Grenada is an independent state in the West Indies, consisting of the island of Grenada and some of a group of 600 small islands called the Grenadines. Grenada, in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, is the southernmost of the chain of islands forming part of the West Indies. The most important of the attached Grenadines is Carriacou, to the northeast. The country has a total area of 133 sq miles; Grenada island has an area of 120 sq miles. .
The capital, main port, and commercial center is Saint George's. Its people are of mainly African descent and speak English, the official language, or a French patois. Over 50% of the inhabitants are Roman Catholics; the balance is mainly Protestant, with Anglicanism the dominant denomination. Governmentally, there are six parishes and one dependency. Grenada's economy is primarily agricultural, and cocoa, bananas, nutmeg, mace, and fruit are exported. Tourism is a developing industry. Point Salines International Airport is the chief port in Grenada.
Grenada is of volcanic origin and is mountainous. The highest peak is Mount Saint Catherine, about 2,756 ft. tall. Valleys between the mountains are fertile, and many contain swift-flowing streams. The island also has hot springs, several mountain lakes, and excellent beaches. The climate is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 82 F along the coast. Annual rainfall is 60 in. on the coast; a rainy season lasts from June to December. Temperatures in Grenada seldom fall below 65 F in winter or rise above 90 F in summer. The mountain regions receive up to 200 in. of rainfall a year. The dry season in Grenada extends from January until May. The mountainous, thickly forested countryside of the main island of Grenada has many gorges and waterfalls. Grand Etang, a lake in the crater of a volcano, lies near the center of the island. Forests contain teak and mahogany trees.
Couples often live together before or instead of marriage, but when weddings do occur they are gala events.
