Country Profile: Grenada

Grenada, a small island nation located in the Caribbean, is known for its volcanic terrain and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 114,621, the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and education. Grenada operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, having gained independence from Britain in 1974. Despite facing challenges such as public debt and vulnerability to natural disasters, the nation continues to thrive through sectors like spice exportation and emerging blue economy initiatives.

Geography

Grenada is situated in the Caribbean, positioned between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, just north of Trinidad and Tobago. The island has a total area of 344 square kilometers, characterized by volcanic mountains, with its highest point being Mount Saint Catherine at 840 meters. Grenada boasts a total coastline of 121 kilometers and enjoys a tropical climate influenced by northeast trade winds. The landscape includes diverse natural resources such as timber and tropical fruit, although it is susceptible to hurricanes and volcanic activity.

344 sq km: Total land area.
121 km: Total coastline.
840 m: Highest point (Mount Saint Catherine).
12 nm: Territorial sea limits.
52.1%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2022).

People and Society

As of 2024, Grenada's population is estimated to be 114,621, with a notable demographic of 82.4% identifying as of African descent. The official language is English, with French patois also spoken, reflecting the island's colonial history. The predominant religion is Protestantism, with approximately 49.2% of the population identifying as such. Grenada's society is youthful, with a median age of 35.4 years, and about 37.1% of the population living in urban areas.

21.9%: Population aged 0-14 years.
1.03: Sex ratio (males per female).
76.3 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
13.3: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2024).
5.7%: Population living below the poverty line (2018).

Economy

Grenada's economy is primarily service-based, driven by tourism, construction, and agricultural exports, particularly nutmeg. The Real GDP, expressed in purchasing power parity, is projected to reach $2.08 billion in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 3.7%. Despite facing economic challenges, including a public debt burden, Grenada has maintained a Gini index of 43.8, indicating moderate income inequality.

$2.08 billion: Real GDP (2024 est.).
2.7%: Agriculture's share of GDP (2024 est.).
65.2%: Services contribution to GDP (2024 est.).
25%: Population below the poverty line (2018).
5% of GDP: Remittances (2024 est.).

Government

Grenada is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth realm, with a governor-general representing the British monarch. The nation is composed of 6 parishes and 1 dependency, governed by a bicameral Parliament. The most recent election for the House of Representatives occurred on June 23, 2022, reflecting Grenada's commitment to democratic governance since gaining independence in 1974.

18: Minimum voting age.
15: Total seats in the House of Representatives.
9: Seats held by the National Democratic Congress (2022).
5 years: Term length for parliament members.
7 February 1974: Independence Day.

Military and Security

Grenada does not maintain a regular military force; instead, the Royal Grenada Police Force oversees national security, including a Coast Guard and a specialized unit. The country has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System since 1985, collaborating with neighboring nations on security and emergency preparedness.

1: Coast Guard as part of the Royal Grenada Police Force.
1985: Year Grenada joined the Caribbean Regional Security System.

Energy

Approximately 94.2% of Grenada's population has electricity access. The country's energy production is largely dependent on fossil fuels, accounting for 98.2% of installed capacity. The total electricity consumption was 221.453 million kWh in 2023, indicating the growth and demand for energy resources in the region.

94.2%: Electrification rate (2022 est.).
60,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023).
2,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).

Environment

Grenada faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, coastal erosion, and inadequate waste management. The island's tropical climate supports diverse ecosystems, yet it is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly hurricanes. Grenada is party to numerous international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

15.1%: Percent of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
348,000 metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure of Grenada comprises 2 airports and a small merchant marine fleet. St. George's is the primary port, facilitating trade and transportation for the island. The country relies on coastal and air travel for movement due to its insular geography.

2: Number of airports (2025).
6: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
1: Major port in St. George's.

Communications

Grenada boasts a fairly developed communication network, with 74% of the population utilizing the internet as of 2023. The country has a mix of public and private media outlets, offering a range of broadcast services. Mobile phone penetration is relatively high, with 112,000 subscriptions recorded in 2022.

35,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
17,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	114,621	2024 estimate
Area	344 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$2.08 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption	221.453 million kWh	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	13.3 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	Not available
Life Expectancy	76.3 years	2024 estimate
Urban Population	37.1%	2023 estimate
Public Debt	82% of GDP	2016 estimate
Maternal Mortality Ratio	48 deaths/100,000	2023 estimate