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Also known as: |
The
Spice Isle
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Motto: |
Ever Conscious of God We Aspire, and
Advance as One People
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Location: |
The most southerly of the Windward Islands,
135 km (83.8 miles) north of Trinidad and
Tobago
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History: |
Columbus landed on the island in 1498, but
the French first settled on the island in
1650. It was alternately ruled by the French
and British until 1783 when, under the
Treaty of Versailles, the island was ceded
to the British. It was joined to the
Windward Islands in 1833, and was a part of
the West Indies Federation during the period
1958-62. It gained independence on 7
February 1974. The Maurice Bishop
Government which came to power in 1979 was
toppled by an internal coup in 1983, and an
interim government prepared the way for the
1984 elections.
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Elections: |
Last elections were held in 2008. Next
elections due in 2013.
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Ruling Party: |
National Democratic Congress (NDC)
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Major Political Parties: |
National Democratic Congress (NDC), New
National Party (NNP), Grenada United Labour
Party (GULP)
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Economic Summary: |
As a result of
the widespread destruction of various sectors of
Hurricane Ivan, economic activity declined by
3.2 per cent in 2004, in contrast to the 4.7
per cent growth projected in the middle of the
year. The only sectors which demonstrated some
level of buoyancy in the post-Ivan period were
Construction (7.6 per cent growth); Mining and
Quarrying (10.2 growth) and the Cruise tourism
sub-sector which registered a whopping 54.5 per
cent increase in passenger arrivals.
Unemployment, which registered 13 per cent in
the pre-Ivan period, increased sharply
immediately after Ivan as many persons lost
their jobs. Recent efforts to rebuild homes and
revitalise the agricultural sector have helped
many displaced persons find employment.
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Head of State: |
H.E.Sir Daniel Williams, GCMG, QC, Governor
General
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Head of Government: |
Hon. Tillman Thomas
Prime Minister
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Airport: |
Point Salines International
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Status: |
Independent - 7 February 1974
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Capital: |
St. George's
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Area: |
345 km2 (133 miles2)
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Population: |
104,490 (2004)
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Currency: |
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
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GDP: |
EC$1,180.1 Mn (2004)
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GDP per capita (at Current market
prices):
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EC$11,294 (2004)
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Total Exports: |
EC$108.5 Mn (2003)
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Total Imports: |
EC$684.7 Mn (2003)
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Intra-Regional Exports: |
EC$28.3 Mn (2003)
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Intra-Regional Imports: |
EC$163.3 Mn(2003)
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Business Hours: |
General:
08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00 hrs Monday to
Thursday. 08:00-12:00. 13:00-17:00 hrs Friday.
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National Holidays: |
New Year's
Day (01 January); Independence Day (07
February); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour
Day (01 May); Whit Monday; Corpus Christi (as
decreed); Emancipation Day (First Monday in
August); Carnival (Second Monday and Tuesday in
August); Thanksgiving Day (25 October);
Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26
December)
Holidays that fall on Sunday are observed on the
Monday following.
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Date of CARICOM Membership:
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1 May 1974 |
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National Anthem: |
Hail! Grenada
land of ours
We pledge ourselves to thee
Heads, hearts and hands in unity.
To reach our destiny
Ever conscious of God,
Being proud of our heritage
May we with faith and courage
Aspire, build, advance
As one people, one family
God Bless our Nation.
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Highest National
Award: |
Grenada does not have a system
of national awards. Instead, the achievement of
citizens in various areas of national
development is recognised each year in a grand
awards ceremony held to coincide with
Independence Day.
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Favourite Dish: |
Oil Down
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Government website: |
http://www.gov.gd |
