithographs raised over US$1.4 million, which funded the construction of a cultural and community center to aid the island's recovery.<ref name="AirMonserrat" /><ref>{{cite web |date=September 23, 2017 |title=The story behind 'Music for Montserrat' at Royal Albert Hall |url=https://direstraitsblog.com/blog/story-behind-music-montserrat-royal-albert-hall/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713111224/https://direstraitsblog.com/blog/story-behind-music-montserrat-royal-albert-hall/ |archive-date=13 July 2020 |access-date=13 July 2020 |work=Dire Straits Blog}}</ref>

=== Sites ===
Montserrat has multiple cultural sites and landmarks open to the public:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Places To See |url=https://www.visitmontserrat.com/places-to-see/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Visit Montserrat |publisher=Montserrat Tourism Authority |language=en-US}}</ref>

* [[National Museum of Montserrat]], a national museum focusing on the history of Montserrat
* [[Montserrat Volcano Observatory]], the island's volcanic observatory
* Plymouth (ghost town), the only volcanic-buried town in the Americas
* [[Jack Boy Hill]], a viewing facility with views of the island's volcano, towns, and beaches

== Sport ==

===Yachting===
Montserrat is home to the Montserrat Yachting Association.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yachting.ms/en |title=Yacht registration, training and certification of yachtsmen |website=Montserrat Yachting Association |author=AlMirSoft |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-date=13 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913193143/http://www.yachting.ms/en |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Athletics ===
Montserrat has competed in every [[Commonwealth Games]] since 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thecgf.com/countries/intro.asp?loc=MSR |title=Commonwealth Games Countries: Montserrat |website=Commonwealth Games Federation |access-date=24 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626021836/http://thecgf.com/countries/intro.asp?loc=MSR |archive-date=26 June 2014 }}</ref>

[[Miguel Francis]] who now represents the United Kingdom and previously represented Antigua and Barbuda was born in Montserrat. He holds the Antiguan National record over [[200m]] in 19.88.<ref>{{cite web |title="IT WAS SUCH AN EUPHORIC MOMENT" MANAGER SAYS OF FRANCIS' 19.88 |url=https://trackalerts.com/it-was-such-an-euphoric-moment-manager-says-of-francis-19-88/ |website=trackalerts.com |date=21 June 2016 |access-date=14 February 2022 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326030731/https://trackalerts.com/it-was-such-an-euphoric-moment-manager-says-of-francis-19-88/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Francis moved to Antigua and Barbuda after a volcanic eruption on the island in 1995 displaced him and his family |url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/athletics/news/29175/10827250/miguel-francis-switches-allegiance-to-great-britain-from-antigua-and-barbuda |access-date=14 February 2022 |publisher=skysports |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231065444/https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/athletics/news/29175/10827250/miguel-francis-switches-allegiance-to-great-britain-from-antigua-and-barbuda |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Basketball ===
Basketball is growing in popularity in Montserrat with the country now setting up their own basketball league.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.montserratbasketball.com/ |title=Montserrat Volcanos |website=Montserrat Amateur Basketball Association |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327131830/http://montserratbasketball.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.themontserratreporter.com/village-basketball-league-makes-a-comeback/ |title=Village basketball league makes a comeback |date=11 July 2012 |newspaper=[[The Montserrat Reporter]] |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604120044/https://www.themontserratreporter.com/village-basketball-league-makes-a-comeback/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The league contains six teams, which are the Look-Out Shooters, Davy Hill Ras Valley, Cudjoe Head Renegades, St. Peters Hilltop, Salem Jammers and MSS School Warriors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsy4tyTUT2M | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/bsy4tyTUT2M| archive-date=2021-10-28|title=Montserrat 2015 basketball Championship game Salem Jammers vs. Lookout Shooters |first=Warren |last=Cassell |date=18 July 2015 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=8 July 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> They have also built a new 800 seater complex which cost $1.5&nbsp;million.

