Grenada is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of the island of Grenada itself and several smaller islands. The capital and largest city is St. George's, located on the island of Grenada.
Grenada is known as the "Spice Isle" due to its production of nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices. The island's lush, mountainous interior is dotted with spice plantations, while its beaches and turquoise waters draw tourists seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.
In addition to its natural beauty, Grenada is known for its vibrant culture, including its lively music, dance, and food scenes. The island's Creole cuisine blends African, European, and Caribbean influences, with dishes such as callaloo soup, fried plantains, and jerk chicken.
Tourist attractions in Grenada include Grand Anse Beach, one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, as well as the stunning Grand Etang National Park, where visitors can hike through rainforests and see exotic birds and monkeys. Other popular activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing.
Overall, Grenada is a beautiful, welcoming destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation for travelers seeking an authentic Caribbean experience.
Telephone Code
1-473
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 434; Fire: 112; Police: 911
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
Climate
Tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds
Currency (Code)
East Caribbean dollars (XCD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
English, French patois
Major Religions
Protestant 49.2%, Roman Catholic 36%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, Rastafarian 1.2%
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, traveler will need to present their US driver's license & IDP to local police to pay a special registration fee
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Grand Anse Beach; Saint George’s; Underwater Sculpture Park; Fort Frederick; Fort George; Grand Etang and Annandale Forest Reserves; Belmont Estate
Major Sports
Cricket, soccer
Cultural Practices
While it is normal to be late for social or personal meetings, Grenadians expect promptness for business.
Tipping Guidelines
Always examine the bill to see if a service charge has already been included. If not, leave 15% as a tip. Bellhops receive $1 (USD) per bag to carry luggage to your room. Taxi drivers generally receive a 10-15% tip on a fare or tour.
Souvenirs
Leather goods, handmade jewelry, rum, spices and homemade jams and jellies, straw goods, batik fabric items, natural beauty products
Traditional Cuisine
Oil down — a stew of breadfruit, salted meat, chicken, dumplings, callaloo (a vegetable), and other vegetables stewed in coconut milk, herbs, and spices; Pupusas - corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings including refried beans, cheese, and/or pork and then fried; traditionally served with salsa and cabbage
Geography
Area
total: 344 sq km
land: 344 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds
Natural resources
timber, tropical fruit
People and Society
Population
114,299 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups
African descent 82.4%, mixed 13.3%, East Indian 2.2%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.)
Languages
English (official), French patois
Religions
Protestant 49.2% (includes Pentecostal 17.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 13.2%, Anglican 8.5%, Baptist 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Evangelical 1.9%, Methodist 1.6%, other 1.2%), Roman Catholic 36%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, Rastafarian 1.2%, other 5.5%, none 5.7%, unspecified 1.3% (2011 est.)
Population growth rate
0.29% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
name: Saint George's
Economy
Economic overview
small OECS service-based economy; large tourism, construction, transportation, and education sectors; major spice exporter; shrinking but still high public debt; vulnerable to hurricanes; declining remittances
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.706 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$13,700 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
bananas, watermelons, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, tomatoes, plantains, coconuts, melons, cucumbers, cabbages
Industries
food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction, education, call-center operations
Exports
$393.766 million (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
United States 40%, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7%, Saint Lucia 7%, France 6%, Netherlands 5%, Germany 5%, Ireland 5%, Antigua and Barbuda 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities
fish, nutmeg, cocoa beans, fruits, wheat, toilet paper (2019)
Imports
$650 million (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
United States 35%, Canada 24%, China 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
aircraft, poultry meat, cars, refined petroleum, food preparation materials (2019)