|RNature and climate:|N Vulcanic island with fumaroles (hot springs ejecting gas) among the Leeward Islands in the Smaller Antilles of the West Indies.
Average temperature in January 24°C and in July 27°C.
Percipitation 1600 mm.
|RPeople:|N ?
|REconomy:|N Agriculture dominates and cotton, fruits and vegetables are exported.
Extensive light manufacturing has been started in recent years. Electronic components are exported.
|RHistory:|N The island was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and colonized by Great Britain, who brought Irish settlers, in 1632.
Belonged to the British colony of Leeward Islands 1871 to 1956, when Montserrat was made a separate colony. Crown colony with a government of its own from 1971.