Grenadian citizenship in exchange for investment: interesting facts about the country

Thousands of foreign nationals have obtained Grenadian passports since the citizenship-by-investment program was restarted in 2013. The vast majority of them believe they have invested the money wisely. Indeed, Grenada citizenship brings a number of valuable advantages. Below please find some interesting facts about this Caribbean country that may make you wish to acquire the Grenadian passport as soon as you can.  

If you have already decided that you do want a second passport of Grenada, please apply for a free consultation on the matter of acquiring one by writing to [email protected].

Grenada is located in the Caribbean basin to the northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, to the northeast of Venezuela, and to the southwest of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a fascinating little country that boasts lush vegetation, long and wide beaches, and marvelous hills. Apart from the natural beauties, there are also some nice-looking towns and villages on the island.

In addition to that, Grenada offers a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program that allows acquiring the passport of the country within three to four months. The passport is unique in that it gives access both to China and the USA (via an E-2 visa in the latter case).

Thus, it is not surprising at all that the Grenadian CBI is so popular with people from all parts of the world. At the same time, the local authorities conduct serious due diligence checks when considering applications for citizenship. They do not want to let in anyone with a criminal past or suspicious sources of income. The application rejection rate in Grenada is 11.8%, which is certainly quite high.

How can you acquire citizenship of Grenada? There are two immigration routes that you can choose from. One is making a non-returnable donation to the state fund and the other is making an investment into real estate in the country. In the first case, you are literally buying citizenship of Grenada, while in the second one, you can actually return your investment with a profit after several years. On the other hand, the required donation is smaller than the required investment. Thus, you will have to do some thinking before you choose the immigration route that suits you best.

Another important factor that makes the Grenadian CBI program so attractive is that you do not have to visit the country neither prior to filing the application for citizenship nor after receiving the passport. What is more, you can become a citizenship of Grenada without ever leaving home! This opportunity should look especially welcoming in view of the coronavirus raging around.

However, before you apply for citizenship of Grenada, we suggest that you learn some thirty facts about this country that you may find worthy of knowing. Some of these facts will be simply entertaining, others will be useful in practical terms, while still others may make you log on to your e-mail account and write us a message.

Facts about Grenada: The origin of the name of the country

When Christopher Columbus saw the island in 1498, he named it La Concepción in honor of the Holy Virgin. Afterwards, the Spanish colonists renamed it to Grenada probably because the island resembled the Spanish province of Granada in some way.  

Currently, the sovereign state of Grenada consists of seven islands in total the island of Grenada being the largest one. At the same time, other islands also deserve attention.

Facts about Grenada: Confrontation between the French and the British

Even though the island was discovered by the Spanish, it became a French colony in 1649 and preserved this status until 1763. However, the British also appreciated the fertile soil of the island and so they took control of it and kept it in their possession until 1974. They cultivated sugarcane in Grenada using it for the production of first-class rum. On February 7, 1974, Grenada gained independence from Great Britain and now this day is a national holiday in the country.

Facts about Grenada: Uneasy relationship with the USA

The United States of America is the main trade partner of Grenada. Today, most of the imported products in the country are made in the USA. However, it has almost been forgotten that the USA invaded Grenada in 1983.

Around 6,000 US troops landed on the island and overthrew the pro-communist regime. Twenty American soldiers and sixty Grenadian and Cuban soldiers were killed in the battles. It is not surprising that there is no USA embassy in Grenada.

We recommend that you watch the Heartbreak Ridge movie if you want to learn more about these events. On the other hand, at the current moment, Grenada is building partnership relationships with many countries of the world including the United States. The trade between Grenada and the USA is growing. 

Facts about Grenada: The nutmeg

Grenada is known as the ‘spice island’. This is because a considerable portion of its exports is the sales of nutmeg and some other spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, oregano, orange peel, and so on. Grenada produces more than 20% of all nutmegs in the world. Only Indonesia outperforms it in this respect.

Grenada is the only country whose flag contains an image of the nutmeg. This spice has been grown in the country since 1843 after a British ship dropped a few nutmeg trees on the island on its way from East India to the Old World.

The nutmeg is the only tropical fruit that is used to make two different spices. One is made from the seeds and the other one from the seed skins. The trees fully mature in twenty years after they are planted.

Facts about Grenada: Olympic medalists

Grenada can boast only two Olympic medals. Kirani James won a gold medal in a 400-meter race in 2012 and a silver medal in 2016 in the same discipline. As the population of Grenada is only about 110,000 people, these two medals actually put it at the top of the list in respect to the number of Olympic medals won by a national state per capita.

In addition, Grenada may have a good Olympic potential. For example, surfing is very well developed there and this sport can become an Olympic sport one day.

Facts about Grenada: Underwater sculptures

Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada became an art object instantly when it was opened in 2006. It mostly contains figures of people made of concrete and installed at the bottom of the sea. The Park is located at Molinere bay, within a few-minute drive from the capital city of St George’s. This is a unique underwater gallery in a specially protected marine area.

Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the underwater sight for a small pay. The Park was built by Jason de Caires Taylor in 2006. One of the purposes of its construction was to help restore the coral riffs that had been damaged in a storm. The riffs actually use the sculptures to grow on.

Facts about Grenada: Natural disasters

Over 90% of houses in Grenada were destroyed or damaged after hurricane Ivan that occurred in 2004. It was a true national disaster. However, Grenada has experienced the attacks of only three hurricanes over the last twenty years. Thus, it compares favorably to its neighbors in this respect. The Commonwealth of Dominica, for example, was hit by category 5 hurricanes twice within two years.

Facts about Grenada: The fear of snakes

Most people in Grenada treat snakes as a source of extreme danger. Even though most snakes inhabiting the island are harmless, the local attitude to them is as follows: first kill it, and then ask questions. This is quite sad, as there are some beautiful non-poisonous snakes in the country such as the tree boa (Corallus), for example. But if he appears in the sight of a Grenadian with a machete, he will not probably slither much further.  

Facts about Grenada: The Jumpers Hill

There is a cliff in Grenada called Jumpers Hill. It was named in honor of a tragic historical event.

During the French reign, there was a conflict between the Caribs (the indigenous people of the island) and the French settlers. The better-armed French chased the Indians and drove them to the edge of this cliff. The Caribs chose to jump off the cliff and die rather than surrender to the Europeans.

Facts about Grenada: Opossum soup

When you look at the opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) that lives on the island, you will hardly believe that people can eat this animal. However, many Grenadians love dishes made from the meat of the opossum. They say that the meat tastes sweet and goes especially well in a soup.

Facts about Grenada: Carnival madness

People of the spice island absolutely love crazy carnivals. The carnival called J’ouvert is probably the central celebration in Grenada. Every Grenadian will tell you that you must see it: dancing to Caribbean music, bright costumes, and gallons of rum – these are the central components of J’ouvert Carnival.

Facts about Grenada: Machete 

The sight may appear quite scary to the foreigner visiting Grenada for the first time but this is true: many men in the country carry machetes while walking through the streets.

Imagine walking along a jungle path making your way to the beach and suddenly seeing a tall Grenadian guy swinging his machete! In all likelihood, he is going to smile to you warmly and say ‘Hello’. They carry machetes around to cut their way through the thick tropical forest and to crack coconuts. This is just an instrument that is necessary for everyday survival on the island.

Facts about Grenada: Centipedes in rum

When visiting the country as a tourist, you are unlikely to see a bottle of rum with a centipede inside it on the store shelves. Such bottles are usually sold only to the local clients from under the counter. Those who have tried the drink say it tastes great.  

The Amazonian Giant Centipede found in Grenada is the largest centipede in the world. They are poisonous creatures and even though a huge 30-centimiter centipede cannot kill an adult person, they sting very hard. The drink mentioned above is illegal in Grenada but if you are lucky to try it, you will be pleasantly surprised by its taste and its effect.

 Facts about Grenada: The best rum is made there

If you spend enough time in a rum bar in Grenada, you are likely to overhear a hot dispute about the best way to distil rum and the best ingredients to use when making the drink. Grenadians love their rum and they are proud of the long history of its production on the island.

River Antoine Rum Distillery is the oldest rum factory in Grenada and we recommend that you pay a visit to this place when you come to the country.

Facts about Grenada: Grenadians are religious people

Around 44.6% of the Grenadian population report that they are Roman Catholics. Around 44.3% say they are Protestants while the rest are mostly Rastafari, Muslims, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In their everyday communication, the islanders refer to the Bible rather often and discuss various aspects of their religions. On Sundays, they put on their best clothes and gather in churches.

Facts about Grenada: Grenadians are generally very friendly

Of course, you may run into a rude waiter or a nervous shop assistant in Grenada. But when Grenadians are not working, they are all very friendly people. Chances are that you will find good friends in Grenada when you join their crazy parties or when you simply walk down the street.

The people of the Spice Island make the place truly unique. Without doubt, Grenadians are the friendliest nation in the Caribbean basin. The majority of them feel obliged to treat every visitor as an honorable guest and communicate with him or her in a polite way. They are certain that they are lucky to live on the best island in the world but they are prepared to share their luck with strangers.

Facts about Grenada: Chocolate and cacao beans

Grenada used to be the largest producer of nutmegs in the world but after hurricane Ivan in 2004, many local nutmeg plantations were ruined and the industry has not fully recovered thus far. Fortunately, a replacement has been found: now Grenadians grow cacao beans in large quantities. In addition to that, all other ingredients needed for the production of first-class dark organic chocolate also grow on the island. This chocolate reduces the risk of diabetes and lowers the stress level. A bar of the local chocolate is sure to put you in a good mood!  

Grenadian-made chocolate is very popular in a number of countries. There are two large chocolate producers in the country – Jouvay and Belmont – that put out excellent 100% organic chocolate.

Facts about Grenada: The leptotyl

The Grenadian leptotyl (Leptotila wellsi) is an endemic pigeon that is threatened by extinction. The bird is a national symbol of Grenada and it attracts bird-watchers and professional ornithologists from all over the world.

