Last updated on March 31st, 2020
Grenada is a country in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain. It has an area of 344 square km. St. George’s is its capital and largest city. English is the official language of Grenada. East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is its official currency. It has no land bordering countries. Grenada, dubbed the “Spice Isle”, is a Caribbean country comprising a main island, also called Grenada, and smaller surrounding islands. Let us read some interesting facts about Grenada’s history, people, disaster from hurricanes and more.
1. Grenada gained independence on February 7, 1974.
2. Over 90 percent of Grenada’s homes were either damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ivan on September 2004; the incident was a catastrophe for the island nation.
3. Grenada was part of the Federation of the West Indies from 1958 to 1962.
4. After the French, the British took control of the island. The British realized the potential of the island and pushed hard to leverage sugar plantations there.
5. Grenada is known as the “Island of Spice” because it produces nutmeg and mace crops, as well as some other spice.
6. There is a “Jumpers Hill” in Grenada. The hill got its name when the Caribs (earliest inhabitants of Grenada) were chased by the French, who were trying to take control of the island. The Caribs reached the top of the hill and had no way to escape. Ultimately, they jumped off the hill and perished.
Flag of Grenada
7. Origin of name: it is probable that the name Grenada comes from the Spanish city of Granada, which means “pomegranate.”
8. The island was named “Concepcion” by Christopher Columbus in 1498.
9. The Grenada dove, which is a critically endangered species, is the national bird of Grenada.
10. The island nation Grenada consists of itself and six other islands.
11. Grenada has been lucky enough to be hit by just three hurricanes in the past 50 years, despite being on the southern edge of the Grenadines, where hurricanes usually pass through.
12. Would you believe that the national meal of the island nation is called “oildown?” The meal is cooked in coconut milk until it is completely absorbed.
13. Exclusivity: Grenada is the home of the world’s first underwater sculpture park. The sculptures are developed with concrete and rebar, and are placed naturally without affecting the natural reef and the lives of its inhabitants adversely. Visit the website for the sculpture park here.
14. The people of Grenada are called Grenadians.
15. People in Grenada are also affected by the Zika virus. A recent case of an affected individual surfaced in Grenada in May 2016.
16. Chocolate fact: dark chocolate helps reduce the risk of diabetes and reduces stress levels.
17. Grenada also boasts the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean – River Antoine Rum Distillery.
18. Even after Christopher Columbus’ arrival, the island remained uncolonized for more than a century.
19. The first international airport in Grenada was constructed in 1985.
Related: facts about Barbados
Culture and tradition in Grenada
20. British spelling is taught in Grenadian schools.
21. Kids, take note that Grenada is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere.
22. A popular breakfast drink on the island is cocoa tea, made from local cocoa and spices.
23. In Grenada, salutations are an important part of daily etiquette.
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