Grenada: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Grenada 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Grenada: na
  • Happiness Score Grenada:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Grenada. GD.

    Grenada is a Caribbean country known for its political structure as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Its cultural aspects include a rich history of music and dance, with the annual Spicemas festival being a major highlight. The country’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism and agriculture, particularly nutmeg, mace, and cocoa production.

  • Grenada is famous for being the “Island of Spice” due to its abundant production of spices.
  • The country is comprised of the main island of Grenada and several smaller islands including Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
  • Grenada is home to the world’s first underwater sculpture park, which features over 65 sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
  • Grenada – Overview

    Early History

    Grenada was originally inhabited by the indigenous Carib and Arawak peoples. The island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1498 during his third voyage to the Americas.

    Colonial Period

    Grenada was colonized by the French in 1649, who established sugar cane plantations and imported enslaved Africans as laborers. The island was captured by the British in 1762 and formally ceded to them in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Grenada gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1974. In 1979, a coup led by Maurice Bishop established a revolutionary government aligned with Cuba. In 1983, Bishop was assassinated, leading to a U.S.-led invasion that restored democratic governance.

    Current Political Situation

    Grenada is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state, represented by a Governor-General. The prime minister is the head of government, currently Dickon Mitchell of the National Democratic Congress.

    International Relations

    Grenada maintains close ties with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The country has friendly relations with the United States, United Kingdom, and other Western nations.

    Human Development and Economy

    Grenada’s economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture (nutmeg, cocoa, and bananas), and construction. The country has a high Human Development Index ranking, with a focus on education and healthcare.

    Cultural Highlights

    Grenada’s culture is a blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences. The official language is English, and the predominant religion is Christianity. The island is known for its vibrant music, such as calypso and soca, and its annual Spicemas carnival celebration.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Grenada faces challenges related to economic diversification, vulnerability to natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Opportunities lie in sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and leveraging its strategic location as a hub for trade and investment in the region.

    Travel Tips for Grenada

    – Best times to visit are the dry season from January to May or the autumn months of September and October.
    – Practice cultural etiquette by dressing modestly, especially in religious settings.
    – Exercise caution in certain areas, especially after dark, and follow local advisories.
    – Must-see landmarks include the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Grand Anse Beach, and the capital city of St. George’s.
    – Try local culinary delights like oil down (a stew with breadfruit, salted meat, and vegetables), and nutmeg-flavored dishes.

    Living in Grenada

    – Cost of living is relatively affordable, with housing and groceries being reasonably priced.
    – Healthcare facilities are adequate, but many locals seek advanced medical treatment abroad.
    – Education is compulsory and free up to the secondary level, with a few reputable tertiary institutions.
    – Respect local customs and laws, especially regarding drug laws, which are strictly enforced.
    – Embrace the laid-back island lifestyle and explore the natural beauty of Grenada’s beaches and rainforests.

    Doing Business in Grenada

    – The business culture values punctuality, formality, and building personal relationships.
    – Key industries include tourism, agriculture, construction, and offshore financial services.
    – Obtain the necessary licenses and permits, and comply with local labor laws and regulations.
    – Effective communication and adaptability are crucial for successful negotiations and building trust.
    – Leverage Grenada’s membership in regional trade blocs like CARICOM and the OECS for potential business opportunities.

Main facts

1. Location

Grenada is a sovereign island country consisting of the island of Grenada and six smaller islands in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. It lies north of Trinidad and Tobago, southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and northwest of Barbados.

2. Map References

Grenada is located in the Caribbean region of the North American continent.

3. Area – Comparative

Grenada has a total area of 348.5 square kilometers, which is slightly less than twice the size of Washington, D.C.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Grenada is an island country and has no land boundaries.

5. Coastline

Grenada has a coastline of 121 kilometers, featuring picturesque beaches and bays.

6. Maritime Claims

Grenada claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles, and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.

7. Climate

Grenada has a tropical climate, with a hot and humid rainy season from June to December and a cooler, drier season from January to May.

8. Terrain

Grenada’s terrain is volcanic in origin, with a central mountain range, rolling hills, and narrow coastal plains. The highest point is Mount St. Catherine at 840 meters.

9. Elevation Extremes

The lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 meters, and the highest point is Mount St. Catherine at 840 meters, located in the central mountain range.

10. Natural Resources

Grenada’s natural resources include timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors, and renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, and wind.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The main body of water surrounding Grenada is the Caribbean Sea. There are no major lakes or rivers on the island.

12. Natural Hazards

Grenada is susceptible to hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, including the active underwater volcano, Kick ’em Jenny.

