Grenada

Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 89,971 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Grenadian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Grenadian

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: English

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): None

Country Name (short form): Grenada

Name of Capital: Saint George's

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Grenada: Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, St. Vincent and Grenadines

Land Area: 344 sq km

Comparative Area: twice the size of Washington, DC

Coastline: 121 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

International Phone Code: -472

Currency Code: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Internet Country Code: .gd

US Embassy Location: Lance-aux-Epines Stretch, Saint George's

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's