GRENADA

Country Facts
Area: 340 sq km; (133 sq miles)
Population: 106,500 (207 EIU est.)
Capital City: St George's (population: 33,734)
People: Grenada's population is mainly of African descent. A few East Indians
and a small community of the descendants of early European settlers reside
in Grenada. About 50% of Grenada's population is under the age of 30. The
official language is English with a few people speaking French patois. A more
significant reminder of Grenada's historical link with France is the strength of
the Roman Catholic Church, to which about 50% of Grenadians belong. The
Anglican Church is the largest Protestant denomination.
Religions: Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) which is pegged at XCD 2.70 to
US$1.00
Official Name Grenada 

 Population 94,000 

 Capital City St. George's (4,500) 

 Languages English (official), French patois 

 Flag

FLAG: The national flag consists of a red border surrounding a rectangle divided into two gold and two
green triangles. There are seven yellow stars—three on the upper and three on the lower red border, and
one large star at the apex of the four triangles—representing the six parishes and the island of Carriacou.
A yellow nutmeg is represented on the hoist triangle.

National sport CRICKET

National Hero Sir Eric Matthew Gairy

Exports

The country's principal export crops are the spices nutmeg and mace (Grenada is the world’s second
largest producer of nutmeg after Indonesia). Other crops for export include cocoa, citrus fruits, bananas,
cloves, and cinnamon

 Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar 

  Religions Catholic, Anglican, others 

 Land Area 133 sq miles (345 sq km) 

 Latitude/Longitude 12� 06N, 61� 74W 

 Highest Point Mt. St. Catherine, 2,756 ft. (840m) 

2 big changes

On September 22, 1955, Hurricane Janet hit Grenada and 500 people were killed and 75% of the nutmeg
trees of Grenada were destroyed. British and the islanders developed the concept of "associated
statehood". Under the Associated Statehood Act in 1967 Grenada was granted full autonomy over its
internal affairs and was gained partial independence from Britain on the 3rd of March of that year. Full
independence was granted on February 7, 1974.

Revolution and US invasion

On March 13, 1979

After the invasion, United States gave $48.4 million in economic assistance to Grenada in 1984.

The country took an even more serious blow in 2004 when Hurricane Ivan swept through, killing dozens
of people, damaging 90% of the island's buildings, and devastating the nutmeg crop. After the extent of
destruction by Hurricane Ivan was assessed in 2004
5 facts about the country

The highest point in Grenada is the top of ‘Mount Saint Catherine’ that sits at an altitude of 840 meters (2755 feet).

The oldest record of the history of Grenada dates back to 1498, the year Columbus discovered the islands. It was he
who named the islands 'Concepcion. The name 'Concepcion' was changed by the sailors of his fleet, to 'Granada'
after they fell in love with the beauty of the place.

Lake Antoine, Grand Etang Lake and Levera Pond all formed in craters of extinct volcanoes.

The English named St. George's after the British king, George III. 

Grenada is also known as the Spice Islands as it is an important world supplier of nutmeg, mace and other
spices.
ARMED FORCES
The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), numbering 650 members, provides internal defense in
Grenada. A special service unit of 80 and a 30-member coast guard is included in this security force. The
US Army and Coast Guard provide training and support to Grenada

Salim F Rahaman
Spice Isle Retreaders