An island nation, Grenada is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Called the Isle of Spice, Grenada is known for its spice industry. The country's nutmeg and mace long made it a popular stop for traders. After more than 300 years of European rule, Grenada gained its independence in 1974. The capital is St. George's. GeographyGrenada is an oval-shaped island at the eastern end of the Caribbean Sea. It lies about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Venezuela. Grenada is the southernmost of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles group. The Antilles are in turn part of a large group of islands known as the West Indies. In addition to the main island of Grenada, the country's territory includes the southern islands of the Grenadines, including Carriacou. (The northern Grenadines are part of the country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.) The southern Grenadines are small islands that lie just northwest of the island of Grenada. Including these small islands, Grenada has a land area of about 133 square miles (344 square kilometers). Mountains covered with rain forests run through the central region of the island of Grenada. Many short rivers, natural springs, and waterfalls cut through the central highlands. Narrow plains line the coasts of Grenada. The southern coast is indented with many beaches, bays, and natural harbors. Grenada was formed by volcanic activity. However, its volcanoes are no longer active. Lakes such as Grand Etang formed in the craters of the island's extinct volcanoes. Situated near the equator, Grenada has a tropical climate. The weather is warm year-round. Grenada has a severe rainy season from June to December. Hurricanes sometimes hit the island, causing great damage. Plants and animalsGrenada's lush, tropical vegetation grows year-round. The plants and trees include beautiful wild orchids, bamboo, teak, mahogany, saman (or rain tree), and blue mahoe (a tree noted for its strong fibers). Banana, lime, mango, and coconut trees are abundant. The central rain forests provide homes for a tremendous variety of birds and animals. The island's animals include mona monkeys, agoutis (rabbit-sized rodents), mongooses, iguanas, lizards, frogs, and land crabs. During the rainy season, parts of the island serve as nesting grounds for the rare leatherback turtle. People and cultureGrenada was originally inhabited by Arawak and then Carib Indians. Almost all of these Indians were killed by the European settlers who arrived in the 17th century. The Europeans brought over large numbers of slaves from Africa in the late 18th century. As a result, the great majority of the population of Grenada today is at least partly of black African origin. There are also small groups of South Asians, whose ancestors were brought over as laborers. A small number of Europeans remain on the islands as well. Cultural life in Grenada reflects a blend of European and African traditions. English is the official language of Grenada. In addition, a small number of people speak a local version of French. More than half of the population practices Roman Catholicism, which was brought to Grenada by French settlers. Most of the rest of the people are Protestant. More than 60 percent of the country's people live in rural areas. The major town is St. George's, the capital and chief port. It lies on Grenada's southwest coast. EconomyGrenada's economy depends heavily on tourism and exports of farm products and fish. Bananas, cacao, coconuts, mangoes, and limes are among the crops grown for export. The famous spice trade on Grenada is still a strong part of the economy. Nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cloves, and pimiento are produced for export. In addition to tourism, Grenada's main industries are food processing, cloth production, and construction. HistoryThe Arawak Indians were among the earliest settlers on the island of Grenada. In about the 7th century, the Carib Indians arrived and began killing off the Arawak. The Carib were a warlike group who took over much of the Caribbean. They remained dominant in Grenada until the middle of the 17th century. The explorer Christopher Columbus sailed past Grenada in 1498, during his third voyage to the Americas. British settlers tried to establish colonies on Grenada in 1609, but the fierce Carib forced them off the island. The colonial periodIn 1650 the French governor of the island of Martinique established a settlement on Grenada. French forces soon took over the island and killed virtually all the Carib. During the late 18th century, the British and French battled repeatedly for control over Grenada. Britain captured the island in 1762. The French conquered Grenada again in 1779, but the British took power back in 1783. First the French then the British brought large numbers of people from Africa to Grenada and forced them to work as slaves. The slaves worked on large farms called plantations that grew sugar and later spices. A series of bloody rebellions erupted against the British in the late 18th century. The slaves were finally freed in 1833. The island remained under British control from 1783 until 1967, when it became largely self-governing. In 1974 Britain granted full independence to Grenada. The new nation became part of the Commonwealth, an association of Britain and many of its former colonies. A government was set up under Prime Minister Eric Gairy. Post-independenceThe arrival of independence sparked a long struggle for control of Grenada. Gairy governed as a dictator with the aid of a ruthless secret-police force. Many people began to oppose his rule. In 1979 the New Jewel Movement overthrew Gairy's government. Grenada was then ruled by a Communist party called the People's Revolutionary Government (PRG). Maurice Bishop became prime minister. Relations between the new government and Western powers such as the United States became strained. However, Grenada grew closer to other Communist-led countries such as Cuba and the Soviet Union. Cuba helped Grenada build a large airport. Although Prime Minister Bishop was popular among the people, he was disliked by military extremists. The military seized control of the government and killed Bishop in 1983. A few days later, United States troops invaded Grenada and overthrew the Communist government. Democratic elections were held in Grenada in 1984. The new government tried to help the poor economy, but the country's financial problems continued. A series of reforms in the late 1990s brought a period of economic growth. Population (2001 estimate), 102,000. |