Jamaica

Country Jamaica
Capital Kingston
Continent North America(Central America)
Currency Jamaican dollar(JMD)
Languages English(Jamaican English) & Jamaican Patois

Information

Introduction

The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.

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References

Jamaica - Wikipedia
Jamaica - CIA World Fact Book
Jamaica - BBC
Jamaica - National Geographic
Jamaica - Timeline - BBC

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Jamaica - BritannicaJamaica  Britannica

CPL 2026 to feature new Jamaica-based franchise - ESPNcricinfoCPL 2026 to feature new Jamaica-based franchise  ESPNcricinfo

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi - TravelBiz MonitorJamaica’s Tourism Minister Receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi  TravelBiz Monitor

Jamaica Moves Forward on Alternative Marine Fuels following National Stakeholder Workshop - India Shipping NewsJamaica Moves Forward on Alternative Marine Fuels following National Stakeholder Workshop  India Shipping News

Jamaica rebuild, subsea drive Liberty Latin America's capex - BNamericasJamaica rebuild, subsea drive Liberty Latin America's capex  BNamericas

CPL to return to Jamaica in 2026 with new franchise - Cricbuzz.comCPL to return to Jamaica in 2026 with new franchise  Cricbuzz.com

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award - Breaking Travel NewsJamaica’s Minister of Tourism Receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award  Breaking Travel News

Franchise cricket to return to Jamaica as new PSL team owners Kingsmen revive CPL side for 2026 - WisdenFranchise cricket to return to Jamaica as new PSL team owners Kingsmen revive CPL side for 2026  Wisden

Decades after 'Cool Runnings,' Jamaica seeks newfound bobsled success - NBC OlympicsDecades after 'Cool Runnings,' Jamaica seeks newfound bobsled success  NBC Olympics

Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Shares 2026 Outlook - TravelAge WestEdmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Shares 2026 Outlook  TravelAge West

Jamaica: United Oil & Gas - 'On the Rocks' podcast - Episode 2: Offshore survey progress and piston coring programme - energy-pedia.comJamaica: United Oil & Gas - 'On the Rocks' podcast - Episode 2: Offshore survey progress and piston coring programme  energy-pedia.com

Dentons Celebrates Leading Firm Ranking in Jamaica, Plus, Tricia-Gaye O’Connor Recognized as Leading Partner - DentonsDentons Celebrates Leading Firm Ranking in Jamaica, Plus, Tricia-Gaye O’Connor Recognized as Leading Partner  Dentons

From fisherman to pilot: Jamaican bobsledder Shane Pitter makes his olympic debut - XinhuaFrom fisherman to pilot: Jamaican bobsledder Shane Pitter makes his olympic debut  Xinhua

World Bank Group Moves to a New, Resource-Efficient Office in Jamaica - World BankWorld Bank Group Moves to a New, Resource-Efficient Office in Jamaica  World Bank

Jamaica-Police probe drug smuggling attempts at courier companies - The St Kitts Nevis ObserverJamaica-Police probe drug smuggling attempts at courier companies  The St Kitts Nevis Observer

Gov’t moves to maximize Jamaica’s gains from CPL T20 return - Jamaica ObserverGov’t moves to maximize Jamaica’s gains from CPL T20 return  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica – New Book from Minister Bartlett on Tourism for The Global Digital Age - NY Carib NewsJamaica – New Book from Minister Bartlett on Tourism for The Global Digital Age  NY Carib News

Jamaica - Economy, Agriculture, Tourism - BritannicaJamaica - Economy, Agriculture, Tourism  Britannica

Amber Connect wins Dubai fleet deal covering 13,000 vehicles - Jamaica ObserverAmber Connect wins Dubai fleet deal covering 13,000 vehicles  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica - Colonialism, Slavery, Independence - BritannicaJamaica - Colonialism, Slavery, Independence  Britannica

Jamaica launches year-round avocado cultivation to boost exports - FreshPlazaJamaica launches year-round avocado cultivation to boost exports  FreshPlaza

Jamaica - Christianity, Rastafari, Animism - BritannicaJamaica - Christianity, Rastafari, Animism  Britannica

Twin threat! - Jamaica ObserverTwin threat!  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica: IFRC launches emergency appeal in response to Hurricane Melissa. Aid distribution is well under way - IFRCJamaica: IFRC launches emergency appeal in response to Hurricane Melissa. Aid distribution is well under way  IFRC

