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Grenada - People (Notes)

Economy GDP (2006): $408.1 million. GDP growth rate (2006): 2.1%. Per capita GDP (2006): $3,854. Inflation (2005): 3.0%. Agriculture: Nutmeg, cocoa, bananas, other fruits, vegetables, mace, and fish. Services: Tourism and education. Construction: Housing development and tourism renovations. Trade (2005): Exports--$39 million (merchandise) and $126 (commercial services). Major markets--European Union (39.4%), United States (23.3%), Saint Lucia (6.3%), Saint Kitts and Nevis (5.2%), and Barbados (4.6%). Imports--$319 million (merchandise) and $93 million (commercial services). Major suppliers--United States (42.6%), Trinidad and Tobago (18.9%), European Union (12.2%), Japan (4.9%), and Barbados (3.3%). Official exchange rate: EC$2.70 = U.S. $1. Total debt outstanding and disbursed (2005): $437 million. PEOPLE Most of Grenada's population is of African descent. A few East Indians and a small community of the descendants of early European settlers reside in Grenada. About 50% of Grenada's population is under the age of 30. English is the official language; only a few people still speak French patois. A more significant reminder of Grenada's historical link with France is the strength of the Roman Catholic Church, to which about 60% of Grenadians belong.