=== Cricket ===
In common with many Caribbean islands, [[cricket]] is a very popular sport in Montserrat. Players from Montserrat are eligible to play for the [[West Indies cricket team]]. [[Jim Allen (cricketer)|Jim Allen]] was the first to play for the West Indies and he represented the [[World Series Cricket]] West Indians, although, with a very small population, no other player from Montserrat had gone on to represent the West Indies until [[Lionel Baker]] made his One Day International debut against Pakistan in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cricketworld.com/late-show-wins-it-for-pakistan-in-abu-dhabi/18013.htm |title=Late Show Wins It For Pakistan In Abu Dhabi |website=CricketWorld.com |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724115514/https://www.cricketworld.com/late-show-wins-it-for-pakistan-in-abu-dhabi/18013.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Montserrat cricket team]] forms a part of the [[Leeward Islands cricket team]] in regional domestic cricket; however, it plays as a separate entity in minor regional matches,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Teams/3/3028/Other_Matches.html |title=Other Matches played by Montserrat |website=CricketArchive |access-date=12 October 2012 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221235153/http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Teams/3/3028/Other_Matches.html }}</ref> as well having previously played [[Twenty20]] cricket in the [[Stanford 20/20]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Teams/3/3028/Twenty20_Matches.html |title=Twenty20 Matches played by Montserrat |website=CricketArchive |access-date=7 October 2012 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221235211/http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Teams/3/3028/Twenty20_Matches.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Two grounds on the island have held [[first-class cricket|first-class]] matches for the Leeward Islands, the first and most historic was [[Sturge Park]] in Plymouth, which had been in use since the 1920s. This was destroyed in 1997 by the volcanic eruption. A new ground, the [[Salem Oval]], was constructed and opened in 2000. This has also held first-class cricket. A second ground has been constructed at Little Bay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ukinmontserrat.fco.gov.uk/en/island-of-montserrat/ |title=Island of Montserrat |website=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] |access-date=13 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701085551/http://ukinmontserrat.fco.gov.uk/en/island-of-montserrat |archive-date=1 July 2012 }}</ref>

=== Football ===
{{Main|Football in Montserrat|Montserrat Football Association|Montserrat national football team}}
Montserrat has its own [[FIFA]] affiliated [[Montserrat national football team|football team]], and has competed in the World Cup qualifiers five times but failed to advance to the finals from 2002 to 2018. A field for the team was built near the airport by FIFA. In 2002, the team competed in a friendly match with the second-lowest-ranked team in FIFA at that time, [[Bhutan national football team|Bhutan]], in ''[[The Other Final]]'', the same day as the final of the [[2002 World Cup]]. Bhutan won 4–0. Montserrat has failed to qualify for any [[FIFA World Cup]]. They have also failed to ever qualify for the [[CONCACAF Gold Cup|Gold Cup]] and [[Caribbean Cup]]. The current national team relies mostly on the [[diaspora]] resident in [[England]] and in the last World Cup qualification game against [[Curaçao national football team|Curaçao]] nearly all the squad members played and lived in England.{{Citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Montserrat has a club league, the [[Montserrat Championship]], which has played sporadically since 1974. The league was most recently on hiatus from 2005 until 2015 but restarted play in 2016.

=== Surfing ===
[[File:Surfing Montserrat.jpg|alt=Montserrat's surfers, Carrll and Gary Robilotta|thumb|upright|Surfer brothers Carrll and Gary Robilotta at Isle's Bay, Montserrat]]
Carrll Robilotta, whose parents moved from the United States to Montserrat in 1980, was responsible for pioneering the sport of surfing on the island. He and his brother Gary explored, discovered, and named the surf spots on the island during the 80s and early 90s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Montserrat Boardriders Club - About Us |url=http://www.montserratsurfvilla.com/about-us.html |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=www.montserratsurfvilla.com |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816060713/http://www.montserratsurfvilla.com/About-Us.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Settlements ==
[[File:Little Bay, Montserrat.jpg|thumb|Little Bay, the site of the new capital. The project was funded by the UK's [[Department for International Development]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/project.aspx?Project=113987 |title=Little Bay Development |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |year=2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425143223/http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/project.aspx?Project=113987 |archive-date=25 April 2013}}</ref>]]
Settlements within the exclusion zone are no longer habitable. See also [[List of settlements abandoned after the 1997 Soufrière Hills eruption]].
<!--Please, if you can access this information in a suitable source, indicate which of the listed settlements are within the exclusion zone.-->

