Population of Grenada

Grenada has an estimated 2026 population of 117,459, based on latest projections and official 2024 data. The country maintains a global population rank of 187 out of 215 countries and territories. While its land area is relatively small, the population is characterized by a high density and a growth trend that has become nearly stagnant due to low fertility and significant international migration. Most of the population resides in rural areas, though the capital and its surrounding parishes serve as the primary economic hubs.

The population history of Grenada is deeply intertwined with its colonial past and the subsequent waves of migration. Following the abolition of slavery in the early nineteenth century, the island saw the arrival of East Indian indentured laborers, whose descendants remain a significant part of the demographic fabric. Throughout the 20th century, Grenada experienced high rates of out-migration, particularly to the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. This 'diaspora effect' has historically kept the resident population growth lower than the natural birth rate would otherwise suggest. A pivotal moment in recent demographic history occurred in September 2004, when Hurricane Ivan struck the island. The disaster caused catastrophic damage to more than 80 percent of the infrastructure and the vital nutmeg industry, leading to a temporary surge in displacement and external migration. Since then, the population has slowly stabilized, though the economic shifts following the storm accelerated a transition from traditional agriculture toward a services-based economy centered on tourism and education.

Current demographic trends in Grenada indicate a period of stabilization with a very low growth rate of 0.11%. The latest fertility rate is approximately 1.47 children per woman, which is below the global replacement level of 2.1. This decline is attributed to increased educational attainment among women, improved access to reproductive health services, and the rising cost of living, which has encouraged smaller family sizes. Projections suggest that without significant changes in net migration or a rebound in birth rates, the population will continue to age. Recent data indicates that the natural increase—the difference between births and deaths—is nearly balanced by those leaving the country for education or employment opportunities abroad. This demographic transition toward an older population is likely to place future pressure on social security systems and the local labor force.

The current estimated 2026 population density is 345.5 people per km² (894.8 people per sq mi), which is one of the highest in the Americas.

The urban population accounts for 36.6% of the total, indicating that while many live in rural villages, a significant portion is clustered around the capital of St. George's.

In the global landscape, Grenada is ranked 187th for total population, placing it among the smaller island nations. Within the Americas, it holds a regional rank of 33 out of 46 nations, and it is 11th out of 22 in the Caribbean subregion. Despite its small overall size, its population density is notably high, ranking 33rd globally and 9th in the Americas, reflecting the concentration of inhabitants on a limited landmass of 344 km² (133 sq mi).