The Island of Spice
Grenada, officially the State of Grenada, is a sovereign island nation in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, consisting of the main island of Grenada and several smaller islands. Known for its nutmeg, cocoa, and pristine beaches, Grenada beautifully blends nature, culture, and Caribbean warmth.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Grenada’s rich and complex history has shaped its modern identity as a vibrant democracy and tourism hub.
Key Historical Timeline:
Pre-1498: Originally inhabited by the indigenous Carib and Arawak peoples.
1498: Discovered by Christopher Columbus, who named it “Concepción.”
1650: French settlers colonized and renamed it “La Grenade.”
1763: Britain gained control under the Treaty of Paris.
1834: Slavery abolished under British rule.
1974 (Feb 7): Independence from the United Kingdom.
1983: U.S.-led intervention following internal political conflict restored democracy.
Today, Grenada stands as one of the most peaceful and scenic nations in the Caribbean.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | State of Grenada |
| Capital City | St. George’s |
| Governor-General | Cécile La Grenade (as of 2025) |
| Prime Minister | Dickon Mitchell |
| Government Type | Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy |
| Area | ~344 sq km |
| Population | ~125,000 (2025 est.) |
| Currency | Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) |
| Time Zone | UTC −4 |
| Dial Code | +1-473 |
| Top-Level Domain | .gd |
| National Motto | “Ever Conscious of God We Aspire, Build and Advance as One People” |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Monarch | King Charles III |
| Governor-General | Cécile La Grenade |
| Prime Minister | Dickon Mitchell |
| Legislature | Bicameral Parliament (Senate & House of Representatives) |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of Grenada |
| Administrative Divisions | 6 Parishes + Carriacou & Petite Martinique dependency |
Grenada upholds a Westminster-style democracy with active participation in regional organizations.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Details |
|---|---|
| Parishes (6) | Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Andrew, Saint David |
| Dependencies | Carriacou and Petite Martinique |
| Capital | St. George’s |
| Local Governance | Parish councils and community-based administration |
Saint Andrew
Saint David
Saint George (includes capital St. George’s)
Saint John
Saint Mark
Saint Patrick
Carriacou and Petite Martinique (dependency with some local autonomy)
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: Southeastern Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago.
Islands: Grenada (main island) + Carriacou & Petite Martinique.
Terrain: Mountainous, volcanic origin, lush rainforests.
Climate: Tropical; warm and humid year-round.
Natural Resources: Fertile soil, spices, marine life, timber.
Grenada is called the “Island of Spice” because it produces one-third of the world’s nutmeg.
Local Government Structure
Each parish has limited local governance via constituency-based representation.
Carriacou and Petite Martinique have a local council structure with representation in national parliament.
Government promotes decentralization and rural development initiatives.
Leadership & Governance
Grenada maintains a record of transparent governance, electoral integrity, and civic participation.
Key focus areas:
Digital economy and innovation
Blue and green economy development
Affordable housing and youth programs
Climate action and disaster resilience
Law Enforcement & Safety
Main security bodies:
Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF)
Coast Guard Unit
Community policing divisions
Grenada is considered one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, with low violent crime rates.
Law enforcement collaborates with regional security systems (RSS).
🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Christianity (Roman Catholic & Anglican majority) |
| Official Language | English |
| National Language | Grenadian Creole English & Creole French |
| Cultural Heritage | African, French, and British influences |
Cultural Highlights:
Music: Calypso, Soca, Reggae, and Steelpan.
Festivals: Spicemas (Carnival), Independence Day, Carriacou Regatta.
Cuisine: Oil down (national dish), roti, nutmeg ice cream, cocoa tea.
Crafts: Spice baskets, woodcarving, batik fabrics.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$1.8 billion |
| Main Industries | Tourism, agriculture, education, construction |
| Major Exports | Nutmeg, cocoa, bananas, fish, tourism services |
| Trade Partners | USA, UK, Trinidad & Tobago, Canada |
| Currency | Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) |
| Tourism Contribution | ~50% of GDP |
Grenada’s economy is diversified and driven by tourism, education, and spice exports.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Free and compulsory from ages 6–16 |
| Top Institution | St. George’s University (world-renowned medical school) |
| Literacy Rate | ~98% |
| Healthcare | Public and private hospitals with community clinics |
| Life Expectancy | ~77 years |
Grenada is an education hub, attracting thousands of international students annually.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Airport | Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) |
| Ports | St. George’s, Grenville, Carriacou |
| Ferry Services | Connects main and outer islands |
| Energy | Growing solar and geothermal initiatives |
| Connectivity | Expanding 4G/5G internet and tourism infrastructure |
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Grand Anse Beach: Two-mile-long white sand beach.
St. George’s: Colonial capital and harbor views.
Annandale Waterfall: Lush tropical scenery.
Underwater Sculpture Park: World’s first underwater art gallery.
Carriacou: Traditional boat-building village.
Levera National Park: Nature and marine conservation area.
Grenada offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and tranquility.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Membership | Since 1974 |
| Regional Alliances | CARICOM, OECS, Commonwealth, OAS |
| Global Partners | USA, UK, China, Canada |
| International Focus | Climate action, sustainable agriculture, education diplomacy |
| Reputation | Peaceful, eco-conscious, and culturally vibrant island nation |
📝 Summary
Grenada is truly the Island of Spice — a tropical paradise rich in nature, flavor, and heart.
With its friendly people, thriving education sector, and breathtaking beaches, Grenada continues to shine as one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming destinations.
📢 News & Articles
“Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park: Art Meets Ocean Conservation”
“How Nutmeg Built the Spice Island Economy”
“St. George’s: The Caribbean’s Most Colorful Capital”
🎯 Our Mission
Through AFP’s Knowledge Hub, we share Grenada’s inspiring balance of tradition and progress — promoting its natural beauty, education, and sustainable future.
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