Grenada is often referred to as 'Spice Island', and with more spices per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, it is indeed true that the sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla often linger in this clement climate. This adds an 'air' of exoticism to the Caribbean country, which actually consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Grenada is by far the largest, with a width of 12 miles (18km) and a length of 21 miles (34km), comprising mountainous, volcanic terrain. This topography provides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes, as well as a variety of plant and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St Catherine descend to the 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.
Just as there is often spice in the air, there is music if you seek it. With Grenada's African origins, Calypso is the music of the native Grenadian. Modern music has infiltrated in the form of reggae and pop but Carnival is still awash with traditional rhythms. West Indian rhythms also translate into West Indian dishes, with Grenada's palate-tempting foods such as callaloo soup (much like spinach), seafood and seasoned meats.
However, Grenada's history is not as sweet as its spices, nor as harmonious as its music. Arawak Indians were displaced by Caribs some time before AD 1300, who fiercely resisted settlement until 1650, when the French claimed the island, then taken by the British in 1783. Until emancipation, Grenada was an important center in the slave trade between Africa and the sugar plantations of the West Indies. Later, trade union organization, promoted by Eric Gairy, a firebrand ex-teacher, took root among the workforce. Gairy ultimately led Grenada into independence from the UK in 1974, and subsequently won three elections.
Among his opponents was the New JEWEL Movement (Joint Endeavour for Welfare, Education and Liberation), a group of mainly young, educated left-wingers, led by Maurice Bishop. In the spring of 1979, the NJM deposed Gairy in a bloodless coup. The USA believed that the NJM wanted to turn Grenada into a mini-Cuba, and from 1980 onwards, increased political pressure against the government. This led to the military coup of October 1983 in which Bishop was killed, providing a pretext for US invasion and restoration of the pre-NJM system under US tutelage. Four existing political parties allied to form the New National Party (NNP), which has dominated politics ever since.
In recent years, hurricanes like Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Emily have struck the spice island, causing damage and raising fears. However, for now, neither its history, nor environmental threats, can damage the beauty of Grenada – the spirits of its people are as high as their rum is potent.
Geography
Grenada is located in the Caribbean. The island is of volcanic origin and is divided by a central mountain range. It is the most southerly of the Windward Islands. Agriculture is based on nutmeg, cocoa, sugar cane and bananas. Tropical rainforests, gorges and the stunning beauty of dormant volcanoes make this a fascinating and diverse landscape with some of the finest beaches in the world. Carriacou and some of the other small islands of the Grenadines are also part of Grenada.