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.
GeographyGrenada 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.
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