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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News Headlines

Google News
Family of Briton murdered in Jamaica seek answers over UK officials’ ‘indifference’ - theguardian.comFamily of Briton murdered in Jamaica seek answers over UK officials’ ‘indifference’  theguardian.com

Nathan Lyon was 'disappointed on a number of levels' after being left out of Jamaica Test - ESPNcricinfoNathan Lyon was 'disappointed on a number of levels' after being left out of Jamaica Test  ESPNcricinfo

Suddenly, Jamaica | Henry Louis Gates Jr. - The New York Review of BooksSuddenly, Jamaica | Henry Louis Gates Jr.  The New York Review of Books

Jamaica Kincaid on “Putting Myself Together” - The New YorkerJamaica Kincaid on “Putting Myself Together”  The New Yorker

Jamaica Fest Returns August 17 - The MoCo Show -Jamaica Fest Returns August 17  The MoCo Show -

Shape the future with confidence - EYShape the future with confidence  EY

United Oil Gets Environmental Permit for Asset Offshore Jamaica - RigzoneUnited Oil Gets Environmental Permit for Asset Offshore Jamaica  Rigzone

UNICO Is Opening a New Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica - Caribbean JournalUNICO Is Opening a New Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica  Caribbean Journal

Sensational sweeps: Jamaica in the women's 100m at the 2022 World Championships - worldathletics.orgSensational sweeps: Jamaica in the women's 100m at the 2022 World Championships  worldathletics.org

DC Guard tests skills with Jamaican, Barbadian Forces - army.milDC Guard tests skills with Jamaican, Barbadian Forces  army.mil

This Caribbean Island’s Sunken City Was a Pirate Stronghold—and Now It’s a New UNESCO World Heritage Site - Travel + LeisureThis Caribbean Island’s Sunken City Was a Pirate Stronghold—and Now It’s a New UNESCO World Heritage Site  Travel + Leisure

Excelerate Energy ups full-year guidance after closure of Jamaica assets buy - Tradewinds NewsExcelerate Energy ups full-year guidance after closure of Jamaica assets buy  Tradewinds News

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce confident "Jamaica track and field in good hands" with young generation - Olympics.comShelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce confident "Jamaica track and field in good hands" with young generation  Olympics.com

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at a Joint Press Availability - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at a Joint Press Availability  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Jamaica: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report - International Monetary FundJamaica: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report  International Monetary Fund

The Jamaican beach locals fought 7 years to keep secret from tourists - Journée MondialeThe Jamaican beach locals fought 7 years to keep secret from tourists  Journée Mondiale

Jamaica's First Soundstage Is Coming and It's Bigger Than just Film - openPR.comJamaica's First Soundstage Is Coming and It's Bigger Than just Film  openPR.com

Excelerate raises 2025 guidance after Jamaica deal - LNG PrimeExcelerate raises 2025 guidance after Jamaica deal  LNG Prime

Jamaica travel - Lonely PlanetJamaica travel  Lonely Planet

Usain Bolt named Jamaica Global Tourism Ambassador - Olympics.comUsain Bolt named Jamaica Global Tourism Ambassador  Olympics.com

Issa strikes gold as Jamaica ends 37th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship with three medals - SportsmaxIssa strikes gold as Jamaica ends 37th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship with three medals  Sportsmax

Jamaican National Athletics Championships 2025: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce makes women’s 100m podium, while Kishane Thompson speeds to victory in men’s 100m - Olympics.comJamaican National Athletics Championships 2025: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce makes women’s 100m podium, while Kishane Thompson speeds to victory in men’s 100m  Olympics.com

Breaking boundaries in hot pepper production in Jamaica - Food and Agriculture OrganizationBreaking boundaries in hot pepper production in Jamaica  Food and Agriculture Organization

Caribbean Investment Forum 2025 hailed as major success - Jamaica ObserverCaribbean Investment Forum 2025 hailed as major success  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica venue rejig sports tourism statement - Coliseum Global Sports Venue AllianceJamaica venue rejig sports tourism statement  Coliseum Global Sports Venue Alliance

Caribbean leaders back Jamaica petition to King Charles for slavery reparations - theguardian.comCaribbean leaders back Jamaica petition to King Charles for slavery reparations  theguardian.com

