Jamaica is a Caribbean island located south of Cuba.  At slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut, it has a population of 3 million.  90% of the population is black, 1% is East Indian, and 7.3% is mixed.  English is the main language spoken by Jamaicans.

Christopher Columbus first stepped foot on the island in 1494.   By the 16^th Century Spain had taken control of it.  In 1655 England seized the island, and nurtured a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee.  These crops relied heavily on the labor of African slaves. 

Jamaica was home to one of the most successful slave rebellions in the Caribbean.  When Britain took control of Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655, Spain freed many of their slaves hoping they would fight the British.  Instead the slaves escaped into the mountains where they still live today in their own free society.  Known as maroons these freed slaves kept the oral traditions and culture of their African heritage alive.

Jamaica won independence from the United Kingdom August 6, 1962.  Bruce Golding is Jamaica’s’ Prime Minister.  The government is based on a constitutional parliamentary democracy.  The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II represented by Governor General Kenneth O. Hall.  There are 21 seats in parliament; and 60 in the House of Representatives.         

The Jamaican economy relies heavily on tourism, remittances, bauxite and aluminum.  It faces serious long term problems.  Jamaicans main export partners are the U.S., Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, and China.  It mainly imports food and other consumer goods, industrial supplies, fuel, and construction materials.  Their main import partners are the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Japan.  The country has an external debt of 7 billion dollars.

Jamaica's National Symbols - Our National Symbols are representative of our rich history and culture. They define us as a people – Jamaicans who are proud of where we are coming from.

 Flag

Natl. Flower         Natl. Bird          Natl. Fruit        Natl. Tree

Lignum Vitae       Dr. Bird            Ackee Fruit        Blue Mahoe