GEOGRAPHY
Jamaica is located in the Caribbean, west of Haiti, south of Cuba. It is one of the largest islands of the Caribbean. The interior of the island is mountainous but its coastal plains boast its famous white-sand beaches.

Capital and largest city: Kingston.
Area: 10,991 sq km (4,244 sq miles) .
Elevation extremes: highest - Blue Mountain, 2,256 m (7,402 ft); lowest - sea level, Dimensions: Length is 146 miles, the width varies from 22 miles to 64 miles.
Climate: Tropical hot, humid in the coastal regions, to cool and temperate in the mountainous regions.
Weather: The average annual temperature is about 25°C (80°F), with an annual rainfall of 85 inches.
Click here  for a five day weather forecast for Montego Bay, Jamaica.

HISTORY
Jamaica was originally populated by the indigenous Arawak Indians. The island was first colonized in 1494 by Spain, having been discovered by Christopher Columbus.

Unfortunately no Arawaks survived the ravages of diseases brought by the civilized world. Britain subsequently seized the island in 1655. Jamaica became a mecca for slave traders & buccaneers (pirates) of which the most famous were Henry Morgan and Annie.
Jamaica fought for & gained its independence from Britain in 1962. It remains a democratic English-speaking country with a rich "new world" history.

POPULATION
The slave trade brought people of African descent to the island, who now make up the majority of the population. The populace today also consists of a melting pot of races whose cultures have all had their impact on this unique tropical island. The island's motto "Out of Many, one people" reflects the multiplicity of it's people & culture. Other groups who call Jamaica home include East Indians, Chinese and Europeans.

 

Estimated Population: 2.5 million
Distribution (1992): 51% urban, 49% rural.
Annual growth (1992): 0.9%.
Languages: English, Patois.
Major religions: Anglican, Protestant, and Roman Catholic.

ECONOMY & TRADE

Sugar & bauxite mining were the traditionally the main exports of Jamaica. Coffee, bananas and other agricultural products also have been important to the nation's economy. Today however, tourism is the main foreign exchange earner for the country, attracting more than 1 million visitors annually. Most visitors originate from the United States and Canada.

Currency: 1 Jamaican dollar = 100 Jamaican cents.
Foreign Exchange Rates: Click here for currency conversion rates 

GDP (1991 estimated): $3.6 billion; $1,400 per capita.
Currency: 1 Jamaican dollar = 100 cents.  

GOVERNMENT

Jamaica is an  independent state within the Commonwealth. It is a democratic English-speaking country.
Government leaders: Percival J. Patterson (Prime Minister), Howard Cooke (Governor-General).
Legislature: Parliament.
Political subdivisions: 14 parishes.

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