A compact reference on Grenada, assembled for anyone who needs the basic figures rather than a narrative.
Geography
| Location | Southeastern Caribbean, southern Windward Islands |
|---|---|
| Islands | Grenada, Carriacou, Petite Martinique, plus islets |
| Total area | Approximately 340 square kilometres |
| Highest point | Mount St Catherine, around 840 metres |
| Capital | St George's |
| Terrain | Volcanic, mountainous interior, coastal plains |
People
- Population — roughly one hundred and ten thousand
- Official language — English
- Widely spoken — Grenadian Creole English
- Religion — predominantly Christian, with Catholic and Anglican traditions strongest
- Largest settlement — the capital and its surrounding parishes
State and institutions
- Form of government — parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
- Head of state — the British monarch, represented locally by a Governor-General
- Head of government — the Prime Minister
- Legislature — bicameral, with an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate
- Legal system — based on English common law
- Independence — from the United Kingdom in 1974
Currency and economy
- Currency — the Eastern Caribbean dollar, shared across several OECS states
- Exchange arrangement — pegged to the United States dollar at a long-standing fixed rate
- Central bank — the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, serving the currency union
- Main sectors — tourism, education services, agriculture, construction
- Principal exports — nutmeg, mace, cocoa, fish
The currency peg is worth noting for anyone doing business here: it removes exchange rate uncertainty against the US dollar, which is unusual among small developing economies and a genuine stabilising factor.
International membership
Grenada participates in the Commonwealth, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the United Nations and the Organization of American States. It maintains a bilateral treaty relationship with the United States that is unusual for a Caribbean state and consequential for business.
Getting there
The main gateway is Maurice Bishop International Airport near the southwestern tip of the main island, with connections to North America, the United Kingdom and regional hubs. Carriacou has a small domestic airport, and a ferry service links the islands.
Frequently asked questions
What currency does Grenada use?
The Eastern Caribbean dollar, shared across several OECS states and pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate.
Who is the head of state?
The British monarch, represented locally by a Governor-General; the Prime Minister is head of government.
When did Grenada become independent?
In 1974, from the United Kingdom.
Which legal system applies?
One based on English common law, a legacy of the colonial period.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- The islands of Grenada: Carriacou and Petite Martinique
- How Grenada is governed today
- Country Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this relate to the Grenada guide?
The article links the Grenada guide to overview.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
