Jamaica Overview

Country Profile

Jamaica, which mean “spring of the island” in the Arawak language, is located in the northwest Caribbean Sea. and cover an area of 11,000 square kilometers. It has a population of 2.62 million, most of whom are black and mulattos, with Christianity the primary religion. English is the official language, and the currency is the Jamaican dollar. The capital is Kingston.

Jamaica National Flag

The Jamaican flag consists of a yellow cross separating two green and two black triangles. The yellow symbolizes Jamaica’s natural resources and beautiful sunshine, the black represents triumph is the face of adversity, and the green symbolizes hope and the country’s rich agricultural resources.

History Summary

Prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1494, Jamaica was original inhabited by Arawak Indians. In 1509, the island was colonized by Spain, with the British occupying it in 1655. In 1866, it became a British crown colony, and on August 6, 1962, independence was declared at Jamaica became part of the Commonwealth.

Economy and Culture Overview

Jamaica has an abundance of plants and is one of the world’s leading producers of dye extracted from the Anatoly tree Soil, sugar, and tourism are the three pillars of the economy, and Jamaica is also the world’s third-largest bauxite producer. The tourism industry provides one of the highest per capita incomes.

In the north coast, there are eight wonderful rivers which join together before reaching the sea, creating one large “roaring river” flowing out of the mountains, forming 40 meters high and 60 meters wide spectacular waterfalls. To the east are the Blue Mountains which contain clear water springs, earning the description: “Blue Mountain, the clear, clear water of the country,”.

Jamaica Map