Data-Use Strategy Implementation Advances Immunization Goals in Jamaica - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)Data-Use Strategy Implementation Advances Immunization Goals in Jamaica  Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Palm Beach Jamaica Independence Festival to celebrate culture and music in Lake Worth Beach - WPTVPalm Beach Jamaica Independence Festival to celebrate culture and music in Lake Worth Beach  WPTV

From WhatsApp group to official organization, Jamaican residents in N.L. launch association - CBCFrom WhatsApp group to official organization, Jamaican residents in N.L. launch association  CBC

HIV and TB Overview: Jamaica - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)HIV and TB Overview: Jamaica  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)

Jamaican conjoined twins in Saudi Arabia for life-changing surgery - Jamaica ObserverJamaican conjoined twins in Saudi Arabia for life-changing surgery  Jamaica Observer

Digital 2025: Jamaica — DataReportal – Global Digital Insights - DataReportal – Global Digital InsightsDigital 2025: Jamaica — DataReportal – Global Digital Insights  DataReportal – Global Digital Insights

Working in Jamaica for Multilateralism - Welcome to the United NationsWorking in Jamaica for Multilateralism  Welcome to the United Nations

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, and Kishane Thompson to headline 2025 Jamaican national athletics championships - Olympics.comShelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, and Kishane Thompson to headline 2025 Jamaican national athletics championships  Olympics.com

Jamaica Hosts GAPS Camp as the Countdown to Glasgow 2026 begins - Commonwealth SportJamaica Hosts GAPS Camp as the Countdown to Glasgow 2026 begins  Commonwealth Sport

Jamaica Launches First Ever Health Labour Market Analysis in Latin America and the Caribbean to Address its Health Workforce Challenges - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)Jamaica Launches First Ever Health Labour Market Analysis in Latin America and the Caribbean to Address its Health Workforce Challenges  Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Kiprich and Kizzy Don say ‘women fi get things’ - Jamaica ObserverKiprich and Kizzy Don say ‘women fi get things’  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica Turning the Tide on Human Trafficking. - The St Kitts Nevis ObserverJamaica Turning the Tide on Human Trafficking.  The St Kitts Nevis Observer

Corporate Wellness challenge kicks off with island hike - Jamaica GleanerCorporate Wellness challenge kicks off with island hike  Jamaica Gleaner

India-Jamaica ties will grow at pace faster than Usain Bolt’s, says PM Modi - The HinduIndia-Jamaica ties will grow at pace faster than Usain Bolt’s, says PM Modi  The Hindu

Jamaica - General DebateJamaica  General Debate

Legal battle continues over what constitutes Jamaican rum - BBCLegal battle continues over what constitutes Jamaican rum  BBC

Jamaica Legal Information Portal Launched - Jamaica Information ServiceJamaica Legal Information Portal Launched  Jamaica Information Service

Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica - UNESCONuh Dutty Up Jamaica  UNESCO

How a doctoral degree from Northeastern is helping Jamaica’s prime minister tackle gun violence - Northeastern Global NewsHow a doctoral degree from Northeastern is helping Jamaica’s prime minister tackle gun violence  Northeastern Global News

Judge grants leave to Jamaica PM to appeal rulings in Integrity Commission challenge - Stabroek NewsJudge grants leave to Jamaica PM to appeal rulings in Integrity Commission challenge  Stabroek News

Jamaican conjoined twins depart for Saudi Arabia ahead of life-changing surgery - Jamaica ObserverJamaican conjoined twins depart for Saudi Arabia ahead of life-changing surgery  Jamaica Observer

Why Jamaicans can't access their own beaches - theguardian.comWhy Jamaicans can't access their own beaches  theguardian.com

One Click to Power Change: Transforming Case Management in Jamaica - World BankOne Click to Power Change: Transforming Case Management in Jamaica  World Bank

Mattea Issa’s performance highlights team Jamaica’s action on 2nd day of 37th CAJGC - SportsmaxMattea Issa’s performance highlights team Jamaica’s action on 2nd day of 37th CAJGC  Sportsmax

India secures return of ancient Buddhist gems - Jamaica ObserverIndia secures return of ancient Buddhist gems  Jamaica Observer

Ambassador Anderson Urges Diaspora to Be Proud and Bold as Jamaica Celebrates 63 Years of Independence - Jamaica Information ServiceAmbassador Anderson Urges Diaspora to Be Proud and Bold as Jamaica Celebrates 63 Years of Independence  Jamaica Information Service

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce continues as UNICEF Jamaica National Ambassador for 16th year - Olympics.comShelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce continues as UNICEF Jamaica National Ambassador for 16th year  Olympics.com

