It is one of the Leeward islands in the Smaller Antilles. It is located at 400 kms. East of Puerto Rico and at the North West of Guadalupe. Of volcanic origin, it is a mountainous island, with mountains higher than 1 000 m. It is a mountainous island located around the Chance volcano, which is about 915 m high.Plymouth, which at the beginning of the 1990’s had an approximate population of 3 500 inhabitants, is the most populated urban area of the island.The island has endured several important natural disasters throughout its history. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated the island. In July 1995, La Soufriere started its first volcanic eruptions, which ended with the destruction, in 1997, of a considerable part of the island. It caused serious damage to the population (ten people dead and almost all its inhabitants had to be evacuated) and to its economy. The eruptions of La Soufriere volcano in August 1997 have made the island uninhabitable.Climate: The east winds over the Islands determine its warm and humid climate (with a annual rainfall of about 2 000 mm); it has a rainy tropical climate, which is moderated by the influence of the sea.
Plymouth (Montserrat), a port city and capital of Montserrat Island, is an overseas British subordinate included in the Leeward Islands (according to the Anglo Saxon classification) in the Minor or Smaller Antilles. Open to the Caribbean Sea, this city, now non-existant, was located in the San Antonio district, at the South Western part of the Island. Its economy was based on the food industry. Until the mid 1990’s, it was the administrative and commercial center of Montserrat, with a population of 3 500 inhabitants (1999).The eruptions of the nearby volcano La Soufriere (The Sorrowful) in August 1997 –after several centuries of inactivity, it erupted in July 1995- caused the evacuation of its inhabitants to the neighboring island of Antigua. Lava and ashes buried the city as well as the Southern part of Monserrat.
The abundant rainfalls cause water streams and cascades, which are moderated by the sea breeze.
Being a humid tropical Island, it has a rich flora. There are tropical fruit trees, like mangoes, cherimoyas, papayas and coconuts, some of them over 20 m high; as well as giant ferns and autochthonous chestnut trees. Among other species, they also have Antilles’ jasmine, giant climbing plants, breadfruit trees and avocados.
There are more than 100 species of different multicolored birds; there are no large mammals, but they have differentkinds of mice, iguanas and the famous Arrow Pointed snakes. At sea, you can find simple jellyfish, giant sperm whales, whales and black, white or green sea urchins, and even turtles that weigh more than 300 kgs.
