Part 505

(dependent territory of the UK)

Map ---

Location: 16 45 N, 62 12 W -- Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Flag ----

Description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross

Geography ---------

Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates: 16 45 N, 62 12 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total area: 100 sq km land area: 100 sq km comparative area: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 40 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Chances Peak 914 m

Natural resources: NEGL

Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 10% forest and woodland: 40% other: 30%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation natural hazards: severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (there are seven active volcanoes on the island) international agreements: NA

People ------

Population: 12,771 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate: 0.28% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 15.08 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 9.83 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -2.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over: NA male(s)/female all ages: NA male(s)/female