Country Profile: Montserrat

Montserrat is a small volcanic island located in the Caribbean, southeast of Puerto Rico. It is a British Overseas Territory with a population of approximately 5,468 people as of 2024. The economy has faced significant challenges, particularly due to volcanic eruptions that began in 1995, which devastated infrastructure and significantly altered its economic landscape. The governance of Montserrat operates as a parliamentary democracy, led by a Premier and overseen by a Governor appointed by the UK.

Geography

Montserrat is a tropical, volcanic island characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Soufriere Hills being the highest point. The island covers an area of 102 square kilometers and has a coastline of 40 kilometers. Due to volcanic activity, the southern portion of the island is largely uninhabitable, leading to a population concentration in the northern half.

102 sq km: Total land area.
40 km: Length of the coastline.
12 nm: Territorial sea claims.
200 nm: Exclusive fishing zone.
915 m: Original height of Soufriere Hills volcano.

People and Society

The population of Montserrat is estimated at 5,468 in 2024, with a diverse ethnic composition, primarily of African descent. The predominant language is English, and the majority of the population identifies as Protestant. The island's population structure indicates a low elderly ratio and a healthy life expectancy of 76.1 years.

11.9 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024).
0.59%: Population growth rate (2024).
76.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
31.3: Total dependency ratio (2024).
9.3%: Urban population (2023).
7.2%: Education expenditure of GDP (2023).

Economy

Montserrat’s economy has been significantly disrupted by volcanic eruptions but has shifted towards geothermal and solar energy generation. The estimated real GDP (purchasing power parity) is $89.254 million for 2024, with a significant reliance on tourism and agriculture.

$89.254 million: Real GDP (PPP) (2024 est.).
$19,300: GDP per capita (PPP) (2024 est.).
4%: Inflation rate (2022 est.).
90.8%: Household consumption of GDP (2017).
$55.651 million: Government revenues (2014 est.).

Government

Montserrat is governed as a parliamentary democracy and is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The government consists of an Executive Council led by a Premier, with the Royal Montserrat Defense Force serving ceremonial purposes. The territory has a unicameral Legislative Assembly with 12 seats up for direct election.

18 years: Minimum voting age.
2010: Current Constitution enacted date.
$84.537 million: GDP (official exchange rate) (2024 est.).
King Charles III: Current head of state (since 2022).
12: Seats in the Legislative Assembly.

Energy

Energy generation in Montserrat relies heavily on fossil fuels, although there is a growing contribution from solar power. The island has achieved 100% electrification of its population as of 2020.

6,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
15.968 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
200 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
12.2%: Percentage of solar energy in total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

The island's environment is shaped by its volcanic origins, with significant issues such as land erosion due to agricultural practices. Montserrat's climate is tropical, promoting biodiversity, albeit with an ongoing risk of natural hazards from volcanic activity and hurricanes.

24,000 metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
30%: Agricultural land use (2023 est.).
54.6%: Internet user percentage (2011 est.).
9.3%: Urban population share (2023).

Transportation

Montserrat has limited transportation infrastructure with only one airport. The development of a new capital and port is ongoing, reflecting the island's recovery efforts following volcanic destruction.

1: Airport planned by 2025.
VP-M: Civil aircraft registration code.

Communications

Communication services in Montserrat include fixed and mobile telephony, and the penetration of internet services is steadily increasing. The island has various radio stations and cable television options.

5,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2020 est.).
3,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2020 est.).
54.6%: Internet penetration rate (2011 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,468	Estimated for 2024
Area	102 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$89.254 million	Estimated for 2024
GDP per capita (PPP)	$19,300	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	11.9 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy	76.1 years	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	N/A	Not available
Energy consumption	15.968 million kWh	Estimated for 2023
Total fertility rate	1.33 children/woman	Estimated for 2024
Carbon dioxide emissions	24,000 metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023