Grenada Facts and Culture

What is Grenada famous for?

• Family: Grenadian families tend to be quite large, and couples usually have between two and six children. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins... More
• Fashion: Sloppy and casual is not the normal dress for residents of Grenada. They take great pride in their appearance. Red,... More
• Visiting: If someone says they will "pass by" that means they will come and visit you. More
• Recreation: Cricket, soccer (called football) and netball are the most popular sports. Children play a game called rounders, which is similar... More
• Cultural Attributes: Sharing food and drink are an important part of family life, and Grenadians try to have at least one meal... More
• Diet: Grenadian foods have been heavily influenced by East Indian, African and French cooking. The soil is very fertile in Grenada... More

What is the capital of Grenada?

Capital	Saint George's
Government Type	parliamentary democracy
Currency	XCD
Total Area	133 Square Miles 344 Square Kilometers
Location	Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Language	English (official), French patois
GDP - real growth rate	3.4%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$13,000.00 (USD)

What is the population of Grenada?

Ethnic Groups	black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5% , and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian
Nationality Adjective	Grenadian
Nationality Noun	Grenadian(s)
Population	113,094
Population Growth Rate	0.52%
Population in Major Urban Areas	SAINT GEORGE'S (capital) 41,000
Predominant Language	English (official), French patois
Urban Population	39.1%

What type of government does Grenada have?

• Executive Branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Cecile LA GRENADE (since 7 May... More
• Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal More
• Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years for persons from a non-Caribbean... More
• National Holiday: Independence Day, 7 February (1974) More
• Constitution: previous 1967; latest presented 19 December 1973, effective 7 February 1974, suspended 1979 following a revolution, but restored in 1983;... More
• Independence: 7 February 1974 (from the UK) More

What environmental issues does Grenada have?

• Overview: Grenada, volcanic in orgin, is referred to as the "Isle of Spice." The most southerly of the Windward Islands, it... More
• Climate: Grenada’s climate is sunny and tropical, averaging 80°F, with dry and rainy seasons. The dry season, January through May, is... More
• Environment - Current Issues: NA More
• Environment - International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed,... More
• Terrain: volcanic in origin with central mountains More

How big is the Grenada economy?

• Economic Overview: Grenada relies on tourism and revenue generated by St. George’s University - a private university offering degrees in medicine, veterinary... More
• Industries: food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction More
• Currency Name and Code: XCD More
• Export Partners: US 15.2%, Germany 13%, Bangladesh 10.9%, Netherlands 8.7%, Saint Lucia 6.5%, Antigua and Barbuda 4.3%, Dominica 4.3%, France 4.3%, Saint... More
• Import Partners: US 29.8%, Trinidad and Tobago 26.9%, UK 4.3% More

What current events are happening in Grenada?
Source: Google News

What unique things can you discover about Grenada?

• Before the 1850s most people on the island were employed as slaves on large estates. Many estates had hundreds of workers. Some of these estates have become tourist sites.
• By the time of the emancipation of slaves in 1834, the slave population was more than 24,000.
• Canada and Grenada both became British colonies in the same year, 1763.
• Governor Du Parquet of Martinique “purchased” Grenada from the Caribs in 1650. The payment was a few hatchets, some glass beads and a couple of bottles of alcohol.
• On Independence Day, there is a 24-kilometer relay race from St. Mark's to St. George's.
• Grenada is called the “Isle of Spice.” Nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon grow there.
• Julius Isaac, chief justice of the Federal Court of Canada, is of Grenadian heritage. Eddie Bullen is a Grenadian- born musician, arranger and composer who now lives in Canada.
• Marryshow College was named after Theophilus Albert Marryshow (1877-1958), a writer and statesman who is remembered as the “Father of the Caribbean Federation.”
• One of the world's most famous calypso artists, Slinger Francisco, known as The Mighty Sparrow, was born in Grenada. The Mighty Sparrow has performed in Toronto many times during Caribana.
• Patois is as common as English in Petit Martinique.
• People living in Carriacou and Petit Martinique have a distinct ethnic identity, which includes a strong French and Scottish heritage.
• Some Grenadians believe that the interpretation of dreams can provide a way to understand the world and people's actions. It is a way of expressing their spirituality.
• The Big Drum festival on Carriacou is celebrated with stick fighting, special foods and offerings made to the dead.
• The infant mortality rate is low and the average life expectancy for women is 74 years and for men, 69 years.
• The leatherback turtles come to Grenadian shores to lay their eggs in April, May and June. Turtle soup and turtle eggs are considered delicacies.
• The literacy rate in Grenada is high (97%). Literacy rate is measured by the number of people who are older than 15 years and who can read and write.
• The town of Sauteurs (“leapers” in French) is so named because it is believed that the last Carib warriors jumped to their death from a nearby cliff, rather than submit to the Europeans.
• There are no tall apartment blocks on the island because Grenada has a law that development may not rise above the height of a coconut palm.

