Everything you need to know about Grenada: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Grenada: The Spice of the Caribbean

The early settlers of Grenada were the Carib Indians who came around in the year 1498 when Columbus first sighted this landmass. In the 17 th century, French colonizers set up sugar estates and made the African slaves to work on them. Next, they were succeeded by the Britishers who further expanded the sugar plantations. It achieved its full independence in the year 1974.

Grenada Fast Facts :

• National Name : Grenada
• National Capital : Saint George's
• Total Area : 344 sq km
• Total Population : 90,343 (July 2008 est.)
• Ethnic races : black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian
• Religions : Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%
• Currency : East Caribbean dollar
• GDP per capita (PPP) : $10,500 (2007 est.)
• Languages : English (official), French patois
• Life expectancy : 67 years (men), 70 years (women) (UN)
• Literacy Rate : 96% (2003 est.)

Grenada Geography, Climate and Economy :

The Terrain of Grenada is of volcanic origin. It also consists of large inland water bodies and the coastline is 121 km long. The central part of this island consists of mountains and is largely covered with dense forests. The lowest point is located at Caribbean Sea and the highest at Mount Saint Catherine at 840m.

The climate of Grenada is largely tropical and the temperature is moderated by the northeast trade winds. The island has a wet tropical climate with average annual temperatures of 28°C. In the months of June to December there is a hot and humid season coupled with dry season in January.

The economy of Grenada is largely dependent on tourism and agriculture and the government pursues an open economic policy. The agriculture includes the cultivation of nutmeg and cocoa. It also exports cocoa, citrus fruits, bananas, cloves, and cinnamon.

Culture and Cuisine of Grenada:

The Grenadian culture is the amalgam of French, British and African influences along with their own indigenous culture. Moreover, the early descendants of African Grenadian have preserved their native tribal culture. Besides this, Music plays an integral part in the Grenadian culture including the soca and calypso genres .

The cuisine of Grenada is referred as Creole that is further enhanced by a number of condiments including nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. The national dish of this island is the ?Oildown' that includes variety of spices and salted meat. Other popular dishes include Lambi Roti and curried chicken.

Tourist Sites in Grenada:

Grenada offers a plethora of tourist sites, which include picturesque beaches like Morne Rouge, Levera Beach and Grand Anse Beach, historical relics and monuments like Mabuya Fisherman Museum and the Grenada National Museum. One can also explore the historical sites of Fort Royal or Fedon's Camp.

Other Grenada Tourist Sites are :

• Carriacou
• Concord Falls & Trail
• Grand Anse Bay
• Grand Etang National Park
• Lake Antoine
• Levera National Park
• Morne Rouge Bay
• Sauteurs - Caribs' Leap