Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia) (one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court)
Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party or NPP
International organization participation: Caricom, CDB, ECLAC
(associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, WCL
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of
the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas 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: Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, put a damper on this small, open economy throughout 1996-98. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the air and sea ports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998, but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops. Construction was the dominant activity in 1997 and 1998. GDP probably declined again in 1998. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcano and on public sector construction activity. The UK has committed about $100 million in 1996-98 to help reconstruct the economy.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$36 million (1997 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: -18.5% (1997 est.)