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| Grenada
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| The
Island of Grenada |
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Bananas
Anyone? |
Grenada
is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice
trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches,
and dotted with picturesque towns, this verdant island has long
been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and
cocoa. The seductive drifts through the colourful Saturday markets
and Grenada's dense forests. In the interior of this volcanic
island are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests,
and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes
imaginable. The capital, St. George's, is widely held to be
the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour
is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and
the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes.
Grenada's physical beauty is complemented by its rich history
and vibrant, living cultural heritage. Local festivals, fairs,
and markets remain an integral part of life on Grenada. Its
centuries-old spice plantations and rum distilleries still use
traditional methods, emphasizing quality rather than quantity.
Although the tourist industry has become more substantial in
recent years, the island's easy rhythms and the friendly openness
of its residents evoke an atmosphere that has long since vanished
elsewhere.
For many visitors, of course, the measure of any island is taken
by its beaches and coral reefs, and Grenada offers plenty of
both. The island is ringed with miles of picture-perfect strands,
including both entrancing black and sugar-fine white sand beaches.
Grand Anse Beach, a smooth expanse stretching for two miles
around the curve of a gentle bay, is world famous. Grenada has
plenty to offer those interested in offshore pleasure as well,
with easily accessible and pristine reefs off the coast of both
Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou.
Geography:
This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou,
and Petit Martinique. Grenada is by far the largest of the three,
with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one
miles (34 km). Its 133 sq. miles (440 sq. km.) are mountainous,
volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 2,750 feet atop Mount
St. Catherine. This topography provides Grenada with one of
the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean,
including crater lakes as well as a startling variety of plant
and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St. Catherine
descend to the montane rainforests of middle altitudes, which
give way in turn to the dry forests of the lowlands. Those forests
shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to stunning white
sand beaches, brilliant blue water, and exquisite coral reefs.
Grenada's smaller sister island, Carriacou, is hilly but not
mountainous. With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination
for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and natural harbours,
as well as offering excellent views out over the northern Grenadine
islands. Petite Martinique, the third and by far the smallest
island in the state, consists of little more than the tip of
a volcanic cone poking through the water. It is only now being
developed for visitors.
Location:
The three islands of Grenada are located in the Eastern Caribbean
at the southern extremity of the Windward islands, only 100
miles north of Venezuala. To the north lie St. Vincent and the
Grenadines; to the south Trinidad and Tobago.
Climate:
Average
temperatures range from 24C/75F to 30C/87F, tempered by the
steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur
between November and February. Because of Grenada's remarkable
topography, the island also experiences climate changes according
to altitude. The driest season is between January and May. Even
during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains
for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.
People:
Grenada's population numbers about 93,000, comprising citizens
of African, East-Indian, and European descent. The largest proportion
of the population, about 75%, is of African descent. |
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