Overview of Spice Island

Profile

Grenada is a volcanic island nation consisting of six parishes and Carriacou and Petite Martinique islands, with lush tropical rainforests and white sandy beaches. Known for exporting high-quality spices like nutmeg, mace, and cocoa, with agriculture and tourism as economic pillars. A Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as monarch, employing a parliamentary system. The 1983 US-led invasion of Grenada drew major international attention. Today it is secure, with unique tourism resources like the Spicemas carnival and the world''s first underwater sculpture park gaining recognition.

Official name: Grenada
Common name: Spice Island
Numeric code: 308
Alpha-3 code: GRD
Alpha-2 code: GD
Population: Approximately 125,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 365 per km2
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant
National anthem: Hail Grenada
Calling code: +1-473
Internet TLD: .gd

History

Following colonial era, gained independence in 1974 as a Commonwealth realm. After a 1983 coup and US military intervention, democratic governance has been maintained.

After Columbus arrived in 1498, French and British rule followed, with abolition of slavery and parliamentary institutions introduced in the 19th century. Independence was achieved on February 7, 1974, but in 1979 the New Jewel Movement staged a bloodless coup establishing a People''s Revolutionary Government. Internal conflict led to Prime Minister Maurice Bishop''s execution, prompting a 1983 military intervention by the US and Eastern Caribbean states, establishing a pro-American interim government. Since 1984, electoral power transitions continue, developing as a stable small nation centered on tourism and service industries.

Geography & climate

Volcanic origin with steep mountains and crater lake coexisting with coastal coral reefs and lagoons. Black and white sand beaches intermixed.

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 344 km²
Capital: St. George''s
Largest city: St. George''s
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Grand Etang Lake

Natural resources

Fertile volcanic soil, Nutmeg, Cacao, Tropical hardwood, Fishing resources, Scenic tourism resources, Freshwater springs, Hydroelectric energy, Geothermal potential, Mango and banana, Coral reef ecosystems, Mangrove forests, Coral sand

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (Commonwealth realm), parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

GDP (nominal): 1.28 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 2.36 billion International dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Afro-Grenadians, Mixed, East Indian, European, Caribbean indigenous, Syrian-Lebanese

Life expectancy

73.6 years

Literacy rate

98%

National sports

Soccer, Cricket, Athletics, Sailing, Basketball, Netball