Caribbean, Windward Islands.

GMT - 4.

340 sq km (131 sq miles).

90,739 (2009).

266.9 per sq km.

St George’s. Population: 33,734 (2006).

Grenada is located in the Caribbean. The island is of volcanic origin and is divided by a central mountain range. It is the most southerly of the Windward Islands.

It's agriculture is based on nutmeg - one third of the world's nutmeg supply comes from Grenada - cocoa, sugar cane and bananas. Tropical rainforests, gorges and the stunning beauty of dormant volcanoes make this a fascinating and diverse landscape with some of the finest beaches in the world. Carriacou and some of the other small islands of the Grenadines are also part of Grenada.

Constitutional monarchy.

HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Carlyle Glean since 2008.

Prime Minister Tilman Thomas since July 2008.

Four political parties allied to form the New National Party (NNP) in 1983. The NNP won the general election in December 1984 and dominated Grenadian politics until the 2008 election, when the National Democratic Party (NDP) came to power on a vote for change. It continues the NNP tradition of close relations with the US, while also seeking economic assistance from other countries.

English. French African patois is also spoken by some of the population.

Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 14%, smaller Protestant denominations 33%.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-point plugs are standard.

Local culture reflects the island's history of British and French colonial rule and, of course, the African cultures imported with the slaves - African influence is especially noticeable on the island of Carriacou in the Big Drum and in Grenada with the Shango dance. The Roman Catholic Church also exerts a strong influence on the way of life. Local people are generally friendly and courteous. Dress is casual and informal but beachwear is not welcome in town.