Geography & History

Grenada lies on the southern most tip of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west. This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. Grenada is the largest of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its unique geography and rich marine environment set it apart from many of the other Caribbean Islands. Traversed by a volcanic mountain range which reaches heights of 2,750 feet, it has lead to the creation of a varied and fascinating landscape.

In 1979 the Marxist New Jewel Movement staged a coup, and its leader, Maurice Bishop, became leader of the country. Bishop was a protégé of Cuba’s President Fidel Castro. In an effort to establish order on the island and eliminate the Cuban military presence, U.S. president Ronald Reagan ordered an invasion of Grenada on Oct. 25, 1983. After a gradual withdrawal of peacekeeping forces, a centrist coalition won a parliamentary majority in 1984.

On 7 September 2004, Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada directly inflicting damage to over 85% of the structures on the island and lead to at least 39 deaths. It was then subsequently hit by Hurricane Emily in July 2005. Since then Grenada has had considerable regeneration and investment and is now almost restored to its former glory.

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