Montserrat
NAIndependence none (dependent territory of the UK)
Montserrat as the 1998 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 87 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Geography
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto | Rico
17 fieldsLand useshare of 100 sq km
Natural hazards
severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (full-scale eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano occurred during 1996)
People
14 fieldsPer 1,000 population(1998 est.)
Male · female
Religions
Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations
Government
NA; Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Anthony John ABBOTT (since NA September 1997); Chief Minister David BRANDT (since 22 August 1997)
19 fieldsLegislative Council, 7 seats, elected 11 November 1996one dot, one seat
Executive branch
- chief of state:
- Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Anthony John ABBOTT (since NA September 1997)
- head of government:
- Chief Minister David BRANDT (since 22 August 1997)
- cabinet:
- Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, three other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary
- elections:
- the queen is a hereditary monarch;
- governor appointed by the queen;
- following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes chief minister;
- note-as a result of the last election, a coalition party was formed between NPP, NDP, and one of the independent candidates
Legislative branch
unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats, 7 popularly elected; members serve five-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 11 November 1996 (next to be held by NA 2001)
- election results:
- percent of vote by party-NA; seats by party-PPA 2, MNR 2, NPP 1, independent 2
Judicial branch
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia); one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court
Political parties and leaders
- National Progressive Party (NPP), Reuben T. MEADE;
- Movement for National Reconstruction (MNR), Percival Austin BRAMBLE;
- People's Progressive Alliance (PPA), Bertrand OSBORNE;
- NDP
International organization participation
Caricom, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, WCL
Flag description
- blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag;
- the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross
Economy
The economy of this volcanic island is small and | open, with economic activity centered on tourism and related services. | Tourism accounts for roughly one-quarter of Montserrat's national | income.
28 fieldsGDP-composition by sector(1990 est.)
Economy-overview
The economy of this volcanic island is small and open, with economic activity centered on tourism and related services. Tourism accounts for roughly one-quarter of Montserrat's national income. The island's main export is electronic components, which are mainly shipped to the US. The agriculture sector is small;
cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, and onions are grown for the domestic market; additionally, some hot peppers and live plants are exported to the US and Europe. Volcanic activity in mid-1997 led to a substantial evacuation of the southern half of the island, including the capital, Plymouth. Volcanic activity since July 1995 has resulted in the departure of an estimated 8,000 people, mainly to Antigua and Guadeloupe.
Labor force
- total:
- 4,521 (1992); note-later substantially lowered by flight of people from volcanic activity
- by occupation:
- community, social, and personal services 40.5%, construction 13.5%, trade, restaurants, and hotels 12.3%, manufacturing 10.5%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 8.8%, other 14.4% (1983 est.)
Exports
- total value:
- $12.1 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.)
- commodities:
- electronic components, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle
- partners:
- US, Ireland
Imports
- total value:
- $29.9 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
- commodities:
- machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials
- partners:
- NA
Transportation
6 fieldsNetworkskm
Military
Police Force
2 fieldsTransnational Issues
1 fieldCite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Montserrat.” The World Factbook 1998. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/montserrat/1998.