Grenada Geography
What is the terrain and geography like in Grenada?
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.
Geography - note
the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada
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.
Grenada Use of Natural Resources
Grenada Environment
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.
Terrain:
volcanic in origin with central mountains
Natural Resources:
timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors
Natural Hazards:
lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November
Irrigated Land:
1 Square Miles2 Square Kilometers
Environmental Issues:
NA
Environment - International Agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whalingsigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Grenada Geography
| Geographic Location | The Caribbean |
| Total Area |
133 Square Miles 344 Square Kilometers |
| Land Area |
133 Square Miles 344 Square Kilometers |
| Irrigated Land |
1 Square Miles 2 Square Kilometers |
| Coastline |
75 Miles 121 Kilometers |
| Geographic Coordinates | 12 07 N, 61 40 W |
| Terrain | volcanic in origin with central mountains |
| Highest Point | 840 Meters |
| Highest Point Location | Mount Saint Catherine 840 m |
| Lowest Point Location | Caribbean Sea 0 m |
| Natural Resources | timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors |
| Time Zone | UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |