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KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1974 Population: 105,000 (2011) GNI p.c.: US$7,350 (2011) UN HDI 2011: world ranking 67 Geography Area: 344.5 sq km Coastline: 121 km Capital: St George’s Grenada consists of the island of Grenada, the most southerly of the Windwards in the Eastern Caribbean, and some of the southern Grenadine islands, the largest of which is Carriacou (33 sq km). Its Caribbean neighbours include St Vincent and the Grenadines (which includes the more northern Grenadines) and Trinidad and Tobago. Constitution Status: Monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II Legislature: Parliament Independence: 7 February 1974 Grenada is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. She is represented by a Governor- General. A parliamentary democracy, Grenada has a bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives has 15 members elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term, and the Senate 13 members appointed for a five-year term by the Governor-General in consultation with the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition. The Prime Minister appoints the cabinet. Judicial system Supreme court: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Ministry: Legal Affairs The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court was established (as the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court) in 1967 with its headquarters in Castries in St Lucia, and is responsible for the administration of justice in its member Commonwealth Governance 168 Handbook 2013/14 states including Antigua and Barbuda. It comprises the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. The chief justice and the four justices of appeal are based at the court’s headquarters and the 19 High Court judges reside in the nine member countries, and sit in the country’s court of summary jurisdiction. Less serious cases are heard in magistrates’ courts. The Court of Appeal is itinerant. The High Court’s jurisdiction includes fundamental rights and freedoms, and constitutional issues. Government and politics Last elections: 19 February 2013 Next elections: 2018 Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General, Dr Cecile La Grenade (2013–) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell Ruling party: New National Party Grenada


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