Montserrat
Montserrat is a small, picturesque island located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Montserrat is referred to as the “Emerald Isle,” for its lush green hills, dramatic coastlines, and a rich volcanic landscape, shaped by the eruption of Soufrière Hills in the 1990s.
Soufriere Hills viewed from the Vue Pointe Hotel and Restaurant (16.745757 -62.232350)
Little Bay, Marina Village, and Rendezvous Beach (16.801734,-62.205553)
Montserrat is one of the youngest islands of the Lesser Antilles chain. It is less than 10 miles long, by 6 miles wide with half of the islands area closed off due to past volcanic activity, known as the “exclusion zone”.
During its highpoint in the 1950’s, Montserrat had a population of over 12,000. Today, the population is one-third of that, sitting at just over 4,000 residents. Most of the population departed following the 1995 eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano.
With its warm climate and welcoming atmosphere, Montserrat remains a hidden gem for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the Caribbean. If your idea of vacation is unlimited chain restaurants, high-rise resorts and clubs open until sunrise, Montserrat is not for you. While there is some nightlife, particularly in Brades, the majority of the activities end by 10:00 PM.
The people of Montserrat are the core of why the island remains “the Caribbean as it used to be”. You will not pass someone on the street or in a market that doesn’t say good morning, good afternoon, or good evening. They will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and make sure your experience is a great one.
And the views! They don’t stop giving either. We always joke that on Montserrat, even the gas station has a great view.
National Dish of goat water (16.75530, -62.22131)
Royal Montserrat Police Force’s Heliconia Star (16.803288, -62.206144)
The national dish of Montserrat is goat water. Goat water is a Caribbean stew of peppers, herbs, cloves, onions and of course, goat meat.
As a British Overseas Territory, the defense of Montserrat falls under the responsibility of the United Kingdom. The home defense force for the island is handled by the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, which has been in existence since 1899.
Police services for the island are handled by the Royal Montserrat Police Service, which until 1967 was part of the Leeward Island Police Force which maintained police services for the seven British territories in the Caribbean. Montserrat is consistently ranked as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with its last homicide recorded more than two decades ago. There is also zero history of gang violence, gun violence, public assaults or any street-level violence.
Fun Facts
Capital
Plymouth (de jure)
Braids (de facto)
Government
United Kingdom (British Overseas Territory)
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC)
Population
4,375
Outlets
Types A & B
Time Zone
GMT – 4 (Atlantic Standard Time)
Area Code
+1-664
Language
English
Voltage
120v
Drive On
Left
National Flower
Red Heliconia
National Tree
Hairy Mango
National Fruit
Hairy Mango
National Bird
Montserrat Oriole
National Anthem
Motherland (wikipedia)


















Image credit: National Museum of Montserrat






