What makes Grenada a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Grenada is a developing Caribbean island nation. The capital is St. George’s. Tourism facilities vary, according to price and area.

Crime

Crime in Grenada is mostly opportunistic. Tourists have been the victims of robbery, especially in isolated areas, and thieves frequently steal credit cards, jewelry, cameras, U.S. passports, and money. Muggings, purse snatchings, and other robberies may occur in areas near hotels, beaches and restaurants, particularly after dark. Travelers should endeavor to stay in well lit areas, and avoid walking alone whenever possible, and hotel rooms should remain locked at all times. Recently, the St. George’s main market square and the Grand Anse area known as Wall Street have experienced decreases in crime since the vendors have been working as a team and now have employed security in the area.

Visitors should exercise appropriate caution when walking after dark or when using the local bus system or taxis hired on the road. It is advisable to hire taxis to and from restaurants and to ask whether the driver is a member of the Grenada Taxi Association (GTA). Members of the GTA are required to pass additional driving tests and receive training from the Grenada Tourism Board. They are generally reliable and knowledgeable about the country and its attractions.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Grenada, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. If you break local laws in Grenada, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.



Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Persons violating Grenada laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Grenada are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Please note that a person can be prosecuted for using foul language in the presence of an officer of the law.

If you are arrested in Grenada, authorities of Grenada are required to notify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Medical care is limited. U.S. citizens requiringmedical treatment may contact the U.S Embassy in St. George’s for a list of local doctors, dentists, pharmacies and hospitals. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Ambulance service is available but response times vary greatly. Pharmacies are usually well stocked and prescription medicine is available. They periodically suffer shortages when deliveries from abroad are delayed, though most pharmacies will check with others in the area to see if they can get what is needed. Travelers are advised to bring with them sufficient prescription medicine for the length of their stay.

Grenada chlorinates its water, making it generally safe to drink. However, during especially heavy rains, quality control can slip, particularly in the city of St. George’s. It is recommended that visitors to Grenada request bottled water, which is widely available and relatively inexpensive.

Malaria is not found in Grenada, but there are low levels of dengue fever. The government periodically fogs public areas to reduce the mosquito population.

Safety and Security

Many parts of Grenada have no sidewalks and few streetlights, forcing pedestrians to walk in the road. Visitors should take care if walking along the road after dark and wear light, reflective clothing.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Grenada is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic moves on the left in Grenada; the majority of vehicles are right-hand drive. Grenada’s roads, paved and unpaved, are mostly narrow and winding, with many blind corners, narrow or no shoulders, and steep drops into the many ravines found on Grenada’s three islands. There are few sidewalks, and cars vie with pedestrians for road space. Road lighting varies on all three islands, which compounds the dangers at night. Road surfaces often deteriorate, especially during the rainy season (June–November) before maintenance work begins. Driving conditions in Grenada, including road conditions, increasing numbers of vehicles, and sometimes aggressive minibus drivers all require caution and reduced speed for safety. The Government of Grenada has a seat belt law; drivers and passengers found not wearing seat belts are subject to a fine of EC$1,000 (US$400).

Before you drive in Grenada, a local temporary driver’s license, based on a valid U.S. driver’s license and costing EC$30 (US$12), is highly recommended. In the event of an accident, not having a valid local driver’s license will result in a fine, regardless of who is at fault. Rental vehicle companies are available; most of them will assist in applying for temporary driver’s licenses. The adequacy of road signage varies, but is generally poor to nonexistent.