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Motto: |
The Emerald Isle of the
Caribbean |
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Location: |
One of the Leeward Islands in the West
Indies, 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Antigua.
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Geographic
coordinates: |
16 45 N, 62 12 W |
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History: |
Sighted by Columbus in 1493. Settled by
Anglo-Irish colonists from 1632. The island fell under French occupation
twice, but was otherwise continuously British. In 1967, Montserrat opted
for colonial status instead of associated statehood. In 1995 the
Soufriere Hills Volcano came to life and by 1997 the majority of the
population was forced to leave the island. Approximately two thirds of the island, including the capital, Plymouth, and the W.H. Bramble Airport is currently off limits. However, the northern section of the island remains opened as business goes on as usual here. |
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Elections: |
Last elections - 2001. Next elections due
in 2006. |
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Ruling Party: |
New People's Liberation Movement |
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Major Political Parties: |
New People's Liberation Movement
(NPLM),
National Progressive Party (NPP), |
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Economic Summary: |
From about mid-1995 normal life was disrupted due to severe volcanic
eruptions on the island. By mid-1998 volcanic activity subsided
and normalcy returned, but with a significantly reduced population and
economic activity. Many individuals have built new businesses in Brades in the north of the island.
A new factory shell houses a number of small businesses.
The once vibrant tourism industry is re-emerging as a major
contributor to national economic growth. The fledgling industry
caters mainly for day excursionists.
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Seaport: |
Montserrat Ferry Service operates between Antigua and Montserrat's Little Bay Port daily except Sundays. |
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Heliport: |
Gerald's Heliport |
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Status: |
British Dependency |
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Airport: |
To be built by 2004 |
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Capital: |
Plymouth (abandoned) |
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Seat of Government Offices: |
Brades |
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Head of Government: |
Hon.
John Alfred Osborne, Chief Minister |
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Head of State: |
H.E. Anthony Longrigg |
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Area: |
103 square kilometres (39.5 square
miles) |
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Population: |
10,608 (1995). 5,274 persons
live on the island (mid-2000) |
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Currency: |
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) |
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GDP per capita (at Current Market Prices): |
EC$82.61 (2001) |
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Total Exports: |
EC$1.9m (2001) |
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Total Imports: |
EC$52.3m (2001) |
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Intra-Regional Exports: |
EC$2.5m (1996) |
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Intra-Regional Imports: |
EC$18.6m (1994) |
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Business Hours: |
Commercial: 8:00 -16:00 hrs Monday to Friday
Government: 8:00-16:00 hrs Monday to
Friday
Banks: 08:00hrs - 14:00hrs Monday - Thursday
08:00hrs - 15:00hrs Friday
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National Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January); St. Patrick's
Day (17 March); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labor Day (04 May); Whit
Monday; August Monday, Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26
December); Festival Day (31 December) |
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Date of CARICOM Membership: |
1 May 1974 |
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National Anthem: |
God Save Our Queen
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen;
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.
O Lord our God arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall:
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix:
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign:
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen.
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Highest National Awards: |
Montserrat Badge of Honour |
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Favourite Dish: |
Goat Water ( Stew ) |
