Part 506

Infant mortality rate: 11.78 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.65 years male: 73.89 years female: 77.46 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.93 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Montserratian(s) adjective: Montserratian

Ethnic divisions: black, Europeans

Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations

Languages: English

Literacy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1970 est.) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 97%

Government ----------

Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Montserrat

Data code: MH

Type of government: dependent territory of the UK

Capital: Plymouth

Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter's

Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)

National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June)

Constitution: present constitution came into force 19 December 1989

Legal system: English common law and statute law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Frank SAVAGE (since NA February 1993) was appointed by the queen head of government: Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since NA October 1991) cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, three other ministries, the attorney general, and the finance secretary

Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council: elections last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1

Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia)

Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party (NPP), Reuben T. MEADE; People's Liberation Movement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand OSBORNE

International organization participation: Caricom, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, WCL

Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK)

US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag: 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

Economy -------