[Fact 1: The Smallest Island to Have Not One, But Two Political Parties in Power]
You might surmise that a small island like Grenada would have only one political party. However, Grenada isn’t just any island. Despite its size, its political canvas is quite vivid with two major political parties – the New National Party (NNP), which currently governs the island, and the National Democratic Congress.
[Fact 2: The Isle of Spices]
Despite being a tiny island, Grenada is a major producer of several different spices, earning its nickname 'The Isle of Spice'. It produces more spices per square kilometer than any other place on earth. The island, particularly, is world-renowned for nutmeg and mace production.
[Fact 3: Grenada Has a Nutmeg on Its Flag]
The importance of nutmeg to Grenada is immortalized in the country’s flag, where a nutmeg pod is featured. This is probably the only flag in the world that bears this spice – making it a unique symbol of Grenada’s culture and economy.
[Fact 4: The Only Rolling Chocolate Factory in the Caribbean]
Grenada boasts of housing the only 'bean to bar' organic chocolate factory in the Caribbean - The Grenada Chocolate Company. Created by the late visionary Mott Green, this factory not only manufactures exquisite chocolates but also follows ethical practices of business and farming.
[Fact 5: Home of the Underwater Sculpture Park]
In Grenada, the best sights may not always be on land. The Underwater Sculpture Park, located in the Molinere Beausejour Marine Protected Area, was created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. These underwater sculptures not only provide an intriguing sight for divers but also act as artificial reefs, promoting marine life.
[Fact 6: Birthplace of Kirani James, An Olympic Hero]
Grenada felt the limelight during the 2012 Summer Olympics when the country's native son, Kirani James won gold in the 400m sprint. This was Grenada's first Olympic medal and the country honored Kirani by renaming their national stadium after him.
[Fact 7: The Island Has Its Own Volcano]
Grenada is home to the submerged active volcano named Kick 'em Jenny. Although the volcano is well monitored and has not posed a significant threat to the island, it nevertheless captures the imagination of both locals and tourists.
[Fact 8: Grenada's Lake is One of a Kind]
Grand Etang Lake is a captivating natural water body in Grenada, situated in a dormant volcano. This blend of volcanic and aquatic beauty creates a unique and breathtaking experience.
[Fact 9: The Oil Down - National Dish of Grenada]
The national dish of Grenada is called 'Oil Down'. It is a flavorful one-pot meal that includes meats, dumplings, breadfruit, and other vegetables, cooked in coconut milk until the liquid 'oils down'. It’s a must-try dish for visitors!
[Fact 10: Grenada’s Carnival is One of The Most Colorful in The Caribbean]
Every year, Grenada sisters Carnival, which is locally known as Spice Mas, is one of the biggest events on the island. The festivities are a whirl of color and music with parades, steel drum bands, calypso competitions, and the traditional 'Jab Jab' or 'Devil Masqueraders'.
[Fact 11: One of The World's Largest Shipwrecks is There]
The Bianca C is one of the world's largest shipwrecks and a popular dive site. Known as the 'Titanic of the Caribbean', it sank twice, once in France while under construction, and again near Grenada in 1961 after a boiler room explosion.
[Fact 12: Grenada is Part of The Windward Islands]
Grenada is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, Caribbean. Its location on the southeastern edge of the Caribbean Sea places it directly in the path of hurricanes, the most significant of which was Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
[Fact 13: Landscape Architecture in Grenada is Outstanding]
In 2013, CNN voted the St. George's University's True Blue Campus in Grenada as one of the world's most beautiful university campuses. The reason? An impressive landscape architecture that makes the campus a sight to behold.
[Fact 14: Invasion by The United States]
In 1983, Grenada became the focus of world attention when it was invaded by the United States. Known as Operation Urgent Fury, it was triggered by a coup within the Grenadian government. This is the only time that a country in the Commonwealth has been invaded by another nation.
[Fact 15: No Rivers or Streams]
Unlike many other islands, Grenada has absolutely no rivers or streams. The island country gets its freshwater from Jordan’s “ghuts” (drainage channels on mountains) and fresh water springs.
[Fact 16: Grenada has Only One Television Station]
Considering today's digital world, it may be hard to believe that Grenada has only one television station, Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN).
[Fact 17: Has The World's First Underwater Post Office]
Want to post a letter underwater? Head to Grenada! The island has the world's first underwater post office, located in the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park. Special waterproof postcards can be mailed from here.
[Fact 18: The Carenage in St. George's
The Carenage, a beautiful, old harbor area in the heart of St. George's, is one of the best places to see colonial-era buildings in the Caribbean region. It is still heavily used as a harbor for small boats and adds a touch of historic charm to the city.
[Fact 19: Grenadians Love Their Cricket]
Cricket is more than just a sport in Grenada - it's part of its culture and heritage. Known as the 'calypso cricket,' the games are full of vigor and color, and much loved by locals and visitors alike.
[Fact 20: Grenada Has A Unique Position on Daylight Saving Time]
Unlike many countries, Grenada does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This means that the time on the island remains constant throughout the year. The island operates on 'island time,' which often feels like a more relaxed pace than the rest of the world.