Geography of Montserrat

Montserrat
Map of Montserrat
Geography
LocationCaribbean Sea
Coordinates16°45′N 62°12′W / 16.750°N 62.200°W / 16.750; -62.200
ArchipelagoLeeward Islands
Area102 km2 (39 sq mi)
Coastline39.8 km (24.73 mi)
Highest elevation914.2 m (2999.3 ft)
Highest pointChances Peak (in the Soufrière Hills)
Administration
United Kingdom
British Overseas TerritoryMontserrat
Largest settlementBrades (pop. 1,000)
Demographics
Population4,488
Pop. density44.88/km2 (116.24/sq mi)

Montserrat is a volcanic island in the Caribbean Sea. Part of the Leeward Islands, it is a British Overseas Territory. Covering an area of 102 km2 (39 sq mi), it is located to the northwest of Guadeloupe, southwest of Antigua and southeast of Nevis. The island’s terrain is mostly mountainous, dominated by the active Soufrière Hills volcano rising to about 1,050 m (3,440 ft). The island has a tropical climate with minimal temperature variations and frequently experiences hurricanes from June to November. Due to repeated volcanic activity, more than half of the island is now permanently uninhabitable, primarily in the south, leaving only the northern third settled.