International organization participation: Caricom, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, WCL
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (dependent territory of the
UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (dependent territory of the UK)
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
Economy
Economy - overview: The economy of this volcanic island is small and open, with economic activity centered on tourism and related services. Tourism accounts for roughly one-quarter of Montserrat's national income. The island's main export is electronic components which are mainly shipped to the US. The agriculture sector is small; cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, and onions are grown for the domestic market; additionally, some hot peppers and live plants are exported to the US and Europe. Volcanic activity in late 1995 led to the repeated evacuation of Montserrat's capital, Plymouth, and deep ash from the volcano destroyed much of the yearend crops. These disruptions, compounded by hurricanes, caused production in 1995 to drop precipitously. The likely slow recovery of tourism and the continued danger of an eruption dimmed the prospects for rapid recovery in 1996.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $55.3 million (1995 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: -2.9% (1995 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,360 (1995 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4.8% industry: 18.4% services: 76.8% (1990 est.)