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National Flag
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Airport
Point Salines International (GND) | Annual Rainfall
Coast 79 inches/mountains 164 inches | Area
133 sq miles | Area Code
473 | Banks
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm/Fri 8am-5pm
| Capital City
St George's | Co-ordinates
12N, 61 45'W | Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) | Departure Tax
EC$50 | Dimensions
21 miles long x 12 miles wide | Dress Code
Casual daytime, swimsuits on the beach, long sleeves in the mountains after dark | Driving
On the left, permit required, US$12 | Drugs
Illegal | Electricity
220V, 50 cycle | Exchange Rate
EC$2.67 - US$1.00 | Highest Point
Mount St. Catherine (2756 feet) | Language
English | Medical
Emergency phone - police 911, fire 911, ambulance 434, Coast Guard 399
| Nudity
Illegal | Population
106 000 | Public Transport
Minibuses, rates according to distance
| Shopping
Mon-Sat 8am-5pm
| Smoking
No prohibitive legislation | Taxis
Readily available, fixed rates
| Telecommunications
Prepaid phone cards, cellular phones, internet access | Temperature
Average 80F | Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time | Tipping
10% sometimes included
| Water
Potable, bottled available |
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History
The first European on Grenada was Christopher Columbus in 1498, and he named it Conception Island. At that time, the island was inhabited by the Kalinago Caribs who called it Camerhogue. Neither the English nor the Spanish were able to settle Grenada, but the French were successful around 1650. The French also succeeded in wiping out the native Caribs from the island. It was also the French who named the island La Grenade. Under the French, La Grenade prospered through a lucrative sugar trade. The natural harbour at the then capital, Fort Royal, proved invaluable to the French navy. La Grenade was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1763, and the island was made a Crown Colony in 1877. Grenada achieved independence in 1974. Grenada experienced a successful armed revolution in 1979 against the government. A US-led invasion in 1983, sanctioned by the Prime Ministers of several Caribbean nations, resulted in the reinstatement of democracy on the island.
Geography
The state of Grenada is made up of several islands, with Grenada being the largest and most densely populated. Other islands are Carriacou, Petit Martinique, Ronde Island, Caille Island, Diamond Island, Large Island, Saline Island and Frigate Island. The islands are of volcanic origin and enjoy very rich and fertile soil. Grenada is very mountainous, and has many small rivers, waterfalls and lush rainforest. Grenada is on the southern edge of the hurricane belt, and has suffered only three major hurricanes in the last fifty years.
Economy
Tourism is the main foreign exchange earner, but the island is also a leading producer of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, allspice, orange/citrus peels, wild coffee and especially nutmeg. Grenada is the second largest producer of nutmeg, accounting for 20% of the world's supply. Ecotourism is growing rapidly in importance. Education also plays a crucial role in the island's economy through the medical and veterinary school, St George's University.
Religion
Most residents are Christians, with about half being Roman Catholics. There are also a large number of Anglicans, followed by Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist. There is a small Muslim population and some Rastafarians.
Language
The official language is English, but Grenadian Creole is spoken by most locals. French Patois is also spoken by 10%-20% of the population.
Sport
As with many other islands in the Caribbean, cricket is the national and most popular sport and is tightly wound into the Grenadian culture. It is also a popular yacht chartering destination. Grenada is home to a unique underwater sculpture garden in Mollinere Bay on the west coast, an unusual dive site for scuba divers. There are 65 sculptures at depths of up to 25 m.
Entry Requirements
A valid passport and return ticket are required for all visitors. Residents of some countries require a visa. For visitors arriving by private boat, the yellow flag and the courtesy flag of Grenada must be displayed, and all documents must be presented to Customs & Immigration within two hours of arrival. Clearance is provided at the Grenada Yacht Club and Prickly Bay Marina in St George's, Grenada Marine in St David's Bay, Grenville in St Andrew, and at Hillsborough in Carriacou. The Osprey Ferry operates daily round-trip service between Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The journey from St George's to Carriacou takes approximately 90 minutes. Grenada's international airport provides easy access from North America, Europe and the Caribbean. |
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The Travel Shop It's open 24/7. Get the best deals on flights, hotels and cruises. But that's not all. Buy brand name luggage, shoes, watches and sporting equipment and clothing, surfing gear and swimsuits. It's all available in The Travel Shop. Rum Punch Probably the best known rum cocktail in the world. An easy way to remember the recipe: one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak! Check out more rum recipes here! Caribbean Wedding? What could be more romantic than a tropical wedding on a white sand beach fringed with palm trees? Find Wedding Requirements and Wedding Planners for each of the islands.
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