Montserrat, British Overseas Territory in Lesser Antilles, Caribbean.
This territory covers 40 square miles (102 square kilometers) of mountainous terrain with dense rainforests, black sand beaches, and volcanic remnants concentrated in the southern portion.
British colonization began during the 17th century when settlers established sugar plantations that depended on enslaved African laborers until emancipation was achieved in the 19th century.
Local residents preserve African and Irish traditions through music, dance performances, and an annual St. Patrick's Day celebration that reflects the territory's layered colonial history.
Travelers arrive via John A Osborne Airport with connecting flights from Antigua, finding accommodations primarily in the northern residential districts that remain habitable after volcanic activity.
Ongoing eruptions from Soufrière Hills since 1995 buried the former capital Plymouth under ash and pyroclastic flows, rendering two thirds of the territory uninhabitable within an exclusion zone.
Location: British overseas territories
Inception: 1632
Capital city: Plymouth
Part of: Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean
GPS coordinates: 16.74170,-62.19168
Latest update: November 30, 2025 18:57
This collection encompasses the world's smallest countries and territories by land area, measured including lakes and rivers within their borders. The list features both independent sovereign states and dependent territories with varying political statuses. From Vatican City at 0.4 square kilometers to Monaco and San Marino in Europe, and island nations in the Caribbean such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, this selection demonstrates the geographic diversity of compact territories. The European microstates offer medieval fortifications, princely palaces, and modern financial districts within limited spaces. Pacific atolls like Nauru and Tuvalu present coral formations and tropical coastlines, while Caribbean islands combine volcanic mountains, rainforests, and colonial architecture. Despite their limited size, these countries and territories maintain their own governmental systems, cultures, and economic models ranging from tourism and financial services to fishing and agriculture.
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