THE ISLAND

Grenada is known as the "Isle of Spice” and is located in the south-eastern region of the Caribbean, 240 kilometres (149 miles) north of Venezuela. Grenada is a three island state which also includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The largest of the three being Grenada, which occupys 325 square kilometres (125 sq.miles )and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt islands in the Caribbean.

Its volcanic origin has produced a wide selection of tropical scenery ranging from mountainous rainforests, with a large variety of plant and animal life, to glorious waterfalls, hot springs and crater lakes.  The coastline is indented with an equal variety of stunning bays and beaches.

Historical delights include military forts with magnificent views of the picturesque harbour of St. George’s. Fascinating artefacts spanning the turbulent history of Grenada are housed in the Grenada National Museum.  To the north of the island lies the famous Leapers’ Hill, a 30m (98 ft) cliff, from which in 1651 the indigenous Carib Indians threw themselves rather than surrender to the French.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Area
Grenada is approximately 31 kilometres (19 miles) long by 11 kilometres (7 miles) wide and occupys approximately a total area of 325 square kilometres, (125 sq.miles).

Population & Language
Approximately 110,000 people live in Grenada with the offical language being English.

Climate
The temperature ranges between a very comfortable 24ºC (75 F) and 31ºC (88 F), with average temperatures in the upper mid 20º’s C .

Government
Grenada is a member of the British Commonwealth and the Governor General represents The Queen.  There is a 13 member Senate and a House of Representatives with a Speaker and the15 members each represents a constituency.

Currency
The currency is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, which is linked to the US dollar at a central rate of $2.7026 EC to $1.00 US.   All major credit cards are accepted by hotels, car rental companies and shops.

Airlines
A variety of international airlines offer regular flights both direct and indirect to Grenada.  These include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Monarch, Condor, Air Jamaica, Delta and American Airlines. On leaving the island you pay a Departure Tax, currenlty EC$ 50 per person.

Electricity
Voltage is 220volts, 50 cycles.  Appliances rated 110 volts can be used with a transformer which are provided by most hotels along with dual voltage shaver units.

Telecommunication

The area code for Grenada is 473 with international direct dialling. Internet readily available. Business hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 1 pm. 
  

Medical Facilities
There is the General Hospital in St. George’s, a smaller hospital in Mirabeau, St. Andrew's and a private clinic in St. Paul’s.  There are also several private doctors, most of whom can also make house calls.

ANNUAL EVENTS

January
Spice Island Billfish Tournament
La Source Grenada Sailing regatta.

February
Carriacou Carnival celebrations involving two days of street parades, masquerade bands, calypso and soca singers.

April
Grenada Round the Island Easter Regatta.

May

Annual Grenada Triathlon

June
Fisherman’s Birthday, celebrating the fishing communities around the island.

July
Carriacou Regatta Festival.

August
Rainbow City Festival - Festivities, held in Grenville.
The Grenada Carnival is a cultural extravanga held over several days with colorful costumed bands, calypso and steel band competitions and ends with a large street party.

September

Annual Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association Culinary Fiesta

October

Grenada Cricket Classic

November
TTSA Carriacou Sailing Series Annual Regatta.