Country Profile: Grenada
Grenada, a Caribbean island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, boasts a lush volcanic terrain and a tropical climate, conducive to agriculture and tourism. With a population of approximately 114,621 (2024 est.), the country is known for its majority African descent ethnic composition, predominantly speaking English. The economy is primarily service-based, heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture—especially spice exportation—and education, supported by a parliamentary democratic governance structure under a constitutional monarchy.
Geography
Grenada is situated in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago, with an area of 344 sq km that is completely land-based, featuring a coastline of 121 km. The terrain is volcanic, marked by central mountains, with the highest point being Mount Saint Catherine at 840 m. The island experiences a tropical climate and is vulnerable to natural hazards, including hurricanes and volcanic activity.
- Population Distribution: About one-third resides in the capital, St. George's.
- Natural Hazards: Located on the edge of the hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November.
- Major Natural Resources: Timber and tropical fruit.
- Agricultural Land: 23.5% of the land is used for agriculture (2023 est.).
People and Society
Grenada has a population composition primarily of African descent (82.4%), with a significant proportion of mixed ancestry (13.3%). The nation is officially English-speaking with a vibrant cultural mix, reflected in its various religious affiliations—most notably Protestant (49.2%) and Roman Catholic (36%). The median age is 35.9 years (2025 est.), indicating a relatively youthful demographic.
- Life Expectancy: 76.3 years (2024 est.).
- Urbanization Rate: 37.1% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
- Infant Mortality Rate: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.).
- Health Expenditure: 5.7% of GDP is allocated to health (2021).
Economy
Grenada's economy is heavily service-oriented, with tourism, construction, and education being pivotal sectors. The nation is noted for its spice exports, particularly nutmeg. Despite its smaller scale, Grenada is characterized by high public debt and an emerging focus on blue economy initiatives. The Real GDP (PPP) is estimated at $2.08 billion for 2024, with a projected growth rate of 3.7%.
- GDP per Capita: Estimated at $17,700 (2024).
- Current Account Balance: Estimated at -$270.771 million (2024).
- Poverty Rate: Approximately 25% of the population below the poverty line (2018).
- Export Partners: The USA accounts for 24% of exports.
Government
Grenada operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The government is a Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as the head of state, represented by a Governor General. The Prime Minister leads the government and is supported by a bicameral Parliament. The legal system is based on English common law, and citizenship can be acquired by birth or descent.
- Independence: Gained on February 7, 1974 from the UK.
- Administrative Divisions: Comprises 6 parishes and 1 dependency.
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
- Latest Election: The most recent elections were held on June 23, 2022.
Military and Security
Grenada maintains no regular military forces but relies on the Royal Grenada Police Force, which includes a Coast Guard and a paramilitary unit. The nation participates in the Caribbean Regional Security System established in 1985 for collective defense and security cooperation.
- Coast Guard: A crucial component of national security operations.
- Security System Membership: Joined the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) in 1985.
Energy
The energy sector is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for 98.2% of the installed generating capacity. Electricity access is relatively high, with 94.2% of the population electrified as of 2022.
- Installed Capacity: Approximately 60,000 kW (2023 est.).
- Electricity Consumption: 221.453 million kWh (2023 est.).
- Renewable Energy Contribution: Solar represents 1.7% of total capacity.
Environment
Grenada faces several environmental issues, including deforestation, coastal erosion, and pollution, exacerbated by inadequate waste management systems. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.
- Green Initiatives: Engaged in efforts to enhance its blue economy.
- Water Management: Total renewable water resources estimated at 200 million cubic meters (2022).
Transportation
Grenada has limited transportation infrastructure, with 2 airports and a small merchant marine fleet of 6 vessels. The main port is located in St. George’s, which serves as a critical hub for maritime activity.
- Civil Aircraft: Registered under the prefix J3.
- Total Ports: Grenada has 1 operational port.
Communications
The state has a developing communications sector with a substantial number of mobile cellular subscriptions and internet access reaching 74% of the population as of 2023.
- Fixed Telephone Subscribers: 17,000 (2022 est.).
- Mobile Phone Users: Approximately 112,000 (2022 est.).
- Broadband Subscriptions: 35,000 total (2022 est.).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,621 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 344 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $2.08 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 76.3 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 13 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Not provided | - |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 41.703 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Current Account Balance | -$270.771 million | 2024 estimate |
| Poverty Rate | 25% | 2018 estimate |
| Electric Capacity | 60,000 kW | 2023 estimate |
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