Your guide to being an expatriate in Montserrat

Demographics of Montserrat:

Religion Overview

Religion is an integral part of Montserratian culture, with Christianity serving as the principal faith in the country. Montserrat became a British colony in the late 17th century, and as such, the Anglican Church has held a significant influence over the island's spiritual traditions. Today, the majority of the population adheres to Protestant denominations, including Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist.

Major Religions

Climate

Montserrat's climate is predominantly tropical, with year-round warmth and high humidity. The rainy season lasts from June to November, with occasional hurricanes and tropical storms. The island enjoys a moderate breeze throughout the year, which helps to cool the environment and mitigate the effects of the heat.

Economy Overview

Montserrat's economy is predominantly based on the service sector, with tourism and financial services accounting for the bulk of its GDP. The country's volcanic landscapes and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for eco-tourism, and its strategic location in the Caribbean Sea has led to the development of a thriving offshore finance industry. Despite its small size, Montserrat is a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Key Industries

• Tourism
• Offshore Financial Services
• Construction

Major Companies

• Montserrat Offshore Finance Centre
• Atlantic Insurance-Agencies Limited
• Zenith Insurance (Montserrat) Limited

Culture and Language Overview

Montserrat's culture is a unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences, shaped by its history as a British colony and its Caribbean location. Calypso music, known locally as soca, is a prominent feature of Montserratian culture, and the country hosts several major festivals throughout the year, including Carnival and the Bridgetown Festival.

Cultural Highlights

• Carnival: The biggest cultural event in Montserrat, Carnival is a week-long festival of music, dance, and keybianthas
• Soca: This high-energy music genre, known locally as soca, is a fusion of calypso, soul, and jazz, and is a major part of Montserratian culture
• Ruses: This traditional Montserratian game, played with balls filled with flour, is similar to volleyball and is a popular pastime during Carnival

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Montserrat's physical geography is dominated by its volcanic terrain, which includes several active and dormant volcanoes. Soufriere Hills, the country's largest volcano, has been actively erupting since 1995, which has led to significant population displacement and infrastructure damage. Despite the challenges posed by volcanic activity, Montserrat is home to several stunning natural landmarks, including Olveston Cove, a white-sand beach sheltered by cliffs and rock formations.

Notable Landmarks

• Soufriere Hills: Montserrat's largest and most active volcano, responsible for significant population displacement and infrastructure damage since the late 1990s
• Olveston Cove: A beautiful white-sand beach sheltered by cliffs and rock formations, located on the western coast of Montserrat

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Montserrat Day (July 16)
• Cedar Tree Day (July 17)
• Thanksgiving Day (2nd Monday in October)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Political Stability

Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, and the local government is headed by a Governor appointed by the British Governor-General. The country has a House of Assembly, with 11 elected members and three appointed members, responsible for local governance and administration. Montserrat's political stability is assured by the continued presence of the British military and administrative infrastructure on the island.