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett Awarded in Nairobi for Revolutionary Contributions to Global Tourism Resilience - Travel And Tour WorldJamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett Awarded in Nairobi for Revolutionary Contributions to Global Tourism Resilience  Travel And Tour World

Jamaica: Hours before Melissa makes landfall, preparation is the only way forward - IFRCJamaica: Hours before Melissa makes landfall, preparation is the only way forward  IFRC

DBJ to Launch M5 Business Recovery Programme in 2026/2027 - Jamaica Information Service (JIS)DBJ to Launch M5 Business Recovery Programme in 2026/2027  Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

FROM THE GROUND UP - Jamaica ObserverFROM THE GROUND UP  Jamaica Observer

Kingsmen group secures Jamaica franchise ahead of CPL 2026 - A SportsKingsmen group secures Jamaica franchise ahead of CPL 2026  A Sports

Hub of Resilience: Jamaica’s Strategic Win over Crime - Diálogo AmericasHub of Resilience: Jamaica’s Strategic Win over Crime  Diálogo Americas

New Caledonia draw Jamaica for FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament semi-final - Oceania Football ConfederationNew Caledonia draw Jamaica for FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament semi-final  Oceania Football Confederation

Jamaica - Welcome to the United NationsJamaica  Welcome to the United Nations

Jamaica - MSFJamaica  MSF

Tech to Gov’t: Tax it right - Jamaica ObserverTech to Gov’t: Tax it right  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa - IFRCJamaica: Hurricane Melissa  IFRC

Trump issues Iran with ultimatum as US ramps up military presence - Jamaica ObserverTrump issues Iran with ultimatum as US ramps up military presence  Jamaica Observer

Nigeria moving to ‘block’ athlete’s nationality switch to Turkey — reports - Jamaica ObserverNigeria moving to ‘block’ athlete’s nationality switch to Turkey — reports  Jamaica Observer

IFRC sends first 64 tons of humanitarian aid to Jamaica after the passage of Hurricane Melissa - IFRCIFRC sends first 64 tons of humanitarian aid to Jamaica after the passage of Hurricane Melissa  IFRC

COOLING INFLATION INTENSIFIES RATE DEBATE AHEAD OF BOJ DECISION - Jamaica ObserverCOOLING INFLATION INTENSIFIES RATE DEBATE AHEAD OF BOJ DECISION  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica seeks sliding success to replace ‘Cool Runnings’ past - CTV NewsJamaica seeks sliding success to replace ‘Cool Runnings’ past  CTV News

UK king opens London fashion week despite brother’s arrest - Jamaica ObserverUK king opens London fashion week despite brother’s arrest  Jamaica Observer

The real impact of freezing the prime minister’s pay - Jamaica ObserverThe real impact of freezing the prime minister’s pay  Jamaica Observer

2026 Sugar Cane ‘One Love’ Ball - Jamaica Observer2026 Sugar Cane ‘One Love’ Ball  Jamaica Observer

Cuba crisis warning - Jamaica ObserverCuba crisis warning  Jamaica Observer

'Absolutely incredible': Army bobsleigh star reflects on her record result for Jamaica at Olympics - Forces News'Absolutely incredible': Army bobsleigh star reflects on her record result for Jamaica at Olympics  Forces News

Chairman’s Summit First step towards 2026 Mouttet Mile - Jamaica ObserverChairman’s Summit First step towards 2026 Mouttet Mile  Jamaica Observer

Tobacco coalition applauds SCT on cigarettes - Jamaica ObserverTobacco coalition applauds SCT on cigarettes  Jamaica Observer

Commonwealth U marks 10th year of service-learning in Harmons, Jamaica - NorthcentralPA.comCommonwealth U marks 10th year of service-learning in Harmons, Jamaica  NorthcentralPA.com

Public scoping meeting planned for Jamaica State Park Long-Range Management Plan - Vermont Business MagazinePublic scoping meeting planned for Jamaica State Park Long-Range Management Plan  Vermont Business Magazine

Jamaica Secures US$6.7 Billion for Recovery After Hurricane Melissa - CAF - banco de desarrolloJamaica Secures US$6.7 Billion for Recovery After Hurricane Melissa  CAF - banco de desarrollo

