St. George's - The Capital of Grenada
- Population
- 7,500
- Language
- English
- Continent
- North America
- Since
- 1705
- Eco Ranking
- 89/195
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
About St. George's
St. George's has served as the political centre of Grenada since the island's colonial period under French and later British rule, formally becoming the capital of an independent state in 1974 when Grenada severed ties with Britain. The city's political history took a sharp turn in March 1979, when the New Jewel Movement under Maurice Bishop seized power in a coup and established a Marxist-Leninist government aligned with Cuba and the Soviet Union. In October 1983, an internal power struggle within the ruling party led to Bishop's execution by hardline faction members. Days later, the United States launched Operation Urgent Fury, a full military invasion of Grenada, the first direct U.S. military intervention in the Caribbean since the Cold War. The stated rationale included protecting American citizens and restoring order; the broader Cold War logic was to prevent Grenada from becoming a Soviet and Cuban outpost. The operation lasted just over a week, with U.S. and Caribbean forces prevailing. Constitutional government was restored, and Grenada has since maintained democratic governance. St. George's today is the seat of the Governor-General, the Prime Minister's office, and the parliament. With fewer than 8,000 residents, it is one of the smallest national capitals in the world by population.
About Grenada
Grenada is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth, with the British monarch as head of state represented by a Governor-General. The country comprises three main islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Grenada is a member of CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The 1983 U.S. invasion remains a defining moment in the country's modern political identity.
View St. George's on the map
Flight time from St. George's to other capitals
| City | Distance (km) | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | 3300 | 3h 53m |
| Buenos Aires | 5200 | 6h 7m |
| London | 7000 | 8h 14m |
| Paris | 7100 | 8h 21m |
| Rome | 7800 | 9h 11m |
| Cape Town | 9900 | 11h 39m |
| Abu Dhabi | 12000 | 14h 7m |
| Tokyo | 14200 | 16h 42m |
| Canberra | 16000 | 18h 49m |
| Singapore | 17800 | 20h 56m |
Capitals with similar population to St. George's
Capitals with similar eco ranking to St. George's
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the United States invade Grenada in 1983?
The U.S. launched Operation Urgent Fury in October 1983 following the execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop during an internal coup by hardline Marxists. Washington cited the safety of American medical students on the island and the threat of Grenada becoming a Soviet-Cuban military outpost. The operation was completed in about a week.
When did St. George's become the capital of Grenada?
St. George's has served as Grenada's main administrative centre since the French established it in 1705. It became the capital of an independent Grenada in 1974 when the country gained independence from Britain. The city hosted both the Marxist government of 1979-1983 and the restored constitutional government afterward.
How small is St. George's compared to other capitals?
St. George's has a population of approximately 7,500, making it one of the smallest national capitals in the world by population. The entire island of Grenada has fewer than 125,000 people. Despite its size, the city functions as the full seat of government, including parliament and the Governor-General's residence.
What political system does Grenada use?
Grenada is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The British monarch serves as head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The Prime Minister leads the government, and parliament is bicameral, comprising an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate.
Who was Maurice Bishop?
Maurice Bishop was the Prime Minister of Grenada from 1979 until his execution in October 1983. He led the New Jewel Movement, which took power in a 1979 coup and established a Marxist-oriented government. Bishop was killed by members of his own party during a factional struggle, an event that directly triggered the U.S. military invasion.
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