Your guide to being an expatriate in Grenada

Caffeinate Your Grenada Expat Journey: Find Essential Info and Connect with Expatriates Today!

Tucked away in the southern Caribbean Sea, Grenada is a picturesque island nation with lush verdant landscapes, crystalline waters, and a rich cultural heritage. Its capital city, St. George's, is a stunning harbor town with colorful architecture and a bustling local market. Beyond the city, Grenada offers a plethora of spectacular natural attractions, including the iconic Grand Etang National Park, Spice Market Avenue, Grand Anse Beach, and the stunning twin Caribbean peaks, which form the most southern point of the island nation.

Grenada

Expat destinations in Grenada

Demographics of Grenada:

Ethnic groups

African/Black (80.4%), Mixed (15.1%), East Indian/Indian (3.9%), White (0.3%), and Others (0.2%)

Languages

English (official), Grenadian Creole English (spoken by virtually all population over age 5)

Religion Overview

Grenada is a predominantly Christian nation, with the majority of the population following Protestant denominations such as Moravian Church, Pentecostal, AG, Salvation Army, Nazarene, Seventh-Day Adventist, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Church of God, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and Jehovah's Witnesses. The Roman Catholic Church is the next largest denomination, accounting for around 16% of the population.

Major Religions

Climate

Grenada enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with trade winds cooling the island in the dry season from December to May. The wet season lasts from June to November, with increased humidity and showers. Annual rainfall averages 202.8 cm (79.5 inches) in the northwest and 247.6 cm (97.5 inches) in the southeast. The average yearly temperature is approximately 26°C (78.8°F).

Economy Overview

Grenada's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and services. The country is also developing its manufacturing sector, particularly in the textile and furniture industries. Other key industries in Grenada include construction, utilities, and financial services. Notable companies operating in Grenada include GRENLEC, Massy Holdings, Caribbean Medical Services, and Grenada National Insurance Corporation.

Key Industries

  • Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • Services
  • Manufacturing (textiles, furniture)
  • Construction
  • Utilities
  • Financial Services

Major Companies

  • GRENLEC
  • Massy Holdings
  • Caribbean Medical Services
  • Grenada National Insurance Corporation

Culture and Language Overview

Grenada's vibrant cultural heritage is evident in its colorful folk music, carnival celebrations, literature, and traditional cuisine. Notable cultural events include the annual Carriacou Maroon and Liberated African Festival, which commemorates the island's African heritage, and Carnival, a two-month festive celebration leading up to Kadooment Day in August. The national dish of Grenada is callaloo, a stew made with mixed greens, coconut milk, and seafood.

Cultural Highlights

  • Carnival
  • Carriacou Maroon and Liberated African Festival
  • Grenada's Folk Heritage Festival
  • Grenada National Quilting Society's Annual Quilt Show
  • Grenadian Cuisine (Callaloo, Conkies, Green Figs, and Flying Fish Dishes)

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Grenada consists of the main island, which is the largest in the Grenadines, as well as several smaller islands and islets. The main island boasts verdant hills, volcanic peaks, picturesque bays, and sparkling waters. Notable landmarks include Grand Etang National Park, home to rugged rainforests, waterfalls, and exquisite birdlife, and Spice Market Avenue, a vibrant market selling locally grown spices, fruits, and handicrafts. The island's two most distinctive features are the iconic twin Caribbean peaks, which form the most southern point of the country.

Notable Landmarks

  • Grand Etang National Park
  • Spice Market Avenue
  • Bridgetown Market
  • Grand Anse Beach
  • Morne Rouge Volcano
  • Petit Calvaire (Little Calvary)
  • Chapelle Church in Fort Royal
  • Donkey Sanctuary in Cookette

National Holidays

  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Caribbean-America Heritage Month (February)
  • Good Friday
  • Bon Accord Day (March 12)
  • Labour Day (May 1)
  • Queen's Birthday (June)
  • National Revolution Day (July 13)
  • Independence Day (February 7)
  • Kenneth Kitching Memorial Day (October 22)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Boxing Day (December 26)

Political Stability

Grenada is a stable parliamentary democracy with a strong tradition of peaceful political transitions. The judiciary is independent, and civil rights are generally respected. The current issues facing the country include social and economic inequality, high unemployment rates, and environmental concerns resulting from climate change.

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