Karl WP Beyer The island of Grenada and several surrounding islands form the Caribbean state of the same name. The 344 square meter state structure lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, about 200 kilometers from the coast of Venezuela.
Grenada - coastline
Grenada – the first impression
The islands were formed by volcanic activity. As a result, Grenada's coastline is rugged and the landscape is mountainous. The highest point is Mount Saint Catherine, at 840 meters above sea level. The climate of the evergreen and fertile island is tropically mild. In the dry season, which lasts from January to May, Grenada is very pleasant to live in.
Grenada - West Coast
Grenada - West Coast - Concord Falls
Grenada's History and Form of Government
Grenada, the southernmost of the Windward Islands, was discovered by Columbus in 1498 and named Concepción. Historically, Grenada was under both Spanish and French rule before it acquired its current status. However, in 1763 the archipelago was ceded to the United Kingdom. France later conquered the islands again. Grenada was finally annexed to Great Britain in 1783.
Grenada - St George's Inner Harbour
Politically, Grenada and the neighboring Grenadine islands are sovereign member states of the Commonwealth of Nations. The head of state is the current English monarch. He is represented locally by a Governor General, who appoints the elected heads of government.
The island state, including the neighboring region of Carriacou, is divided into seven administrative districts called "parishes". The capital is St. George's, located in the southwest of the island. Other well-known cities on Grenada are Grenville and Gouyave. According to official estimates from 2019, just over 112.000 people live in the state, of which almost 40.000 live in St. George's.
Grenada - St. George's
Grenada - St George's Inner Harbour
Grenada's economy
Grenada lives from tourism and the cultivation of spices - primarily nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Grenada was one of the world's main producers of nutmeg. It is therefore not surprising that nutmeg is part of the country's flag. However, Hurricane Ivan destroyed part of the nutmeg plantations in 2004. Until the nutmeg trees were recultivated, the agricultural industry subsequently switched to cocoa beans.
Grenada - Nutmegs
Grenada - cocoa fruits
For a while, the mini-state was on the EU Commission's "black" list of tax havens. However, this stigma no longer applies to the country.
The country is one of the poorer countries in the Caribbean region. According to World Bank estimates, the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 was approximately 1,3 billion US dollars. GDP per capita was 10.464 US dollars. The GDP growth rate improved by a remarkable 2023 percent in 4,8 compared to the previous year. Last but not least, the increasing cruise tourism is likely to have had a positive impact on the revenue situation.
Grenada - Street scene in Gouyave
Grenada – Destination of the cruise ships
Grenada is one of the established cruise destinations in the Antilles. 2025 ship days are expected in 187. Large cruise ships dock in St. George's at the Cruise Ship Terminal near the Esplanade Shopping Complex.
Grenada - Mein Schiff 3 at the Cruise Ship Terminal
Smaller ships dock at a pier in the Inner Harbour, depending on the number of ships. From both berths, passengers can take a direct route to the city centre of the picturesque island capital.
Grenada - Le Levant at the Inner Harbor Pier
Grenada - St. George's - Street scene
St. George's is ideal for exploring the city on your own. Organized city tours are of course available, as are tours along the west coast and into the hinterland.
We describe notable tourist destinations under Grenada – Sights.
Update November 2024
