Country Profile: Grenada

Grenada is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, situated north of Trinidad and Tobago. With a population of approximately 114,621 as of 2024, the country boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by its historical ties to both France and Britain. Its economy is primarily service-based, relying heavily on tourism, agriculture, and construction, while it faces challenges such as high public debt and vulnerability to natural disasters. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, Grenada has maintained a stable political environment since gaining independence in 1974.

Geography

Grenada is an island nation in the Caribbean, notable for its volcanic terrain and tropical climate, influenced by northeast trade winds. The island covers an area of 344 square kilometers and features a diverse landscape characterized by mountains, forests, and coastal areas. Its highest point, Mount Saint Catherine, reaches 840 meters above sea level. The country has no land boundaries with other nations and is surrounded by a coastline that extends 121 kilometers.

344 sq km - total area
840 m - highest point (Mount Saint Catherine)
121 km - total coastline length
12 nm - territorial sea limit
200 nm - exclusive economic zone

People and Society

As of 2024, Grenada's population stands at around 114,621, with a demographic composed predominantly of individuals of African descent. The official language is English, supplemented by French patois, reflecting the nation's colonial history. The society is largely Christian, with a significant portion identifying as Protestant or Roman Catholic. The nation has a median age of 35.9 years, and its population is predominantly urban, with about 37.1% living in urban areas.

82.4% - population of African descent
1.03 - sex ratio (males to females)
21.9% - population aged 0-14 years
13 births - birth rate per 1,000 population (2025)
76.3 years - life expectancy at birth (2024)

Economy

Grenada's economy is small and primarily service-oriented, with tourism, construction, and agriculture as key sectors. The nation is known for its spice exports, particularly nutmeg. Despite a growing economy, public debt remains a challenge, influenced by the nation's susceptibility to hurricanes. The real GDP is projected to be $2.08 billion in 2024, with a real GDP per capita of $17,700.

$2.08 billion - projected real GDP (2024)
3.7% - real GDP growth rate (2024)
65.2% - services sector contribution to GDP (2024)
25% - population below the poverty line (2018)
5% - remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024)

Government

Grenada operates as a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The government is characterized by a legal system based on the British model, with King Charles III as the head of state represented locally by a Governor-General. The Parliament consists of two chambers, and citizens can vote at 18 years of age. The political landscape is defined by two major parties: the National Democratic Congress and the New National Party.

1974 - gained independence from the UK
18 years - voting age
31.3% - percentage of women in the House of Representatives
6/23/2022 - date of the most recent election for the House of Representatives

Military and Security

Grenada does not maintain regular military forces but relies on the Royal Grenada Police Force, which includes a Coast Guard and a paramilitary unit. The country joined the Caribbean Regional Security System in 1985, enabling cooperative security measures with neighboring nations. This framework aims to address national emergencies and enhance regional security efforts.

1985 - joined the Caribbean Regional Security System
No regular military - relies on police force for security

Energy

Approximately 94.2% of Grenada's population has access to electricity, with an installed generating capacity of 60,000 kW. The energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, which account for 98.2% of electricity generation. The country is gradually exploring renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.

94.2% - total electricity access (2022)
221.453 million kWh - total electricity consumption (2023)
60,000 kW - electricity generating capacity (2023)

Transportation

Grenada features two airports and a small merchant marine comprising six vessels, focusing mainly on general cargo. Transportation infrastructure is essential for supporting tourism and trade, with the primary port located in St. George's, the capital city.

2 - total airports (2025)
6 - merchant vessels (2023)
1 - main port (St. George's)

Communications

Grenada has a relatively developed communication infrastructure, with a high percentage of internet users and multiple broadcasting options. As of 2023, around 74% of the population uses the internet, supported by both government and private media outlets.

74% - internet user rate (2023)
112,000 - mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
35,000 - fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	114,621	Estimate for 2024
Area	344 sq km	Total land area
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)	$2.08 billion	Estimate for 2024
Electricity Access	94.2%	Total population with access
Birth Rate	13 births/1,000	Estimate for 2025
Life Expectancy	76.3 years	Estimate for 2024
Public Debt	82% of GDP	Estimate from 2016
Urban Population	37.1%	Total urbanized population (2023)
Total Employment Rate	25%	Population below the poverty line (2018)
Installed Generating Capacity	60,000 kW	Electricity generation capacity (2023)