| Also known as: |
The Spice Isle
|
| Motto: |
Ever
Conscious of God We Aspire, and Advance as One People
|
| Location: |
The most southerly of the Windward Islands,
135 km (83.8 miles) north of Trinidad and Tobago
|
| History: |
Columbus landed on the island in 1498,
but the French first settled on the island in 1650. It was alternately ruled by the
French and British until 1783 when, under the Treaty of Versailles,
the island was ceded to the British. It was joined to the Windward Islands
in 1833, and was a part of the West Indies Federation during the
period 1958-62.
It gained independence on 7 February 1974. The Maurice
Bishop Government which came to power in 1979 was toppled by an internal
coup in 1983, and an interim government prepared the way for the 1984
elections.
|
| Elections: |
Last elections were held in 2013. Next
elections due in 2018.
|
| Ruling Party: |
New National Party (NNP)
|
| Major Political Parties: |
National Democratic Congress (NDC), New National Party (NNP),
Grenada United Labour Party (GULP)
|
| Economic Summary: |
As a result of the widespread destruction of various
sectors of Hurricane Ivan, economic activity declined by 3.2 per cent in
2004, in contrast to the 4.7 per cent growth projected in the
middle of the year. The only sectors which demonstrated some level
of buoyancy in the post-Ivan period were Construction (7.6 per cent
growth); Mining and Quarrying (10.2 growth) and the Cruise tourism
sub-sector which registered a whopping 54.5 per cent increase in
passenger arrivals. Unemployment, which registered 13 per cent in the
pre-Ivan period, increased sharply immediately after Ivan as many
persons lost their jobs. Recent efforts to rebuild homes and
revitalise the agricultural sector have helped many displaced persons
find employment.
|
| Head of State: |
H.E Dr. Cecile La Grenade, Governor General
|
| Head of Government: |
Dr. The Hon. Keith
Mitchell
Prime Minister
Date of Birth: November 12, 1946
Professional/Political Career
1984- Elected Member of Parliament for St.
George North West
1988-1989- Minister of Communications, Works and
Public Utilities, Cooperative, Community
Development, Women's Affairs and Civil Aviation
1989- Elected as leader of the NNP
1995- Elected Prime Minister
1999- Re-elected Prime Minister
2003- Re-elected Prime Minister
2008- Sworn in as leader of the NNP leader and
leader of Opposition
2013- Elected Prime Minister
Education
1971- Bachelor of
Science Degree in Mathematics and Chemistry
1975- Masters Degree from Howard University
1979- Doctorate in Mathematics and Statistics
from the American University
|
| Airport: |
Point Salines International
|
| Status: |
Independent - 7 February 1974
|
| Capital: |
St. George's
|
| Area: |
345 km2 (133 miles2)
|
| Population: |
110,821 (2009)
|
| Currency: |
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ec$2.70
=US$1) (2008)
|
| GDP: |
EC$MN1,739 (2008)
|
GDP per capita (at Current market prices):
|
EC$11,294 (2004) |
| Total Exports: |
EC$MN82 (2008)
|
| Total Imports: |
EC$MN1,019 (2008)
|
| Intra-Regional Exports: |
EC$MN44 (2008)
|
| Intra-Regional Imports: |
EC$MN300 (2008)
|
| Business Hours: |
General: 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00 hrs Monday to Thursday. 08:00-12:00.
13:00-17:00 hrs Friday. |
| National Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January); Independence Day (07 February); Good
Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (01 May);
Whit Monday; Corpus Christi (as decreed); Emancipation Day (First Monday in August); Carnival
(Second Monday and Tuesday in August); Thanksgiving Day (25 October); Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December)
Holidays that fall on Sunday are observed on the Monday following.
|
Date of CARICOM Membership:
|
1 May 1974 |
| National Anthem: |
Hail! Grenada land of ours
We pledge ourselves to thee
Heads, hearts and hands in unity.
To reach our destiny
Ever conscious of God,
Being proud of our heritage
May we with faith and courage
Aspire, build, advance
As one people, one family
God Bless our Nation.
|
| Highest National Award: |
Grenada does not have a system of national awards. Instead,
the achievement of citizens in various areas of national development is recognised each year in a grand awards
ceremony held to coincide with Independence Day.
|
| Favourite Dish: |
Oil Down
|
| Government website: |
http://www.gov.gd
|
|
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