Grenada is a country of approximately 89,500 inhabitants situated in the Windward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean. The land is of volcanic origin, with good harbors, a heavily forested and mountainous interior, and rich but limited arable areas. The population is principally of African origin, the result of slavery under French and British colonial rule.

Sugar and cocoa dominated the economy until the 1930s, when nutmeg, mace, and bananas became leading export crops. Grenada is the world's second largest exporter of nutmeg; however, light industry, tourism, and construction are the most important sources of export earnings and employment. By global standards Grenada is a lower-middle-income country with a well-educated population. In 1991, the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) was $3,965 and adult literacy 98 percent. Public education is compulsory and free, but students pay for books, supplies, and uniforms. Grenada belongs to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and uses its...