Facts about Grenada: The national dish

The national dish on the island has a strange name of ‘oildown’ and it is cooked with coconut milk. A popular morning drink in Grenada is chocolate tea that is made of local cacao beans and spices.  

Facts about Grenada: Education and the English language in the country

English is the official language in the country and thus it is the language of instruction in local schools. Many Grenadians also use the Creole language in their day-to-day communication. As far as higher education and professional tr are concerned, Great Britain and Cube provide a number of stipends to Grenadians who go to these countries in order to receive training in various special disciplines.

Facts about Grenada: There are no armed forces in the country

Grenada is one of the smallest independent states in the western hemisphere. It is a politically neutral state that does not have an army. This factor makes the fiscal burden that Grenadians have to carry somewhat lighter.

Moreover, wearing camouflage patterns is illegal on the island and it may lead to a fine in the same amount as the fine for using foul language in public. This rule shows how much Grenadians care for preserving the favorable image of their country.

Facts about Grenada: Tuna fish

The small island country makes good profit from fishery. Most of it is made from the tuna fish that the local anglers catch. There are about eighty fish boats in Grenada that earn a few million dollars every year by selling the tuna fish that they catch. The business is profitable indeed, however, from time to time, the fish boats fall prey to pirates.

Facts about Grenada: The bottomless lake

There is a lake in Grenada called Grand Etang. It is referred to as a ‘bottomless lake’ because no sonar has been able to find its bottom. The lake fills the dormant volcano crater and it serves as one of the most outstanding natural tourist attractions on the island. It certainly attracts a large number of eco-tourists who come to Grenada in order the see the lake surrounded by the green tropical forests and fantastic estuaries.

Facts about Grenada: Leatherback turtles

Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea or Dermochelyidae) found in Grenada are the largest reptiles in the world surviving since the times of dinosaurs. The coast of Levera nature reserve is the home of the largest population of leatherback turtles that nest and lay eggs there.  

There are only 35,000 female turtles of this species left in the world. Only one of a thousand leatherback turtle nestlings survives to become an adult turtle.

Levera Nature & Beach Resort runs a special program aimed at saving the turtles and preserving their habitat.

Facts about Grenada: The mountains in the country

All the islands that make up the state of Grenada are of volcanic origin. This origin makes the soil there highly fertile. There are large mountain areas in the country and Mount St Catherine goes up to 840 meters (2,760 feet) above the Caribbean Sea level. A great number of rivers run down St Catherine and other mountains to the ocean forming several wonderful waterfalls of their ways.

Facts about Grenada: St George’s

St George’s is not only the capital city of Grenada but also one of the most beautiful port cities in the Caribbean basin. The houses there are built along the shore of the horseshoe-shaped haven surrounded by volcanic hills. Narrow streets run between brick and stone houses with red tiled roofs. Locals sell spices and craftworks right in these streets. The colorful city is popular with yachtsmen that moor at the busy Carenage haven.

Facts about Grenada: Grand Anse

The location called Grand Anse is the most famous beach in Grenada and one of the most beautiful seashores in the world. The beach is encircled with coccoloba and coconut trees.

Visitors arriving to Grenada by planes or cruise ships flow to the two-mile strip of golden sand and tender breeze. It is not surprising at all that many boutique resorts and luxury restaurants are placed along the beach.

However, please do not limit yourself to visiting only one beach when you go to Grenada. There are other beautiful beaches in the country that you are going to love seeing. You can find wide sand beaches as well as black sand beaches on the island. The latter are products of volcanic activity in Grenada.

Facts about Grenada: The place where the sea and the ocean come together

Grenada is found at the location where the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean merge. The Sea water differs from the Ocean water in many respects. The temperature of the Caribbean Sea is higher and the streams are slower. The Atlantic Ocean can sometimes bring cool and fast streams of water to the shores of Grenada. You should take this fact into account if you plan to go diving on your visit to the island.

Facts about Grenada: Lack of punctuality

Time goes slowly in Grenada. Local people practice a relaxed and laidback lifestyle. They are never in a hurry. Please be prepared to wait quite a bit before you are serviced in a restaurant or before the plumber comes to fix the leaking faucet. Keeping appointments is against the national character. Simply be ready to accept this fact. 

Facts about Grenada: Miscellaneous

Only three traffic lights can be found in the whole of Grenada. Eighty two percent of its residents are descendants of African slaves brought to the islands by European colonists to work on the plantations. Public transport is overcrowded most of the time so it would be a good idea to rent a car when you go to Grenada on a visit.

The opportunity to purchase the Grenadian passport should not be missed. We have assisted a large number of clients in becoming full citizenship of the country and we will be happy to provide this service to you too. The possibility to acquire citizenship of Grenada without leaving the comfort of your home should look especially inviting in the times when the deadly epidemic is spreading further and further all around the world.  

Please place a service request by writing to [email protected] or send your queries to the same address. Our professional consultants will help you make the best choice.