Grenada

Grenada

Pronunciation

Grenada is pronounced as /ɡrɪˈneɪdə/ (gri-NAY-da). [1]

Location

Grenada is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Lesser Antilles and lies to the south of the main Caribbean islands. The country is situated at the southern end of the Windward Islands, between the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

· Coordinates:

• Lat / Lon 12.11587°N, 61.68823°W

· Nearby Islands: Grenada is located to the south of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and to the north of Trinidad and Tobago.

Territories

Grenada has several smaller islands that are considered part of its territory. The major territories of Grenada include:

1. Grenada (Main Island): The largest and most populous island, home to the capital, St. George's.

2. Carriacou: The largest of the smaller islands, located to the northeast of Grenada, known for its beautiful beaches and traditional culture.

3. Petit Martinique: A small island located southeast of Carriacou, known for its fishing community and calm lifestyle.

Population

As of the most recent estimates, Grenada has a population of approximately 114,621 people.

Size

The total land area of Grenada is about 344 square kilometers (133 square miles)

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Economy

Grenada's economy is mainly driven by agriculture, services, and tourism. The country benefits from a variety of natural resources and has a relatively stable economy within the Caribbean region.

· Agriculture: Grenada is known as the "Island of Spice" due to its large production of nutmeg, which is one of its main exports. Other agricultural products include cocoa, bananas, and citrus fruits.

· Tourism: Tourism is a key component of Grenada's economy, with visitors attracted by the island's beautiful beaches, clear waters, and historical sites. The tourism sector contributes significantly to employment and foreign exchange.

· Services: The services sector, including financial services and retail, also plays an important role in the island's economy.

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Government

Grenada is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, and the British monarch is the head of state, represented by a Governor-General in Grenada.

· Head of State: The monarch, currently King Charles III, is represented by the Governor-General of Grenada.

· Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds executive power. As of 2024, the Prime Minister is Dickon Mitchell.

· Legislature: Grenada has a bicameral parliament, consisting of the Senate (appointed members) and the House of Representatives (elected members).

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Culture

Grenadian culture is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences, shaped by the country's colonial history, slavery, and independence. Some of the key cultural elements include:

· Music and Dance: Grenada has a rich musical heritage, particularly in Calypso, Soca, and Steelpan music. The island hosts several festivals, including Carnival, which is celebrated in August and features vibrant parades, costumes, and music.

· Cuisine: Grenadian cuisine features a combination of fresh seafood, local fruits, and spices. Traditional dishes include oil down (a stew made with salted meat, breadfruit, and vegetables), bake and shark, and rum-based drinks.

· Language: The official language is English, though Grenadians also speak Grenadian Creole, a French-based Creole language.

· Festivals: Aside from Carnival, Grenada celebrates Spice Mas, a festival showcasing the country's agricultural wealth, especially its nutmeg and spice industries.