Jamaica’s poverty rollercoaster: harnessing data to break the cycle - World Bank BlogsJamaica’s poverty rollercoaster: harnessing data to break the cycle  World Bank Blogs

Jamaica's Constitutional Reform: Interview with Richard Albert - International IDEAJamaica's Constitutional Reform: Interview with Richard Albert  International IDEA

NY Attorney General welcomes court order upholding birthright citizenship for Caribbean immigrants - Jamaica ObserverNY Attorney General welcomes court order upholding birthright citizenship for Caribbean immigrants  Jamaica Observer

Kingston, Jamaica: our blueprint for a pragmatic approach to tackling plastic pollution and creating environmental and social impact - The Ocean CleanupKingston, Jamaica: our blueprint for a pragmatic approach to tackling plastic pollution and creating environmental and social impact  The Ocean Cleanup

Ayetian heads to Canada’s SOS Soca Festival, New York and Dream Weekend; new EP in the works - Jamaica ObserverAyetian heads to Canada’s SOS Soca Festival, New York and Dream Weekend; new EP in the works  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica’s Big Bet: Turning Vulnerability into a Development Superpower - United Nations Sustainable Development GroupJamaica’s Big Bet: Turning Vulnerability into a Development Superpower  United Nations Sustainable Development Group

Saturday, August 2, 2025 - Jamaica GleanerSaturday, August 2, 2025  Jamaica Gleaner

More Jamaicans Taking a Stand Against Human Trafficking - Jamaica Information ServiceMore Jamaicans Taking a Stand Against Human Trafficking  Jamaica Information Service

Old Orchard Beach officer from Jamaica arrested by ICE; police claim error by DHS - WGMEOld Orchard Beach officer from Jamaica arrested by ICE; police claim error by DHS  WGME

CARICOM is gridlocked logistically, says PMAC chairman - Jamaica GleanerCARICOM is gridlocked logistically, says PMAC chairman  Jamaica Gleaner

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: What can we expect from Jamaica's sprint legend in her potential final season? - Olympics.comShelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: What can we expect from Jamaica's sprint legend in her potential final season?  Olympics.com

Royalty Management's Expanded Sampling Reveals Significant Rare Earth Elements in Jamaica - citybuzz -Royalty Management's Expanded Sampling Reveals Significant Rare Earth Elements in Jamaica  citybuzz -

Jamaica Supreme Court Rejects PM Holness’ Request to Strike Integrity Commission Affidavit - NY Carib NewsJamaica Supreme Court Rejects PM Holness’ Request to Strike Integrity Commission Affidavit  NY Carib News

Caribbean Countries Encouraged to Take Greater Advantage of EU Partnership Agreement - Jamaica Information ServiceCaribbean Countries Encouraged to Take Greater Advantage of EU Partnership Agreement  Jamaica Information Service

In Jamaica, I Watched Two Locals Try Climbing Because They Saw Themselves in Us - Climbing MagazineIn Jamaica, I Watched Two Locals Try Climbing Because They Saw Themselves in Us  Climbing Magazine

ICE arrests Jamaican national serving as police officer in Maine and living in U.S. illegally - Boston 25 NewsICE arrests Jamaican national serving as police officer in Maine and living in U.S. illegally  Boston 25 News

Forex: $161.25 to one US dollar - Jamaica ObserverForex: $161.25 to one US dollar  Jamaica Observer

‘We will beat Pakistan if we execute better’ - Jamaica Gleaner‘We will beat Pakistan if we execute better’  Jamaica Gleaner

Amnesty Announced For Persons Owing Less Than $150,000 On Their Land - Jamaica Information ServiceAmnesty Announced For Persons Owing Less Than $150,000 On Their Land  Jamaica Information Service

Rumarn Burrell: QPR sign Burton Albion striker - BBCRumarn Burrell: QPR sign Burton Albion striker  BBC

Putting Myself Together: Writing 1974- - Book MarksPutting Myself Together: Writing 1974-  Book Marks

In the essays of Jamaica Kincaid, the obsessions and fascinations of a singular writer - The Boston GlobeIn the essays of Jamaica Kincaid, the obsessions and fascinations of a singular writer  The Boston Globe

Jamaicans Encouraged Not to Burn Plastics - Jamaica Information ServiceJamaicans Encouraged Not to Burn Plastics  Jamaica Information Service

