LOCATION & GEOGRAPHY
Popularly known as “The Other
Emerald Isle”, Montserrat is a
lush mountainous volcanic island
in the Caribbean Sea. Part of the
Leewards Islands, the island is
located at 43 Kilometers southwest of
Antigua. Its highest point is Chances
Peak and it is 16 km long and 10 km
wide with an area of 102 square km.
GOVERNMENT
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory,
with a British Governor and a locally elected
government led by the Chief Minister. There
is an Executive Council and a legislative
council with nine elected members including
four ministers of government.
POPULATION
The population is currently estimated at
4,819. This is a reduction of a former 12,000
as many residents went to live overseas as a
result of the eruption/activity of the Soufriere
Hills Volcano in the mid 1990s.
LANGUAGE
The official language is English
CLIMATE
Temperatures average 24°-31°C (76°-88°F)
year-round. The higher temperatures are
experienced during the months of August
and September, while January and February
are the cooler months. Heavy rainfall is
usually between September to January.
CURRENCY
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the
official currency, but the US dollar is widely
used. The rate of exchange is EC$2.70 to
US$1. All major credit cards are accepted,
as are the Canadian dollar, UK pounds and
travelers cheque. |
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TIME DIFFERENCE
Same as Eastern Standard Time in summer,
and one hour ahead in winter. Montserrat is
four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (5
hours behind Britain during British summer
time).
PASSPORT/VISAS
Proof of citizenship is required. A valid
passport is recommended for all visitors.
TAXES & SERVICE CHARGE
Departure and Security Tax payable upon
leaving Montserrat: US$13 (EC$35.00) for
CARICOM nationals and US$21 (EC$55)
for all other nationals. Accommodation
Tax: 10 per cent for hotels and 7 per cent
for Guesthouses, Bed and breakfasts and
Villas. Tipping: 10 per cent service charge
added at most restaurants, otherwise at your
discretion.
BANKS AND FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS
There are two main commercial banks - the
Bank of Montserrat in Brades and the Royal
Bank of Canada, Brades. There is also the
St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union and
the Montserrat Building Society.
FLORA & FAUNA
Lush rain forests and fruit trees laden with
mangoes, papaya, coconut and banana also
add to the landscape in Montserrat.
Heliconia is the national fl ower, which
can be found in abundance, along with
fl amboyant trees bougainvilleas, orchids,
ferns and hibiscus. The maple, hazelnut,
white pine and lime trees are also plentiful
on the island.
There are many species of land birds and
migrant song birds within the rainforest. The
Montserrat Oriole, the national bird, among
others can also be found on the island. In
addition there are many amphibians and
reptiles and well as a multiplicity of marine
life forms. |
