People and Society of Grenada

Nationality

Grenadian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5% , and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Population

125,438

Population in Major Urban Areas

SAINT GEORGE'S (capital) 41,000

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.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Grenada stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy hovers around 76 to 77 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 72 to 73 years. These figures place Grenada in a relatively favorable position compared to many other small island developing states in the Caribbean and globally. Over the past several decades, Grenada has made meaningful progress in extending the lifespan of its population. In the 1970s and 1980s, life expectancy was considerably lower, reflecting limited healthcare infrastructure and higher rates of preventable disease. Sustained investment in public health, improved access to medical services, and better maternal and child health programs have contributed significantly to these gains. The leading causes of death in Grenada are largely consistent with patterns seen across the Caribbean, with non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers representing the primary health burdens. These chronic conditions, often linked to diet, physical activity levels, and lifestyle factors, place pressure on the healthcare system and can affect healthy life expectancy even as overall longevity increases. Grenada's healthcare system includes the General Hospital in St. George's, which serves as the main referral facility, along with a network of health centers spread across the island's parishes. The government partners with regional bodies such as the Pan American Health Organization and the Caribbean Public Health Agency, and receives support from international health initiatives to strengthen health service delivery. The country's small population of roughly 125,000 people means that health statistics can fluctuate notably from year to year due to individual-level changes. Despite this, the long-term trend in life expectancy has been consistently positive. Continued focus on preventive care, lifestyle education, and management of chronic diseases will be critical to maintaining and further improving life expectancy outcomes for Grenadians in the coming decades.

Infant Mortality Rate

Grenada maintains a relatively low infant mortality rate compared to many other developing nations in the Caribbean and Latin America, reflecting the country's sustained investments in public health infrastructure and maternal and child care services. As of recent estimates, Grenada's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 9 to 10 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that represents significant improvement over previous decades. This progress is largely attributed to the expansion of prenatal and postnatal care services, trained birth attendance, childhood immunization programs, and improved access to clean water and sanitation. The majority of births in Grenada take place in medical facilities under the supervision of skilled healthcare professionals, which plays a critical role in reducing complications during and immediately after delivery. Grenada's healthcare system, while modest in scale given the country's small population of roughly 125,000, benefits from government-funded clinics distributed across the island's parishes, as well as the main referral hospital, the General Hospital in St. George's. These facilities provide essential neonatal care, vaccinations, and nutrition monitoring for newborns and young children. Common causes of infant mortality in Grenada align with regional patterns and include complications from prematurity, low birth weight, and congenital conditions. Respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases, while declining in prevalence due to better sanitation and healthcare access, continue to require ongoing public health attention. UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization have supported various child health initiatives in the Eastern Caribbean, including Grenada, aimed at reducing preventable infant deaths through community outreach, nutrition programs, and the strengthening of emergency obstetric care. While Grenada's infant mortality figures compare favorably within the region, health officials continue to work toward further reductions, recognizing that each preventable infant death represents both a human tragedy and an indicator of systemic gaps in healthcare delivery. Ongoing monitoring and international cooperation remain central to sustaining and improving these outcomes.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic53.0%
• other Protestant33.2%
• Anglican13.8%

English (official), French patois

• English
• French patois

Crime Information

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.