Terrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland

Elevation extremes: lowest point : Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Chances Peak 914 m

Natural resources: NEGL

Land use: arable land : 20% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures : 10% forests and woodland: 40% other: 30% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Natural hazards: severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (full-scale eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano occurred during 1996)

Environment - current issues: land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation

Environment - international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified : NA

@Montserrat:People

Population: 12,800 (July 1997 est.)