In the Caribbean, the island of Grenada is renowned for its spices and stunning beaches. While it is the smallest independent nation in the region, its fertile ground helped make its mark in the world through its crops. This volcanic island is oftentimes described as a quiet, safe island with unspoilt landscapes. Here are the top 13 interesting facts about Grenada.
1. It is popularly known in the world as the “Island of Spice”
Grenada is nicknamed “Island of Spice” because it produces large quantities of different spices such as cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and most notably nutmeg and mace. Its tropical weather is perfect for nutmeg trees to flourish, and today, this little island is the second largest producer of nutmeg in the world, an interesting Grenada fact.
2. Grenada became a sovereign nation in 1974
The local tribes in Grenada resisted several European conquerors until the French defeated them in 1650. The British took over in 1763 and ruled over the island nation for a long time, but by 1974, it gained its full independence from them.
3. It was renamed several times
Legendary Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus was the first to have seen the island in 1498 and named it La Concepcion. A year after that, another bunch of explorers and mapmakers passed by the island and changed the name to Mayo. It was marked that way in the early maps for the next 20 years, but by 1520s, it changed to Granada. When the French came, it changed to “Le Grenade” and finally when the British took over, they called it Grenada pronounced as Gre-nay-da.
4. “Oil Down” is Grenada’s national food
The name “Oil Down” itself is not appetizing, but names can be deceiving. In Grenada, the locals love to cook using coconut milk. There is no standard recipe, but basically, it is a one-pot meal with meat, dumplings, and vegetables stewed with coconut milk, a fun Grenada fact. No stirring allowed and the dish is done when the milk is all gone and the flavorful oil has come out.
5. It is home to a mystical lake called “Grand Etang”
Grenada is of volcanic origin and its popular lake, “Grand Etang,” was formed over a dormant volcano. It has attracted thousands of tourists not only because of its scenic beauty but also the mystery that surrounds the lake. Some locals believed that it is a bottomless lake due to claims that no one can find its deepest point through sonar. There is also a tale that it is home to the legendary Loch Ness monster and that beautiful mermaids have been spotted swimming in it.
6. Grenada boasts of having the world’s first underwater sculpture park.
Listed as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World, the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park is the first of its kind. The park is around 800 square meters and several life-sized sculptures created by Jason deCaires Taylor were bolted down in the sea bed. These works of art can be found from 6 to 24 feet deep under the Molinere Bay in Grenada and can be viewed not only by snorkeling and scuba diving but also through clear glass bottom boats, a fun Grenada fact!
7. This Caribbean island has one of the biggest living reptile species, the Leatherback turtles
One of the best things to enjoy in the beaches of Grenada is to see the huge Leatherback turtles. Their massive size ranked them 3rd in the list of heaviest living reptiles in the world. These Leatherback turtles are critically endangered. Only 20,000 to 30,000 females exist and with a thousand hatchlings, only a single one will see adulthood. The Grenadians are carefully protecting them, but tourists can still see them through guided tours.
8. Grenada proudly has the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean region
An interesting fact about Grenada is that this country has the River Antoine Rum Distillery, which has been producing rum for Grenada since 1785. One can arrange a guided tour to watch the whole rum-making process. They are known to have 138-proof and 150-proof rum which are not allowed in airplanes. Tourists are warned to get lesser potent versions if they want to bring them home.
9. Only 4 hurricanes hit the island for the past 100 years
Situated in the southern part of Grenadines, Grenada is fortunate to have only experienced 4 hurricanes in the past 100 years. It is mostly due to the fact that it is not included in the hurricane belt in the Caribbean. However, the hurricane that hit the island in 2004 destroyed not only more than 10,000 homes but also 80% of the country’s 100-year-old nutmeg trees. Hurricanes do not come very often but when they do, they unleash so much devastation.
10. The Grenada dove is their national bird
This type of dove is endemic to Grenada. It is included on the critically endangered list with only less than a hundred believed to be in the wild. The government has designated areas for its conservation. The destruction of natural habitat is the main culprit why it is facing the risk of extinction.
11. Jail time for those wearing camouflage in the island
Grenada does not allow non-combatants to wear camouflage in whatever form. It is illegal to wear them and this is not only exclusive to this country but also to other parts of the Caribbean, an interesting Grenada fact.
12. Grenada is one of the smallest nations in the Caribbean
This island nation is composed of a cluster of islands. There is one main big island and six smaller islands. It is one of the smallest independent islands in the West Indies with a total area of 344 sq. km and has a population of just about 113,094.
13. It is home to pristine white sand beaches
The beautiful beaches of Grenada have become popular tourist destinations. Different types of water activities are available for tourists to enjoy. The Great Anse Beach in St. George is the most frequented for its clear blue waters and soft white sands. It is perfect for swimming as the water is calm and there is no need to go too far to be fully submerged in the water. The divers, on the other hand, would love Carriacou, the “Land of the Reefs,” for its stunning colorful corals.
It is not as famous as The Bahamas, but its magnificence and purity can rival any other islands in the Caribbean. One of the things that make Grenada unique is that it is not only flat and sandy but it is also mountainous with lots of waterfalls. The official language is English. The island nation is generally safer than its neighboring islands.
I hope that this article on Grenada facts was helpful! If you are interested, visit the Country Facts Page!