=== Settlements in the safe zone ===
{{Div col|colwidth=9.7em|gap=0em}}<!--When adding additional villages, please place them in alphabetical order.-->
* Baker Hill
* Banks
* Barzeys
* Blakes
* [[Brades]]
* Carr's Bay
* Cavalla Hill
* Cheap End
* Cudjoe Head
* [[Davy Hill]]
* Dick Hill
* Drummonds
* Flemmings
* Fogarty
* Frith
* Garibaldi Hill
* [[Gerald's]]{{efn|Includes the [[John A. Osborne Airport|new airport]] in the north of the island.}}
* Hope
* Jack Boy Hill
* Judy Piece
* Katy Hill
* Lawyers Mountain
* [[Little Bay, Montserrat|Little Bay]]
* [[Lookout, Montserrat|Lookout]]
* Manjack
* Mongo Hill
* New Windward Estate
* Nixons
* Old Towne
* Olveston
* Peaceful Cottage
* [[Salem, Montserrat|Salem]]
* Shinlands
* [[St. John's, Montserrat|St. John's]]
* St. Peter's
* Sweeney's
* [[Woodlands, Montserrat|Woodlands]]
* Yellow Hill
{{Div col end}}

=== Abandoned settlements in the exclusion zone ===
Settlements in italics have been destroyed by [[pyroclastic flows]] since the 1997 eruption. Others have been evacuated or destroyed since 1995.
{{Div col|colwidth=9.7em|gap=0em}}<!--When adding additional villages, please place them in alphabetical order.--> 
* [[Amersham, Montserrat|Amersham]]
* Beech Hill
* ''Bethel''
* ''Bramble''
* Bransby
* Bugby Hole
* Cork Hill
* Dagenham
* Delvins
* ''Dyers''
* [[Elberton, Montserrat|Elberton]]
* ''Farm''
* ''Fairfield''
* Fairy Walk
* ''Farrells''
* ''Farells Yard''
* Ffryes
* Fox's Bay
* Gages
* ''Gallways Estate''
* Gringoes
* Gun Hill
* Happy Hill
* ''Harris''
* Harris Lookout
* ''Hermitage''
* Hodge's Hill
* Jubilee
* Kinsale
* Lees
* Locust Valley
* ''Long Ground''
* Molyneux
* ''Morris''
* Parsons
* ''[[Plymouth, Montserrat|Plymouth]]''
* Richmond
* Richmond Hill
* Roche's Yard
* ''Robuscus Mt''
* Shooter's Hill
* ''Soufrière''
* Spanish Point
* St. George's Hill
* ''St. Patrick's''
* ''Streatham''
* Trants
* Trials
* Tuitts
* Victoria
* Webbs
* [[Weekes, Montserrat|Weekes]]
* White's
* Windy Hill
{{Div col end}}

== Notable Montserratians ==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦---> 
* [[Jim Allen (cricketer)|Jim Allen]], former cricketer who represented the [[World Series Cricket]] West Indians
* [[Jennette Arnold]], the first Montserratian elected as a Member of the [[London Assembly]].
* [[Lionel Baker]], the first Montserratian to represent the West Indies in international cricket
* [[Arrow (musician)|Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell]], musician known for his [[Soca music|soca]] song "[[Hot Hot Hot (Arrow song)|Hot Hot Hot]]"
* [[Chadd Cumberbatch]], visual and performing artist, poet and playwright.
* [[Margaret Dyer-Howe]], Montserrat's second woman to be appointed a cabinet minister.
* [[Ettore Ewen]], American professional wrestler and former WWE Heavyweight Champion, 11-time tag team champion, former college football player and powerlifter.
* [[Howard A. Fergus]], author, poet and three time acting [[Governor of Montserrat#Governors of Montserrat, 1971–present|governor of Montserrat]]
* [[Patricia Griffin]], pioneer nurse and volunteer social worker
* [[George Irish]], writer, human rights activist
* [[Kadiff Kirwan]], actor
* [[E. A. Markham]], poet and author
* [[Dean Mason (footballer)|Dean Mason]], association footballer
* [[Ellen Dolly Peters]], teacher and trade unionist
* [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]], rapper, songwriter and producer; his father emigrated to Cleveland, United States from Montserrat
* [[Vernon Reid]], [[Living Colour]] guitarist
* [[Shane Ryan (social activist)|Shane Ryan]], writer, human rights activist
* [[Veronica Ryan]], sculptor, and winner of the 2022 [[Turner Prize]]
* [[M. P. Shiel]], writer
* [[Lyle Taylor]], association footballer
* [[Rowan Taylor (footballer)|Rowan Taylor]], international footballer
* [[Maizie Williams]], member of pop group [[Boney M]]
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->