Category 5 Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica and Caribbean islands - World Meteorological Organization WMOCategory 5 Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica and Caribbean islands  World Meteorological Organization WMO

Cool Runnings 2? F1's Lewis Hamilton would shine in a bobsled, says new Jamaica hopeful - ESPNCool Runnings 2? F1's Lewis Hamilton would shine in a bobsled, says new Jamaica hopeful  ESPN

Jamaica unveil snazzy kits ahead of World Cup playoffs - ESPNJamaica unveil snazzy kits ahead of World Cup playoffs  ESPN

Jamaica’s New Climate Commitments Recognize Conservation Value of Coastal Wetlands - The Pew Charitable TrustsJamaica’s New Climate Commitments Recognize Conservation Value of Coastal Wetlands  The Pew Charitable Trusts

Jamaica Joins Barbados, Antigua, and Tobago in Suffering Devastating Tourism Declines Due to Oil Crises: Can the Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Grenada Recover? - Travel And Tour WorldJamaica Joins Barbados, Antigua, and Tobago in Suffering Devastating Tourism Declines Due to Oil Crises: Can the Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Grenada Recover?  Travel And Tour World

BEL Linesmen Return Home After Assisting Jamaica in Hurricane Recovery Efforts - The San Pedro SunBEL Linesmen Return Home After Assisting Jamaica in Hurricane Recovery Efforts  The San Pedro Sun

Bald Eagles Spotted Near Jamaica Bay - rockawave.comBald Eagles Spotted Near Jamaica Bay  rockawave.com

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce confident "Jamaica track and field in good hands" with young generation - Milano Cortina 2026Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce confident "Jamaica track and field in good hands" with young generation  Milano Cortina 2026

Major safety issue on the north-south highway - Jamaica ObserverMajor safety issue on the north-south highway  Jamaica Observer

Where to start with the writing of Jamaica Kincaid. - Literary HubWhere to start with the writing of Jamaica Kincaid.  Literary Hub

Usain Bolt named Jamaica Global Tourism Ambassador - Milano Cortina 2026Usain Bolt named Jamaica Global Tourism Ambassador  Milano Cortina 2026

Half of Jamaica’s population reeling from Hurricane Melissa - UN NewsHalf of Jamaica’s population reeling from Hurricane Melissa  UN News

KFC Jamaica expands to Salem with $285M investment, creating 45 new jobs - Caribbean National WeeklyKFC Jamaica expands to Salem with $285M investment, creating 45 new jobs  Caribbean National Weekly

Talking points: Jamaica Series - Netball.com.auTalking points: Jamaica Series  Netball.com.au

PwC warns Jamaica tax hikes alone won’t close fiscal gap - Jamaica ObserverPwC warns Jamaica tax hikes alone won’t close fiscal gap  Jamaica Observer

Warner Brown will miss Jamaica’s friendly international against Martinique - IRIE FMWarner Brown will miss Jamaica’s friendly international against Martinique  IRIE FM

Nine newcomers race on Saturday - Jamaica ObserverNine newcomers race on Saturday  Jamaica Observer

28 Agricultural Extension Officers Complete Soil Management Training Programme - Jamaica Information Service (JIS)28 Agricultural Extension Officers Complete Soil Management Training Programme  Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

Digicel signals turnaround after Caribbean storm - caribbeanlife.comDigicel signals turnaround after Caribbean storm  caribbeanlife.com

From ruins to rebuilding: Three Jamaican mothers face the future after hurricane - UN NewsFrom ruins to rebuilding: Three Jamaican mothers face the future after hurricane  UN News

How Jamaica’s private sector responded to Hurricane Melissa - Welcome to the United NationsHow Jamaica’s private sector responded to Hurricane Melissa  Welcome to the United Nations

Rowe: West Indies can lift T20 World Cup title - Jamaica ObserverRowe: West Indies can lift T20 World Cup title  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica Eyes Half a Million UK Visitors by 2030, Rebuilding Tourism to Record Levels: What New Updates You Need to Know - Travel And Tour WorldJamaica Eyes Half a Million UK Visitors by 2030, Rebuilding Tourism to Record Levels: What New Updates You Need to Know  Travel And Tour World

NCB Foundation invests $10 million in FTC high school robotics championship - Jamaica ObserverNCB Foundation invests $10 million in FTC high school robotics championship  Jamaica Observer

