MOST INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GRENADA.

Lying exactly 160 km off the north coast of Venezuela is the beautiful island of Grenada. Grenada is an island country in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain. Grenada consists of the island of Grenada itself, two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and several small islands which lie to the north of the main island and are a part of the Grenadines. Grenada is very beautiful and charming country. Lushly-cloaked mountains, rainforests, plantations, and colorful seaside villages abound in this country. Fragrant nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and cocoa flourish in its fertile volcanic soil, giving the country the name ‘Spice Island’. But there is more to Grenada, let’s take a look at 10 interesting things about Grenada.

1. WORLD’S FIRST UNDERWATER PARK.

Grenada holds the record of having the world’s first underwater park. The Molinere Bay Underwater sculpter park is a fascinating work of art. It is a compilation of over 65 individual human concrete structures. It was created by British Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and was opened in Mat 2006. The purpose of this work is to encourage the growth of coral reefs and other marine lives. You can see this marvelous work of art if you go snorkeling or scuba diving.

2. NO ARMY.

This fact about Grenada is really interesting. Grenada has not had a standing army since the US-led invasion of 1983. The Royal Grenada Police force (RGPF) with a staff of 900 members, is responsible for internal security, they also have a paramilitary force for national defense. The country now invests in education. Good move by Grenada.

3. THREE TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

There are just three traffic lights in the entire nation of Grenada. Well, judging from the fact that the island has a size of just 348.5 sq kilometers, three traffic lights are enough.

4. THE BOTTOMLESS LAKE.

Grand Etang Lake is a 36 acre crater lake inside an ancient volcano that is now extinct. Although legend says the lake is bottomless, it is actually just 20ft deep. Also, according to local tales, the lake is believed to be the home of the legendary Loch Ness monster. Mermaid sightings in the lake are also a claim. Why don’t you go and help us find out? Maybe it might not be a legend after all.

5. NO VENOMOUS SNAKES.

Even though half of Grenada is covered with forests, there are no venomous snakes. Some snakes such as the Grenada Bank tree boa, Cribo, Grenada Bank Blindsnake, and Barbour’s tropical racer can be found on the island, three of which are endangered so sightings are rare. Surprisingly, the locals are scared of the snakes even though they know they aren’t venomous.

6. JUMPERS HILL

got its name when the Caribs (earliest inhabitants of Grenada) were chased by the French, who were trying to take control of the island. The Caribs reached the top of the hill and had no way to escape. With no other choice, they jumped off the hill and died. It is a sad story of courage.

7. ‘SPICE ISLAND’.

Grenada is known for its abundant spices. Nutmegs and mace are major exports. In 2020 alone, Grenada exported $4.59 Million dollars in nutmeg. Grenada is the second largest producer and exporter of nutmeg. Nutmegs are so important to the country that it can be found on the flag.

8. HURRICANE IVAN

On September 7, 2004, hurricane Ivan struck Grenada. Over 90% of homes in the country were either damaged or completely destroyed. The financial cost of the disaster was estimated at more than US$900 million, more than twice the country’s GDP. The hurricane damaged more than 80 percent of the country’s building structures, and only two of the 75 public schools remained undamaged. The country is now fully recovered from Ivan thanks to international assistance and good government policies.

9. THE GRENADA DOVE IS CRITICAL ENDANGERED.

The Grenada dove which is endemic to the island is the national bird of the country. As a result of the destruction of its habitat with the inclusion of other factors, this bird is critically endangered. Estimates says there are just fewer than 100 of this bird left in the wild. The government have made efforts to preserve this bird by building two reserve zones: the Perseverance and adjacent Woodford Estates in the west of the island and a sanctuary within the Mount Hartman Estate in the south.

10. YOU CAN WATCH LEATHERBACK TURTLES IN GRENADA.

Leatherback turtles which are the largest species of sea turtles can be found in the shores of Grenada. If you visit Grenada, you might want to try this, it is fun. This creatures are now endangered and there is a big focus on protecting them.

These are just a few interesting things about Grenada. If you visit Grenada, you will find out that the country is even more beautiful, relaxing, refreshing and enjoyable.

If you have visit Grenada before, why not share your experience with us in the comment section. You can also tell us more interesting things about Grenada.