Bob Marley’s Kaya hits platinum in the United Kingdom - Jamaica ObserverBob Marley’s Kaya hits platinum in the United Kingdom  Jamaica Observer

Tens of thousands of Catholics head to Vatican’s Jubilee of Youth - Jamaica ObserverTens of thousands of Catholics head to Vatican’s Jubilee of Youth  Jamaica Observer

Ja taking steps to combat human trafficking in sports - Jamaica GleanerJa taking steps to combat human trafficking in sports  Jamaica Gleaner

US Embassy Official Reaffirms Country’s Strong Partnership with Jamaica in Combatting Human Trafficking - Jamaica Information ServiceUS Embassy Official Reaffirms Country’s Strong Partnership with Jamaica in Combatting Human Trafficking  Jamaica Information Service

Jamaica Takes Major Step Towards Logistics Hub Vision with Caymanas SEZ Launch - Jamaica Information ServiceJamaica Takes Major Step Towards Logistics Hub Vision with Caymanas SEZ Launch  Jamaica Information Service

Modernizing Jamaica’s education system: The Digital Transformation initiative - UNESCOModernizing Jamaica’s education system: The Digital Transformation initiative  UNESCO

Cayman community joins Jamaican independence celebrations - Cayman CompassCayman community joins Jamaican independence celebrations  Cayman Compass

ICE Arrests Old Orchard Beach Police Officer from Jamaica for Overstaying Visa - The Maine WireICE Arrests Old Orchard Beach Police Officer from Jamaica for Overstaying Visa  The Maine Wire

All Roads Lead to Seville Heritage Park for Emancipation Vigil - Jamaica Information ServiceAll Roads Lead to Seville Heritage Park for Emancipation Vigil  Jamaica Information Service

TikTok launches crowd-sourced debunking tool in US - Jamaica ObserverTikTok launches crowd-sourced debunking tool in US  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica booth pulls over 750,000 visitors at World Expo in Japan - Jamaica ObserverJamaica booth pulls over 750,000 visitors at World Expo in Japan  Jamaica Observer

Discover the Dreamy Beauty of Jamaica's Beaches, Mountains and Plant Life in These Captivating Pictures - Smithsonian MagazineDiscover the Dreamy Beauty of Jamaica's Beaches, Mountains and Plant Life in These Captivating Pictures  Smithsonian Magazine

Trump renews attacks on ‘stupid’ Fed chair after rates held again - Jamaica ObserverTrump renews attacks on ‘stupid’ Fed chair after rates held again  Jamaica Observer

Honoring Jamaica’s Rich Heritage: Maroon Fest 2025 - UNESCOHonoring Jamaica’s Rich Heritage: Maroon Fest 2025  UNESCO

Australia continue domination of hapless Windies - Jamaica GleanerAustralia continue domination of hapless Windies  Jamaica Gleaner

Beyond all-inclusive: Jamaica aims for balance between nature and tourism - ReutersBeyond all-inclusive: Jamaica aims for balance between nature and tourism  Reuters

Audley Travel reintroduces Jamaica after three-year gap - Travel Gossip -Audley Travel reintroduces Jamaica after three-year gap  Travel Gossip -

US Embassy launches 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs programme in Jamaica - Jamaica ObserverUS Embassy launches 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs programme in Jamaica  Jamaica Observer

Happy Emancipation Day Jamaica! - The Phoenix Newspaper UKHappy Emancipation Day Jamaica!  The Phoenix Newspaper UK

Two New Yorkers Traded the Big Apple for the Beaches of Jamaica for Their Destination Wedding in Montego Bay - BridesTwo New Yorkers Traded the Big Apple for the Beaches of Jamaica for Their Destination Wedding in Montego Bay  Brides

A taste of Royal Palm Beach: Decadent Cuban sandwiches, savory bowls of pho, even oxtail - The Palm Beach PostA taste of Royal Palm Beach: Decadent Cuban sandwiches, savory bowls of pho, even oxtail  The Palm Beach Post

Steer It Up: Circuit Racing, Jamaica Style - Car and DriverSteer It Up: Circuit Racing, Jamaica Style  Car and Driver

Jamaica to ask King Charles to refer issue of reparations for slavery to UK’s privy council - theguardian.comJamaica to ask King Charles to refer issue of reparations for slavery to UK’s privy council  theguardian.com

Taste Buds Dance at Coca-Cola Bites & Beats Festival - Jamaica ObserverTaste Buds Dance at Coca-Cola Bites & Beats Festival  Jamaica Observer