13. Geography – Notes

Grenada is known for its picturesque beaches, lush rainforests, and unique geological features, such as the underwater volcano Kick ’em Jenny. The country’s economy heavily relies on tourism and agricultural exports, particularly nutmeg and cocoa.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 50.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 268. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 23.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  12.1165-61.679.
  • Capital: The capital of Grenada is  St. George’s, Grenada
  • Major Cities:
    • St. George’s – Population: 33,734
    • Gouyave – Population: 3,378
    • Victoria – Population: 2,256
  • Population: 112,003
  • Area(Km2): 349
  • Population Density( P/Km²):331. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:1
  • Official Language(s):Grenada is English (official) 100%.
  • Currency: XCD

Main Economic Indicators

Grenada is a small island nation in the Caribbean with a service-based economy. Its economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which generates around 25% of its GDP. The country has faced economic challenges, including high public debt levels and vulnerability to natural disasters. Notable economic policies include efforts to diversify the economy, promote foreign investment, and manage public debt.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Consumer Prices Inflation Rate:
2021: 1.6% (Source: IMF)
2022: 5.5% (Estimate, Source: IMF)

Credit Ratings

Moody’s: B3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)
Fitch: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 5.4%
Industry: 13.2%
Services: 81.4%
(Data Source: CIA World Factbook, 2017 estimates)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Bananas, Avocados, Nutmeg, Mace, Cocoa, Citrus Fruits, Corn, Vegetables
Industrial Products: Food and Beverages, Textiles, Light Assembly Operations, Handicrafts, Electronics

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 54,000 (2013 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Current Account Balance

2021: -$110 million (Estimate, Source: IMF)
2022: -$117 million (Estimate, Source: IMF)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $35.8 million (2019 estimate)
Key Partners: United States, Netherlands, Germany, Saint Lucia
Main Commodities: Nutmeg, Bananas, Cocoa, Clothing, Avocados

Imports: $441.3 million (2019 estimate)
Key Partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Japan
Main Commodities: Machinery, Manufactured Goods, Food, Beverages, Chemicals

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $256.4 million (2021 estimate)
Gold Reserves: Not Available

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,228,170,370. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 19.40%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 47.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.12. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Grenadian(s)
Adjective: Grenadian

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups:
– Black (82.4%)
– Mixed (13.3%)
– East Indian (2.2%)
– Other (1.3%)
– Unspecified (0.9%)

3. Religions

Religious affiliations:
– Protestant (49.2%)
– Roman Catholic (36%)
– Rastafarian (1.2%)
– Other (7.5%)
– None (5.5%)

4. Age Structure

Age group distribution:
– 0-14 years: 23.02%
– 15-64 years: 67.24%
– 65 years and over: 9.74%

5. Dependency Ratios

Dependency ratios:
– Total dependency ratio: 48.7
– Youth dependency ratio: 34.2
– Elderly dependency ratio: 14.5

6. Median Age

Median age:
– Total population: 30.4 years
– Male: 29.9 years
– Female: 31 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Relevant lifestyle statistics:
– Obesity rate: 21.3% (2016)
– Alcohol consumption: 6.5 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
– Tobacco use: 5.4% of adults (2020)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:16.47. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 51.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 40,765. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):57.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Grenada’s military consists of a small combined unit known as the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). The RGPF serves as the country’s military and law enforcement agency, responsible for national defense and maintaining internal security. It includes a Special Services Unit (SSU) trained for counter-terrorism and special operations.

Military Expenditures

Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2017: 1.4%
  • 2018: 1.3%
  • 2019: 1.2%
  • 2020: 1.3%
  • 2021: 1.2%

Grenada’s military expenditures are relatively low compared to global averages, reflecting its small size and limited security threats.

Personnel Strengths

Active-duty military personnel: Approximately 700

The Royal Grenada Police Force includes various divisions but does not have distinct service branches.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Grenada’s military equipment primarily consists of small arms, light vehicles, and patrol boats for coastal security. The RGPF does not operate any major air force or naval assets. Future acquisitions are likely to focus on upgrading communications, surveillance, and transportation capabilities.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Grenada does not have compulsory military service. Voluntary recruitment into the RGPF is open to individuals aged 18-35.

Military Deployments

Grenada does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments. However, a small contingent of RGPF personnel has participated in regional peacekeeping missions under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) framework.

Strategic Military Notes

Grenada’s defense strategy is primarily focused on maintaining internal security, border control, and contributing to regional security initiatives. As a small island nation, its military capabilities are limited, and it relies on partnerships with larger regional powers and international organizations for broader defense cooperation and assistance.

  • Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.41
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

Leave a Comment