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Grenada: The Spice Isle

Grenada is an independent island nation in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean, located about 150 km north of the South American coast. In addition to the main island of Grenada, the nation also includes the nearby smaller islands of Carriacou, Petit Martinique, and several islets of the Grenadine Islands. Grenada is a volcanic, mountainous island with little level land. Numerous streams, springs, and mountain lakes are found on Grenada, and alluvial river valleys provide fertile soil for farming. The island is heavily wooded with teak and mahogany. Grenada's climate is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 23 degrees C and with rainfall ranging from 1,525 mm on the coast to 4,190 mm in the mountains.

About 85% of the population is of black African descent; the remainder is chiefly mulatto or of East Indian descent. English is the official language, but many Grenadians speak a French patois. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic. Popularly known as "The Spice Isle" because of an abundance of locally grown spices (especially nutmeg) and a culture of music, dance and food.

Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover Grenada, in 1498. The island was settled by the French in 1650; subsequently it was held alternately by English and French until 1783, when the island was ceded by treaty to Britain. Grenada remained a separate British colony until 1958 when it joined the Federation of the West Indies; in 1967, Grenada became one of the West Indies Associated States. Independence, within the Commonwealth, was achieved on 7 February 1974.

	Police Station, St. Georges	Main street, St. Georges	Fisherman, St. Georges	Brother and sister
	Gouyave street	House on west coast	Beach, Gouyave	Girl on the beach
	View to Gouyave	Gouyave	Beach near Pearls	Near Sauteurs

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