Grenada Country

The Country Profile

Grenada is fondly known as the Spice Isle, supplying 1/3 of the world’s richest spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and mace and agricultural produce of cocoa, bananas and other delicious tropical fruits. Grenada is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean home to 108,132 inhabitants of African, Indian, Middle-Eastern and European descent. It is a Tri-Island State comprising Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The official language is English with a French Patois also spoken. The islands stretches across 133 square miles with Grenada covering 120 square miles of amazing white sandy beaches, waterfalls, mountain treks, a heavenly paradise of flora and fauna and a safe haven for locals and visitors. Grenada’s capital is St. George’s one of 7 parishes and its tropical weather ranges from 24º C to 30ºC.

The island was once home to indigenous people known as the Caribs and Arawaks. African descendants were brought over during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. During one of Christopher Columbus’s voyages in 1498 he cited the island and named it Concepcion. Spanish travellers renamed the island Grenade for its resemblance to Granada. It was later renamed Grenada by the British.

In 1979 Grenada experienced a coup which led to the overthrowing of the Government. The People’s Jewel Movement continued to serve until a devastating revolution and invasion by American troops fighting against Cuban occupants who had initially came to the aid of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. Later on Bishop was killed along with members of his political party. In 2004 95% of the island was devastated by Hurricane Ivan destroying most of its agriculture, homes and historical sites. Through the resilience of the people and with adequate support from others the island is now thriving again.