Grenada

I

Introduction

Grenada, independent state in the Caribbean, comprising the island of Grenada and, to the north-east, some of the southern Grenadines. Grenada, in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea, is the southernmost of the Windward Islands. The most important of the attached Grenadines are Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The country has a total area of 344 sq km (133 sq mi); Grenada Island has an area of 311 sq km (120 sq mi). The total population of Grenada is 90,303 (2008 estimate). The population density is about 263 people per sq km (680 per sq mi). About 43 per cent of the population is urban. The capital, largest town, and principal port (located on the south-western coast of Grenada Island) is St George’s, with a population of 33,000 (2003 estimate).

II

Land and Resources

Grenada is of volcanic origin and is mountainous. The highest peak is Mount St Catherine (838 m/2,749 ft). The valleys between the mountains are picturesque and fertile, and many contain swift-flowing streams. The island also has hot springs, several mountain lakes, and excellent beaches. The climate is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 27.8° C (82° F) along the coast. Annual rainfall is 1,524 mm (60 in) on the coast; the rainy season lasts from June to December. Forests in the interior contain teak and mahogany trees and are now included within an ecological protection zone.

III

Environmental Concerns

There has been some clearing of Grenada’s forests for agricultural land, and expanding banana and nutmeg plantations are likely to increase the pressure on forests, with consequent problems of soil erosion, contamination of rivers, and the risk of widening cycles of drought and flooding. As a result of oil tanker spills and overfishing, degradation of the coastal ecosystem is occurring. However, 6 per cent of the land is in protected areas, and the country is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity. In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan devastated the islands and a national disaster was declared. Modern-day concerns centre on the deleterious effects of the expanding tourism sector.

IV

Population

About 85 per cent of the population of Grenada is black, about 11 per cent mixed, and 3 per cent Asian. Just over half the inhabitants are Roman Catholics and about 38 per cent Protestant. English is the official language, spoken mainly as a second language rather than a mother tongue. More widely spoken is Windward Caribbean Creole English, an English-based creole used by most of the population. Lesser Antillean Creole French is also spoken (though not as widely), mainly by older people on the northern Grenada island. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. In 1992, Grenada had a literacy rate of 85 per cent.