Tokyo LGBTQ fundraiser to raise money for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa - The Japan TimesTokyo LGBTQ fundraiser to raise money for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa  The Japan Times

Floyd Green goes shopping at ‘Curry’ - Jamaica ObserverFloyd Green goes shopping at ‘Curry’  Jamaica Observer

JIS Team and JIS 2025 Heritage Competition Winners Share a Photo - Jamaica Information Service (JIS)JIS Team and JIS 2025 Heritage Competition Winners Share a Photo  Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

‘You can’t capture it in pictures’: Hurricane Melissa leaves path of destruction in Western Jamaica - IFRC‘You can’t capture it in pictures’: Hurricane Melissa leaves path of destruction in Western Jamaica  IFRC

Dr. Jamaica Cass named 2025 Order of Ontario appointee - Queen's UniversityDr. Jamaica Cass named 2025 Order of Ontario appointee  Queen's University

Two teens from Jamaica are missing, police say - Queens ChronicleTwo teens from Jamaica are missing, police say  Queens Chronicle

Friend to the ‘Coore’ - Jamaica ObserverFriend to the ‘Coore’  Jamaica Observer

Forex: $156.92 to one US dollar - Jamaica ObserverForex: $156.92 to one US dollar  Jamaica Observer

Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has died - Jamaica ObserverGrey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has died  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica Strong: Stream the Benefit Concert Live on YouTube - YouTube Official BlogJamaica Strong: Stream the Benefit Concert Live on YouTube  YouTube Official Blog

Criminals losing territorial control, says Holness - Jamaica ObserverCriminals losing territorial control, says Holness  Jamaica Observer

Race day review for Wednesday, February 18, 2026 - Jamaica ObserverRace day review for Wednesday, February 18, 2026  Jamaica Observer

Rough sex sending men to ER - Jamaica StarRough sex sending men to ER  Jamaica Star

TUI Care Foundation Launches ‘TUI Forest Jamaica’ Ecological Programme - ittn.ieTUI Care Foundation Launches ‘TUI Forest Jamaica’ Ecological Programme  ittn.ie

Judge demands scientific experts for gun crimes - Jamaica ObserverJudge demands scientific experts for gun crimes  Jamaica Observer

Nearly a third of Jamaica’s annual wealth wiped out by Hurricane Melissa - UN NewsNearly a third of Jamaica’s annual wealth wiped out by Hurricane Melissa  UN News

A call for tax reform - Jamaica ObserverA call for tax reform  Jamaica Observer

USF awards tablets to top PEP students in Clarendon North Central - Jamaica ObserverUSF awards tablets to top PEP students in Clarendon North Central  Jamaica Observer

Navasky Anderson breaks men’s 800m indoor national record - Jamaica ObserverNavasky Anderson breaks men’s 800m indoor national record  Jamaica Observer

Defining Ash Wednesday triple success for Most-Improved Trainer 2025 — Peter-John Parsard - Jamaica ObserverDefining Ash Wednesday triple success for Most-Improved Trainer 2025 — Peter-John Parsard  Jamaica Observer

JSIF Chairman Urges Procurement as Key to Jamaica’s Resilience, Recovery and Sustainable Growth - Jamaica Information Service (JIS)JSIF Chairman Urges Procurement as Key to Jamaica’s Resilience, Recovery and Sustainable Growth  Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

Usain Bolt stars in new Jamaica campaign as Global Tourism Ambassador: ‘We do big things here’ - Milano Cortina 2026Usain Bolt stars in new Jamaica campaign as Global Tourism Ambassador: ‘We do big things here’  Milano Cortina 2026

Photos: Blaze rips through Jamaica Plain home, injuring firefighters - Boston 25 NewsPhotos: Blaze rips through Jamaica Plain home, injuring firefighters  Boston 25 News

Hurricane Melissa death toll rises to 28 in Jamaica - BBCHurricane Melissa death toll rises to 28 in Jamaica  BBC

Minister to visit soldiers in Jamaica on relief mission - Royal Gazette | BermudaMinister to visit soldiers in Jamaica on relief mission  Royal Gazette | Bermuda

Mexico Joins Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Other Countries in Facing a Significant Decline in Tourist Arrivals to the US Last Year: Everything You Need to Know - Travel And Tour WorldMexico Joins Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Other Countries in Facing a Significant Decline in Tourist Arrivals to the US Last Year: Everything You Need to Know  Travel And Tour World