== See also ==
* [[Bibliography of Montserrat]]
* [[Index of Montserrat-related articles]]
* [[Outline of Montserrat]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
*Akenson, Donald Harman – ''If the Irish Ran the World: Montserrat, 1630-1730.''<ref>{{cite journal |last= Solow |first= Barbara L. |date=Autumn 1998 |title= Review |journal= Journal of Interdisciplinary History |volume= 29 |issue= 2 |pages= 324–326 |jstor= 207075 |doi=10.1162/jinh.1998.29.2.324|s2cid= 143897485 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= O'Shaughnessy |first= Andrew J. |date=December 1998 |title= Review |journal= The International History Review |volume= 20 |issue= 4 |pages= 968–970 |publisher= Taylor & Francis, Ltd. |jstor= 40108020}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= Ohlmeyer |first= Jane |date=November 1998 |title= Review |journal= Irish Historical Studies |volume= 31 |issue= 122 |pages= 285–287 |jstor= 30008270|doi= 10.1017/S0021121400014036 |s2cid= 164152541 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= Palmer |first= Stanley H. |date=April 1999 |title= Review |journal= The American Historical Review |volume= 104 |issue= 2 |pages= 612–613 |jstor= 2650471 |doi=10.2307/2650471}}</ref>
*Brussell, David Eric – ''Potions, Poisons, and Panaceas: An Ethnobotanical Study of Montserrat.''<ref>{{cite journal |last= Boom |first= B. M. |date= Jan–Mar 1999 |title= Review |journal= Systematic Botany |volume= 24 |issue= 1 |page= 116 |jstor= 2419391 |doi= 10.2307/2419391 |url= http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1313&context=ebl |access-date= 4 March 2021 |archive-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210513121234/https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1313&context=ebl |url-status= live |url-access= subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= Rashford |first= John |date=Jan–Mar 1999 |title= Review |journal= Economic Botany |volume= 53 |issue= 1 |page= 123 |jstor= 4256169 |doi=10.1007/bf02860804|s2cid= 13539061 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= Anderson |first= E. N. |date=Spring 1999 |title= Review: Native American Cultural Representations of Flora and Fauna |journal= Ethnohistory |volume= 46 |issue= 2 |pages= 378–382 |publisher= Duke University Press |jstor= 482966}}</ref>
*Dobbin, Jay D. – ''The Jombee Dance of Montserrat: A Study of Trance Ritual in the West Indies.''<ref>{{cite journal |last= Glazier |first= Stephen D. |date=Jul–Sep 1987 |title= Review |journal= The Journal of American Folklore |volume= 100 |issue= 397 |pages= 363–365 |jstor= 540351|doi= 10.2307/540351 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= Gissurarson |first= Loftur R. |date=Summer 1989 |title= Review |journal= Sociological Analysis |volume= 50 |issue= 2 |pages= 195–197 |jstor= 3710993 |doi=10.2307/3710993}}</ref>
*Perrett, Frank A. – ''The Volcano-Seismic Crisis at Montserrat, 1933-37.''<ref>{{cite journal |last= Behre | first= Charles H. Jr. |date=May–June 1940 |title= Review |journal= The Journal of Geology |volume= 48 |issue= 4 |pages= 447–448 |jstor= 30058685 |doi=10.1086/624903 |bibcode=1940JG.....48..447B}}</ref>
*Philpott, Stuart B. – ''West Indian Migration: The Montserrat Case.''<ref>{{cite journal |last= Foner |first= Nancy |date=September 1975 |title= Review |journal= American Anthropologist |volume= 77 |series= New |issue= 3 |page= 649 |jstor= 673440 |doi=10.1525/aa.1975.77.3.02a00500 }}</ref>
*Possekel, Anja K. – ''Living with the Unexpected: Linking Disaster Recovery to Sustainable Development in Montserrat.''<ref>{{cite journal |last= Chester |first= David K. |date=June 2001 |title= Review |journal= The Geographical Journal |volume= 167 |issue= 2 |pages= 183–184 |publisher= Blackwell Publishing on behalf of The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) |jstor= 3060497}}</ref>

