Grenada

The Isle of Spice – Caribbean Serenity, Resilience, and Revolution

Grenada is a lush island country in the southeastern Caribbean, at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain, north of Trinidad and Tobago. Known as the “Isle of Spice” for its world-famous nutmeg and mace production, Grenada blends a rich colonial past, natural beauty, and political history into a uniquely vibrant island identity.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Originally inhabited by the Arawak and later the Carib (Kalinago) peoples.

  • Colonized by the French in the 17th century; ceded to Britain in 1763 after prolonged conflict.

  • Gained independence on February 7, 1974, as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

  • Experienced a revolutionary government (1979–1983), followed by U.S.-led intervention and restoration of democracy.

  • Today, Grenada is a peaceful, democratic nation with regional leadership ambitions.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Grenada
Capital St. George’s
Continent North America (Caribbean)
Official Language English
National Language Grenadian Creole English & French
Currency Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Area Approx. 344 sq. km
Population Approx. 126,000 (2025 est.)
Time Zone Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4)
ISO Code GD
Internet TLD .gd
Calling Code +1-473

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal) ~90%
Other / Unaffiliated ~10%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
Monarch King Charles III (Ceremonial Head of State)
Governor-General Cécile La Grenade
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell (National Democratic Congress – NDC)
Government Type Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy
Legislature Bicameral – House of Representatives and Senate
Judiciary Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Administrative Divisions (Parishes)

Grenada is divided into 6 parishes and 1 dependency (Carriacou and Petite Martinique):

  1. Saint Andrew

  2. Saint David

  3. Saint George (includes capital St. George’s)

  4. Saint John

  5. Saint Mark

  6. Saint Patrick

  7. Carriacou and Petite Martinique (dependency with some local autonomy)

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).

Economy & Industry

  • Main sectors:

    • Tourism (beaches, diving, cruises)

    • Agriculture (nutmeg, cocoa, bananas)

    • Education (offshore medical universities)

    • Construction and financial services

  • GDP (2024): Approx. USD 1.5 billion

  • Tourism and remittances are key foreign exchange sources

  • Diversification efforts: Agro-processing, geothermal energy, digital services

Education & Institutions

  • Education is free and compulsory from ages 5 to 16

  • Literacy rate: over 96%

  • Leading institutions:

    • St. George’s University (SGU) – globally renowned medical school

    • T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC)

  • Education priorities:

    • TVET and digital skills

    • Scholarships and international partnerships

    • Support for rural schools and special needs education

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare is widely accessible

  • Main hospital:

    • General Hospital (St. George’s)

    • Princess Royal Hospital (Carriacou)

  • Focus on:

    • Universal health coverage

    • Health education and preventive care

    • Emergency preparedness and maternal services

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: Well-developed coastal network; hilly interiors

  • Public transport: Privately run minibuses

  • Airports:

    • Maurice Bishop International Airport (St. George’s)

    • Lauriston Airport (Carriacou)

  • Ports:

    • St. George’s Port, Grenville Port, Carriacou Jetty

  • Regional ferry and shipping connections active between islands

Tourism & Attractions

Natural Sites:

  • Grand Anse Beach, Annandale Falls, Seven Sisters Falls

  • Grand Etang National Park, Underwater Sculpture Park

Cultural & Historical Sites:

  • Fort George, Dougaldston Estate, Grenada National Museum

  • Spice Mas Carnival, Independence Day celebrations

Tourism identity:

  • Eco-luxury, wellness tourism, heritage and spice trails

  • Strong focus on sustainable tourism and community engagement

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic composition: Predominantly African descent, with some Indian, European, and Indigenous roots

  • Languages: English (official), Grenadian Creole (widely spoken)

  • Cuisine: Oil down (national dish), nutmeg-based desserts, callaloo, breadfruit

  • Cultural richness:

    • Vibrant music: soca, calypso, reggae, steelpan

    • Art, folklore, and storytelling infused with resistance and rhythm

    • Proud national identity expressed through festivals and dress

Summary

Grenada is a shining example of a peaceful, progressive, and proud Caribbean nation, where spice, sustainability, and sovereignty blend seamlessly. With rising investments in education, climate resilience, and green development, Grenada is charting a path of inclusive growth and regional leadership.