Demographics

Population

Montserrat has a population of approximately 5,000, all of which reside in the Northern section of the Island. Presently there is no Capital city, but there is a developing commercial sector stretching from Cudjoe head to St. John’s. The majority of the populations are of African descent, with remainder British, American, African, Indian and German. The African descended population being mostly comprised of Caribbean nationals. Approximately 3% of the population are retirees from Europe and North America, Montserrat pre-volcanic activity known for its residential tourism.

Language

The language of the country is English. A local dialect is spoken (English derivative).

Religion

There is freedom of Religion. The main religion is Christianity comprising of various denomination Roman Catholic, Anglicans, Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Jehovahs Witness and Rastafarism.  

Education

In Montserrat, a child's education begins formally at the age of five. The student enters the Primary school system at this age, thence to the Secondary stage, through an exam which is sat at the age of eleven.

Facilities, both public and private, cater to the educational needs of children from Daycare through to Primary and Secondary school. The Montserrat Secondary school offers vocational skills training and the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies offers first and second year university level courses.

There is a full five-year secondary education provided by the state, and the Roman Catholic denomination (private). The students are prepared for the C.X.C ( Caribbean Examinations Council) examinations. Computer training is compulsory at the Secondary and Primary level.

Every level education in Montserrat is funded by the state is offered to all without discrimination.

The University of the West Indies campuses are located in Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica, and consist of faculties of natural sciences, arts and general studies, social sciences, engineering, tropical agriculture, law, and medicine.

Living standards

Montserrat has a high literacy rate. Though devastated by the volcano Montserratians have always enjoyed a high standard of living. The redevelopment of the Island has not phased the expected high standard of living, given the circumstances attendant to the process. Given the readjustments there is a significant immigrant labor force.