Grenadines

The Grenadines are a chain of Caribbean islands extending from the southern coast of Saint Vincent to Grenada in the south. They are part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles and are divided politically between two sovereign states: the northern Grenadines belong to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while the southern Grenadines belong to Grenada.

Major inhabited islands include Bequia, Mustique, Union Island, Mayreau and Palm Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada. The terrain is mostly low-lying with white-sand beaches, clear waters, coral reefs and mangrove fringes. The Tobago Cays Marine Park, in the southern Grenadines, is a protected area noted for its reefs, islets and boating opportunities.

Population and economy are concentrated on a few islands, with Bequia being the largest in the northern group. The economy is dominated by tourism and fishing, particularly boating, sailing and luxury tourism on some islands, alongside small-scale agriculture and craft production.

History and name: the term Grenadines derives from Grenada, itself named after Granada in Spain. The islands were inhabited by Kalinago and Arawak peoples before European contact and were later settled by the French and British. They formed part of the British West Indies; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence in 1979, while Grenada did so in 1974. Today the Grenadines remain split between the two states, sharing cultural and ecological ties.

Environment and governance: the islands experience a tropical maritime climate with a wet season and vulnerability to tropical storms. Conservation efforts include protected areas like Tobago Cays and various reef-management initiatives to sustain tourism and marine life.