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Location
Caribbean, Windward Islands.
Time
GMT - 4.
Area
344.5 sq km (133 sq miles).
Population
89,211 (2002 estimate).
Population Density
266.7 per sq km.
Capital
St George’s. Population: 33,000 (UN estimate 2003).
Geography
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. Agriculture is based on nutmeg, 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.
Government
Constitutional monarchy.
Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir Daniel Williams since 1996.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keith Mitchell since 1995.
Recent History
Four existing political parties allied to form the New National Party (NNP) in 1983, under the leadership of the veteran politician Herbert Blaize. At the general election in December 1984, the NNP won handsomely. The NNP has dominated Grenadian politics ever since, and won the most recent election in November 2003, when it swept the board for the House of Representatives. Party leader Keith Mitchell is now into his third term as prime minister.
Mitchell’s government continues the NNP tradition of very close relations with the USA, although a sharp drop in financial support led Mitchell, along with other East Caribbean leaders, to seek economic assistance elsewhere. The Organisation of East Caribbean States plays an important part in Grenada’s foreign policy. A proposed political union comprising the member of the organisation has aroused fierce opposition because of historic inter-island rivalries, although its supporters (who include the Mitchell government) feel it essential to the future prosperity and security of the region.
Mitchell’s government continues the NNP tradition of very close relations with the USA, although a sharp drop in financial support led Mitchell, along with other East Caribbean leaders, to seek economic assistance elsewhere. The Organisation of East Caribbean States plays an important part in Grenada’s foreign policy. A proposed political union comprising the member of the organisation has aroused fierce opposition because of historic inter-island rivalries, although its supporters (who include the Mitchell government) feel it essential to the future prosperity and security of the region.
Language
English. French African patois is also spoken by some of the population.
Religion
Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 14%, as well as other smaller Protestant denominations, 33%.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Social Conventions
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.