Country Profile: Grenada
Grenada is an island nation located in the Caribbean, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural history. It has a population estimated at 114,621 (2024), predominantly of African descent, and its economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and services. The country operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, achieving independence from the UK in 1974. Grenada faces significant challenges from natural hazards such as hurricanes and has made strides towards enhancing its blue economy.
Geography
Grenada is a tropical island situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. With a total land area of 344 sq km, it features volcanic terrain and a central mountain range that includes Mount Saint Catherine, the highest point at 840 m. The island has a coastline of 121 km and lies within the hurricane belt, making it prone to cyclones during the June to November hurricane season.
- Population distribution: About one-third reside in the capital, St. George's.
- Natural resources: Includes timber and tropical fruits.
- Climate: Tropical, influenced by northeast trade winds.
People and Society
As of 2024, Grenada's population is estimated at 114,621, with a gender distribution of approximately 58,168 males and 56,453 females. The majority of the population is of African descent (82.4%), and English is the official language. The society is predominantly Protestant, constituting 49.2% of the population. The country displays a youth dependency ratio of 33.5 and an elderly dependency ratio of 19.6 in 2024, reflecting a young population.
- Life expectancy: 76.3 years (2024).
- Urban population: 37.1% of the total population (2023).
- Birth rate: 13.3 births/1,000 (2024).
Economy
Grenada has a small but diverse economy that relies heavily on tourism, agriculture (notably spices), and services. The country's real GDP (PPP) is projected at $2.08 billion for 2024, with an estimated GDP growth rate of 3.7%. Despite a shrinking public debt, Grenada remains vulnerable to economic fluctuations due to its reliance on tourism and is actively pursuing incentives for a blue economy.
- GDP per capita: $17,700 (2024).
- Exports: $858.949 million (2024).
- Public debt: Still high but decreasing over recent years.
Government
Grenada has a parliamentary democracy and is a Commonwealth realm, with the British monarch represented by a Governor General. The country is divided into 6 parishes and 1 dependency, with the capital being Saint George's. The Prime Minister, currently Dickon Mitchell, has been in office since June 2022. The Grenadian constitution, effective since 1974, was restored in 1983 following a revolutionary period.
- Legislative branch: Bicameral Parliament.
- Next election: Expected in June 2027.
- Citizenship: Dual citizenship is recognized.
Military and Security
Grenada does not maintain regular military forces; instead, its security is managed by the Royal Grenada Police Force, which includes a Coast Guard. The country is a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS), which facilitates collaborative emergency preparedness and security across member nations.
- No regular military forces.
- Joined RSS in 1985 to enhance regional security cooperation.
Energy
Electricity access in Grenada stands at 94.2% as of 2022. The primary source of energy generation is fossil fuels, accounting for 98.2% of the total installed generating capacity of 60,000 kW. The country has shown interest in enhancing renewable energy sources, although they currently represent a minor portion of its energy mix.
- Electricity consumption: 221.453 million kWh (2023).
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 348,000 metric tonnes (2023).
- Energy consumption per capita: 41.703 million Btu/person (2023).
Environment
Grenada faces environmental challenges including deforestation, coastal erosion, and pollution. The country actively participates in international environmental agreements related to biodiversity and climate change. The predominant land use consists of 23.5% for agriculture and 52.1% forest coverage as of 2022.
- Land use: 23.5% agricultural land (2022).
- Main environmental issues: Deforestation and pollution.
- Total renewable water resources: 200 million cubic meters (2020).
Transportation
Grenada is served by two airports and has a small merchant marine consisting of six vessels. The primary port is located in St. George's, which features oil terminals.
- Airports: 2 (2025).
- Total ports: 1 (2024).
- Merchant marine: 6 ships (2023).
Communications
The communication infrastructure of Grenada includes fixed-line and mobile cellular services, with 74% of the population using the Internet (2023). The country has multiple broadcasting services, including state-owned and private radio and TV stations.
- Internet users: 74% of the population (2023).
- Mobile subscriptions: 112,000 (2022).
- Fixed line subscriptions: 17,000 (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 |
| Life Expectancy | 76.3 years | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Not available | |
| Electricity Access | 94.2% | 2022 estimate |
| Inflation Rate | 1.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 37.1% | 2023 estimate |
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