Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique
The nation of Grenada, measuring 344 km2, is composed of three key islands: Grenada and its sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Each is beautiful and rich in culture, historic sites, fresh culinary delights, and much more. Carriacou is only a 90-minute boat ride from St. George’s, the nation’s capital city which is located on the southwest Coast of the island. St. George’s is the seat of government and the main commercial centre.
Known as the ‘Isle of Spice,’ Grenada is one of the most magnificent islands in the West Indies. Unspoiled and exotic, it astounds visitors with its wildly jagged mountain peaks, hidden coves, spice plantations, and lush verdant rainforests. Its beaches are idyllic, with white or golden sand, palm trees, and the delicate aroma of the island’s native spices.
Grenada’s proximity to the Equator ensures a year-round tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 23 and 28 °C. Its cooling trade winds offer very comfortable conditions. In addition to its scenery, Grenada offers culture, fun, and friendliness typical of the authentic Caribbean life – making Grenada the perfect place in which to live, work and play.
Grenada was traditionally inhabited by Carib Indians who migrated from the South American mainland. The island was originally known as Camerhougue, but Christopher Columbus renamed it ‘Concepción Island’ when he visited it in 1498. Successive Spanish sailors found it to be so evocative of Andalucía’s green mountain scenery that they named it after the city of Granada.
Grenada’s population is highly educated and has a very high literacy rate. St George’s University hosts over 6,000 students from over 140 countries, offers faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Science, and has been operating for over forty years.
Grenada’s Political Profile
Grenada was a French and British colony, but gained independence from the United Kingdom on February 7, 1974 and is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. The islands still retain traces of European influence in their culture, architecture and place names. His Majesty, King Charles III is the Head of State and is represented locally by the Governor General, who is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. Grenada has a West Minister Style Parliamentary form of Government. The Parliament which exercises legislative power consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Executive power lies with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. General Elections are held every five (5) years.
For more information please see the official Government of Grenada website.
Geography and Climate
The nation of Grenada, measuring 344 km2, is composed of three key islands: Grenada and its sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Each is beautiful and rich in culture, historic sites, fresh culinary delights, and much more. Carriacou is only a 90-minute boat ride from St. George’s, the nation’s capital city.
Grenada’s proximity to the Equator ensures a year-round tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 23 and 28 °C. Its cooling trade winds offer very comfortable conditions.
History and Culture
Grenada was traditionally inhabited by Carib Indians who migrated from the South American mainland. The island was originally known as Camerhougue, but Christopher Columbus renamed it ‘Concepción Island’ when he visited it in 1498. Successive Spanish sailors found it to be so evocative of Andalucía’s green mountain scenery that they named it after the city of Granada.
Grenada was a French and British colony, but gained independence from the United Kingdom on February 7, 1974.
Grenada’s population is highly educated and has a very high literacy rate. St George’s University hosts 6,000 students from over 140 countries, offers faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Science, and has been operating for thirty-five years. In addition, a full medical teaching hospital will be developed in the near future.
Large-scale tourism is a recent phenomenon, and Grenada is largely undiscovered, unspoilt and full of opportunity.
More About Grenada:
Related Sites:
Laws of Grenada
Office of the Governor General
Government of Grenada
Grenada Customs Authority
Grenada Tourism Authority
Grenada Cultural Foundation
Grenada Museum
Grenada Electoral Office
