Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$12,900 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

3.7% (2007 est.)

Population

90,739 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

-

Ease of Doing Business

84/181

Global Competitiveness

-/134

Country Map

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Grenada : Introduction

Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when Columbus discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.

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Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (May 2009)