Grenada
Official Country Name
Grenada
Grenada Overview
Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.
Grenada Economy
Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign exchange, especially since the construction of an international airport in 1985. Strong performances in construction and manufacturing, together with the development of an offshore financial industry, have also contributed to growth in national output
Grenada Location
Grenada is located in Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Region
Grenada is located in Caribbean
Grenada Population
Grenada has population of 89,703 (July 2006 est.)
Grenada Climate
Grenada has tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds
Grenada Terrain
volcanic in origin with central mountains
Grenada Natural Resources
timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors
Ethnic Groups in Grenada
Grenada has the following ethnic groups - black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian
Grenada Religions
Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%
Grenada Languages
English (official), French patois
Grenada Capital
Grenada capital is Saint George's
Grenada Currency
Grenada currency is East Caribbean dollar
Map of Grenada
