Montserrat is a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, and lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands, some 27 miles southwest of Antigua. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this pearl shaped island - 12 miles long and 7 miles wide is situated 1,150 miles north of the equator. The island rises in a series of dramatic mountain slopes to the high point of over 3,000 feet at the Soufriere in the Exclusion Zone. The islands of Redonda, Nevis and St. Kitts in the north and west, Guadeloupe to the south and Antigua to the northwest can be seen from the various points on the island.
Montserrat at a Glance
Language: English
Government: Overseas territory of the UK
Capital: Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat)
Size: 102 sq km, 40 km coastline
Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico
Climate: Tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation. Winter and summer temperatures average between 76° and 88° (F) with constant breezes from the sea and mountains. Rainfall averages 60" a year.
Electricity: 220/110 volt electricity - 60 cycles
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Driving: A local driver’s license is necessary if you plan to drive in Montserrat. You can apply for this at your port of entry or at the Police Headquarters at Brades or in Salem. The cost is EC$50 (US$19) and you will need to produce your valid driver’s license from your country of origin. Driving is on the left. A word of caution, there are many winding and twisting mountainous roads and some may find driving difficult. However, there are paved roads serving all parts of the island.
Rentals: There are a number of local rental agencies located around the island. Check with your hotel for nearby companies.