Country Profile: Montserrat

Montserrat is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean, southeast of Puerto Rico. The island has a population of approximately 5,468 and is known for its rich volcanic terrain, especially the Soufrière Hills volcano which has shaped much of its geography and history, including significant eruptions since 1995. The economy, once strong through sugar plantations, is now primarily focused on tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy development. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Montserrat maintains a unique cultural identity with strong Irish influences.

Geography

Montserrat is a volcanic island in the Caribbean Sea, characterized by mountainous terrain with a small coastal lowland. The island's total area is 102 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching 40 kilometers. A significant portion of the southern island remains uninhabitable due to past volcanic eruptions, while the northern half is where the population resides.

102 sq km: Total area of Montserrat
40 km: Length of the island's coastline
0 km: Land boundaries, as it is an island
30% (2022 est.): Percentage of land used for agriculture
12 nm: Territorial sea limit
200 nm: Exclusive fishing zone

People and Society

As of 2024, Montserrat has an estimated population of 5,468, predominantly of African descent (86.2%). The official language is English, and the predominant religion is Protestantism, accounting for 71.4% of the population. The island has a median age of 36.8 years, reflecting a relatively young demographic.

5,468: Estimated population (2024)
76.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
11.9 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2024)
15.8%: Population under 15 years (2024)
31.3: Total dependency ratio (2024)

Economy

Montserrat's economy has faced challenges due to volcanic activity, which devastated infrastructure and led to significant economic shifts. The economy is now focused on tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy sources, such as geothermal and solar power.

$55.651 million: Government revenues (2014 est.)
90.8%: Household consumption of GDP (2017 est.)
17.9%: Investment in fixed capital (2017 est.)
$15.3 million: Imports (2021 est.)
USA 25%: Leading export partner (2023)

Government

Montserrat operates as a self-governing overseas territory of the UK, with a parliamentary democracy. The Governor, appointed by the British monarch, oversees governance, while the Premier heads the government. The Legislative Assembly consists of 12 members, with elections held every five years.

3: Administrative divisions (parishes)
18 years: Voting age
12: Seats in the Legislative Assembly
5: Members from the Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP) party (2019 election)
33.3%: Percentage of women in the Legislative Assembly

Military and Security

Montserrat has no regular military forces; however, it maintains the Royal Montserrat Defense Force for ceremonial and civil defense duties. The UK is responsible for the island's defense.

1: Royal Montserrat Defense Force (ceremonial duties)
1: Montserrat Police Force (as of 2025)

Energy

Electricity access is universal on the island, with a total generating capacity of 6,000 kW. The energy mix includes a significant proportion from fossil fuels, but there is a growing emphasis on solar power.

100%: Electrification of the total population (2020)
6,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
15.968 million kWh: Electricity consumption (2023)
200 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023)

Environment

Montserrat faces environmental issues primarily related to land erosion from agricultural practices. The island's climate is tropical with little temperature variation, supporting diverse agricultural activities.

30% (2022 est.): Land used for agriculture
25% (2022 est.): Forested areas
9.3%: Urban population (2023)

Transportation

Transportation on the island is primarily through air, with 1 airport operational as of 2025.

1: Airport (projected for 2025)

Communications

Montserrat's telecommunications infrastructure includes both fixed and mobile services. The island has a growing number of internet users, with significant cable and satellite TV availability.

5,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2020)
3,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2020)
54.6%: Population using the internet (2011)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,468	Estimated (2024)
Area	102 sq km
GDP (estimated)	Not specified
Electricity consumption	15.968 million kWh	(2023)
Birth rate	11.9 births/1,000 population	(2024)
Life expectancy	76.1 years	(2024)
Total dependency ratio	31.3	(2024)
Urban population	9.3%	(2023)
Installed electricity capacity	6,000 kW	(2023)