Grenada Facts and Culture

What is Grenada famous for?

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

What is the capital of Grenada?

Capital	Saint George's
Government Type	Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Currency	East Caribbean Dollar (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 Noun	Grenadian(s)
Population	113,094
Population Growth Rate	0.52%
Population in Major Urban Areas	SAINT GEORGE'S (capital) 41,000
Urban Population	39.100000

What type of government does Grenada have?

Executive Branch	Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Cecile LA GRENADE (since 7 May 2013) Previous Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dickon MITCHELL (since 24 June 2022) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister Elections/Appointments: The monarchy is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general
Suffrage	18 years of age; universal
Citizenship	Citizenship by birth: Yes Citizenship by descent only: Yes Dual citizenship recognized: Yes Residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years for persons from a non-Caribbean state and 4 years for a person from a Caribbean state
National Holiday	Independence Day, 7 February (1974)
Constitution	History: Previous 1967; latest presented 19 December 1973, effective 7 February 1974, suspended 1979 following a revolution but restored in 1983 Amendments: Proposed by either house of Parliament; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by the membership in both houses and assent of the governor-general; passage of amendments to constitutional sections, such as personal rights and freedoms, the structure, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, the delimitation of electoral constituencies, or the procedure for amending the constitution, also requires two-thirds majority approval in a referendum; amended 1991, 1992
Independence	7 February 1974 (from the UK)

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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 is situated between 12°N and 61°W, 90 miles north of Trinidad and southwest of Barbados. It is roughly oval shaped, 21 miles long, and about 12 miles wide. The three-island nation includes Carriacou, largest island in the Grenadine chain, and neighboring Petit (pronounced "Petty") Martinique. Grenada comprises 133 square miles of rugged, mountainous terrain, with lush tropical rain forest and little lowland. Its central mountains rise about 2,000 feet above sea level. More spices per square mile are grown here than in any other place in the world. The clear, clean air is sometimes fragrant with their aroma. Carriacou has an area of 13 square miles and has similar geographical characteristics but lower elevations (nearly 1,000 feet). Petit Martinique, with a population of 700, has no tourist facilities but is famous for boat building.
Climate	Grenada’s climate is sunny and tropical, averaging 80°F, with dry and rainy seasons. The dry season, January through May, is more comfortable; with cooling trade winds and occasional showers. The rainy season, June through December, has a more humid climate and moderate-to-heavy rainfall, which varies considerably each year. Temperatures drop in the evening, making it pleasantly cool. Sunrise is at 6:30 am and dusk varies between 6 and 6:30 pm, according to the time of year. The wet season is characterized by heavy rains, high wind, and hurricanes, but the last hurricane to actually hit Grenada was Hurricane Janet in 1955.
Environment - Current Issues	NA
Environment - International Agreements	Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Terrain	Volcanic in origin with central mountains

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 medicine, public health, the health sciences, nursing, arts and sciences, and business - as its main source of foreign exchange. In the past two years the country expanded its sources of revenue, including from selling passports under its citizenship by investment program. These projects produced a resurgence in the construction and manufacturing sectors of the economy. In 2017, Grenada experienced its fifth consecutive year of growth and the government successfully marked the completion of its five-year structural adjustment program that included among other things austerity measures, increased tax revenue and debt restructuring. Public debt-to-GDP was reduced from 100% of GDP in 2013 to 71.8% in 2017.
Industries	Food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction
Currency Name and Code	East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
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 Kitts and Nevis 4.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.3%, UK 4.3%
Import Partners	US 29.8%, Trinidad and Tobago 26.9%, UK 4.3%

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

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.