Monserrat

Area: 102 sq km (39.5 sq miles).

Population: 4482 (2001).

Population Density: 43.9 per sq km.

Capital: Plymouth, the former capital, was mostly destroyed by pyroclastic flows in August 1997. Brades is currently the interim capital.

GEOGRAPHY: Montserrat is one of the Leeward Islands group in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a volcanic island with black sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. There are three main volcanic mountains on the island and Chances Peak is its highest point at 915m (3002ft). The Soufrière group of hills houses the volcano which began erupting in July 1995 and to date is continuously active. The Great Alps Waterfall, previously one of the most spectacular sights in the West Indies, has been destroyed by the volcano.

Government: British Overseas Territory since 1632. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Deborah Barnes Jones since 2004. Head of Government: Chief Minister Dr John A Osborne since 2001.

Language: English.

Religion: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other Christian denominations.

Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz.

SOCIAL CONVENTIONS: Casual clothes are acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. The lifestyle is generally peaceful, combining many English influences with West Indian. The people are usually friendly and relaxed. All visitors are made welcome.