== External links ==
{{sister project links|Montserrat|commons=Category:Montserrat|voy=Montserrat}}

===Government===
* [http://www.gov.ms/ Government of Montserrat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060214063129/http://www.gov.ms/ |date=14 February 2006 }}
* [http://www.montserratnationaltrust.ms/ Montserrat National Trust] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322221235/http://www.montserratnationaltrust.ms/ |date=22 March 2021 }}
* [[Premier of Montserrat]]

===General information===
* [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/montserrat/ Montserrat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314070620/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/montserrat/ |date=14 March 2021 }}. ''[[The World Factbook]]''. [[Central Intelligence Agency]].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080607085300/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/montserrat.htm Montserrat] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050605002619/http://montserrat.search.co.tt/ Montserrat Webdirectory]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20161018111136/http://irisharound.com/emerald-isle-black-irish-caribbean/ Story of the black Irish in Montserrat]}}
* {{Wikiatlas|Montserrat}}

===News media===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110202213722/http://themontserratreporter.com/ Montserrat Reporter news site]
* [http://www.zjb.gov.ms/ Radio Montserrat—ZJB Listen live online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314193932/http://www.zjb.gov.ms/ |date=14 March 2015 }}

===Travel===
* [http://www.visitmontserrat.com/ Montserrat Tourist Board] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050312032412/http://www.visitmontserrat.com/ |date=12 March 2005 }}
* [http://www.montserratmagazine.com/ Montserrat Magazine Publications] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809175107/https://www.montserratmagazine.com/ |date=9 August 2019 }}
* [http://www.instagram.com/montserratmagazine Montserrat Magazine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530223519/https://www.instagram.com/montserratmagazine/ |date=30 May 2020 }}

===Health reports===
* [http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0201.pdf Toxicity of volcanic ash from Montserrat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035817/http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0201.pdf |date=24 September 2015 }} by RT Cullen, AD Jones, BG Miller, CL Tran, JMG Davis, K Donaldson, M Wilson, V Stone, and A Morgan. [[Institute of Occupational Medicine]] Research Report TM/02/01.
* [http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0202.pdf A Health Survey of Workers on the Island of Montserrat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035821/http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0202.pdf |date=24 September 2015 }} by HA Cowie, MK Graham, A Searl, BG Miller, PA Hutchison, C Swales, S Dempsey, and M Russell. [[Institute of Occupational Medicine]] Research Report TM/02/02.
* [http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0107.pdf A Health Survey of Montserratians Relocated to the UK] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035813/http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0107.pdf |date=24 September 2015 }} by HA Cowie, A Searl, PJ Ritchie, MK Graham, PA Hutchison, and A Pilkington. [[Institute of Occupational Medicine]] Research Report TM/01/07.

===Others===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061002215712/http://www.mvo.ms/ Montserrat Volcano Observatory]
* [http://www.geo.mtu.edu/volcanoes/west.indies/soufriere/govt/ Official release archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050319042833/http://www.geo.mtu.edu/volcanoes/west.indies/soufriere/govt/ |date=19 March 2005 }}
* [http://www.dloc.com/UF00076853 ''Antigua, Montserrat and Virgin Islands Gazette''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121140300/http://www.dloc.com/UF00076853 |date=21 November 2014 }} at the [[Digital Library of the Caribbean]]

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