Montserrat is a quiet, laid-back island where you can
hike,
birdwatch,
snorkel, or enjoy a couple of drinks over a game of
dominoes.
The tiny
Caribbean island was dealt a devastating blow when the Soufrière Hills
volcano erupted massively in 1995 and again in 1997. Almost half the island was rendered uninhabitable, including the capital,
Plymouth, which today stands half-submerged in volcanic ash and mud.
The effects were not limited to physical destruction. Montserrat’s economy was severely damaged, and around
two-thirds of the 12,000 population left the island.
The volcano remains
active and much of the island is still out of bounds, but this in itself is a draw for tourists looking for something beyond the usual Caribbean experience of beaches and luxury resorts.
While Montserrat still depends on aid from the British government (the island is a British Overseas Territory), its prospects are looking brighter. A
new airport opened in 2005, bringing a steady stream of visitors from Antigua and beyond.
GeographyMontserrat 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 (3,002ft). 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.
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