Grenada, the southernmost island in the Antilles archipelago, is of volcanic origin as witnessed by its soil, mountainous interior and several explosion craters. Known as the spice island, Grenada is emerging as an eco-tourism destination.
 

Only 21 by 12 miles in size, Grenada seems bigger than it is because its mountainous interior looms large and its landscape is so varied.
 

Grenada is picturesque with many small fishing and farming communities spilling down the hillsides to the sea.

Its capital, St. George's, is the main hub for tourism and the main port for exporting the spices for which Grenada is famous.
 

The culture of Grenada is influenced by its roots in the enslaved Africans and the colonial rule of the British and French.
 

Like so many of the Caribbean Islands, Grenada has needed to rebuild infrastructure after hurricanes, the most devastating being Ivan in 2004.

Steel drum bands originated amongst the slaves as a means of communication and now are internationally recognized for their wide repertoire.

This wall painting in St. George's depicts the "intervention" in 1983 when American troops invaded Grenada to prevent a military coup.

The lush vegetation of the rainforest provides habitat for opossums, armadillos, mongoose, and many species of frogs, lizards and birds.
 

Grand Etang National Park is a protected rainforest region at an altitude of 1900 feet. Grand Etang Lake fills the caldera of an ancient volcano.

 The Grand Etang Visitor Center, like buildings elsewhere in Grenada,  is decorated in the colors of the flag to celebrate 50 years of Independence.
 

Mona monkeys were introduced to Grenada by a slave ship and have now established a population in the rainforest.
 

Annandale Falls is one of Grenada's 18 beautiful waterfalls.

Grenada produces turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, bay and ginger, and manufactures jams, syrups, extracts and oils for souvenirs and export.
 

Grenada is the world's largest producer of nutmeg, the pit of a fruit, with the red layer being mace. Nutmeg is a symbol on the flag and other Grenadian images.