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Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995.
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Country
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Surface Area: 102 square km
Population: 9,245 - an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Central America (Caribbean)
Capital City: Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat)
Head of State: Queen ELIZABETH II, represented by Acting Governor Sir Howard A. FERGUS
Prime Minister: John OSBORNE
Independent since: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Flag (image): 
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