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

Cities

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News Headlines

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

Dua Lipa Documents Her Pre-30th Birthday Festivities With Callum in Jamaica - Harper's BAZAARDua Lipa Documents Her Pre-30th Birthday Festivities With Callum in Jamaica  Harper's BAZAAR

Jamaica Strengthens Gender-Focused Conversations on Vaccine Equity - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)Jamaica Strengthens Gender-Focused Conversations on Vaccine Equity  Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Indian H-1B visa holder shares quick, smooth renewal experience in Jamaica - Hindustan Times - Hindustan TimesIndian H-1B visa holder shares quick, smooth renewal experience in Jamaica - Hindustan Times  Hindustan Times

Heavy Punching Bag Stand - Durable PV Material, Jamaica - roarmag.orgHeavy Punching Bag Stand - Durable PV Material, Jamaica  roarmag.org

Jamaica Holds Policy Rate at 5.75% - TradingViewJamaica Holds Policy Rate at 5.75%  TradingView

PUMA H-STREET “Jamaica” Pack Blends Performance and Pride - hypebeast.comPUMA H-STREET “Jamaica” Pack Blends Performance and Pride  hypebeast.com

Jamaican wrestler wins bronze at Junior Pan American Games - Jamaica ObserverJamaican wrestler wins bronze at Junior Pan American Games  Jamaica Observer

Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, and Cayman Islands See Travel Disruptions as Hurricane Erin Moves Offshore Threatening US East Coast With Powerful Waves, Rip Currents and Coastal Flooding - Travel And Tour WorldMexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, and Cayman Islands See Travel Disruptions as Hurricane Erin Moves Offshore Threatening US East Coast With Powerful Waves, Rip Currents and Coastal Flooding  Travel And Tour World

Voters Allowed Time Off to Vote on Election Day - Jamaica Information ServiceVoters Allowed Time Off to Vote on Election Day  Jamaica Information Service

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

Jamaica travel - Lonely PlanetJamaica travel  Lonely Planet

British Airways’ 2026 summer schedule takes off, boosting flights to destinations including Bangkok, Miami and Jamaica - British Airways Media CentreBritish Airways’ 2026 summer schedule takes off, boosting flights to destinations including Bangkok, Miami and Jamaica  British Airways Media Centre

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

Dua Lipa Got Cheeky In Jamaica For Her 30th Birthday! Here's Every Cake & Outfit From Her Well Deserved Week Of Celebrations - Barstool SportsDua Lipa Got Cheeky In Jamaica For Her 30th Birthday! Here's Every Cake & Outfit From Her Well Deserved Week Of Celebrations  Barstool Sports

Usain Bolt stars in new Jamaica campaign as Global Tourism Ambassador: ‘We do big things here’ - Olympics.comUsain Bolt stars in new Jamaica campaign as Global Tourism Ambassador: ‘We do big things here’  Olympics.com

Electors Without Voter ID Cards Still Eligible to Vote on Election Day - Jamaica Information ServiceElectors Without Voter ID Cards Still Eligible to Vote on Election Day  Jamaica Information Service

National Guard troops will ‘soon’ carry weapons in US capital - Jamaica ObserverNational Guard troops will ‘soon’ carry weapons in US capital  Jamaica Observer

Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Belgium, and United Kingdom Delegations to Join ASTA Caribbean Showcase 2025 in Jamaica for Five Days of Trade Connections, Supplier Engagement, and Destination Discovery - Travel And Tour WorldArgentina, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Belgium, and United Kingdom Delegations to Join ASTA Caribbean Showcase 2025 in Jamaica for Five Days of Trade Connections, Supplier Engagement, and Destination Discovery  Travel And Tour World

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

UN declares famine in Gaza, first ever in Middle East - Jamaica ObserverUN declares famine in Gaza, first ever in Middle East  Jamaica Observer

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)

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

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

‘Mother Love’ arrested after allegedly promoting violence on TikTok - Jamaica Observer‘Mother Love’ arrested after allegedly promoting violence on TikTok  Jamaica Observer

Athletics: Who is Bryan Levell? Top facts about Jamaica’s new sprinting standout - Olympics.comAthletics: Who is Bryan Levell? Top facts about Jamaica’s new sprinting standout  Olympics.com

After 50 Years of Writing, Jamaica Kincaid Insists She’s Still an Amateur - The New York TimesAfter 50 Years of Writing, Jamaica Kincaid Insists She’s Still an Amateur  The New York Times

Jamaica end Junior Pan Am Games with 12 medals - Jamaica ObserverJamaica end Junior Pan Am Games with 12 medals  Jamaica Observer

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

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)

Canada Joins Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil in Surging Tourism Beating US With Record Arrivals, Revenues and a Travel Boom: What Are the Reasons - Travel And Tour WorldCanada Joins Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil in Surging Tourism Beating US With Record Arrivals, Revenues and a Travel Boom: What Are the Reasons  Travel And Tour World

Forex: $160.91 to one US dollar - Jamaica ObserverForex: $160.91 to one US dollar  Jamaica Observer

Dog Ate Her Passport Hours Before Jamaica Flight—A Wild Buffalo Detour Still Got Her to the Beach - View from the WingDog Ate Her Passport Hours Before Jamaica Flight—A Wild Buffalo Detour Still Got Her to the Beach  View from the Wing

Jamaica accedes to Afreximbank, strengthening ties to Global Africa - African Export-Import BankJamaica accedes to Afreximbank, strengthening ties to Global Africa  African Export-Import Bank

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

Diaspora artist returns to Jamaica to launch exhibition - Jamaica ObserverDiaspora artist returns to Jamaica to launch exhibition  Jamaica Observer

Ralford Mullings wins on DL debut in Belgium - Jamaica ObserverRalford Mullings wins on DL debut in Belgium  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce - IslanderNews.comJamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce  IslanderNews.com

Jamaica Tourist Board Launches New Documentary Series - TravelPulseJamaica Tourist Board Launches New Documentary Series  TravelPulse

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 Urges Voters to Confirm Status Before Election Day. - The St Kitts Nevis ObserverJamaica Urges Voters to Confirm Status Before Election Day.  The St Kitts Nevis Observer

Derailed UC Rusal railcars removed with minimal environmental impact—NEPA - Jamaica ObserverDerailed UC Rusal railcars removed with minimal environmental impact—NEPA  Jamaica Observer

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

Only goal is to win, says ever-competitive veteran Fraser-Pryce - Jamaica ObserverOnly goal is to win, says ever-competitive veteran Fraser-Pryce  Jamaica Observer

Reforms to Improve Welfare of Education Officers and Teachers - Jamaica Information ServiceReforms to Improve Welfare of Education Officers and Teachers  Jamaica Information Service

Jamaica Household Workers' Union strengthening expertise in industrial relations - International Labour OrganizationJamaica Household Workers' Union strengthening expertise in industrial relations  International Labour Organization

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)

JCTC rejects finance minister claims on 7.5 per cent pay increase - Jamaica ObserverJCTC rejects finance minister claims on 7.5 per cent pay increase  Jamaica Observer

From Visitor To Visionary: How Photographer Kirth Bobb Found Home In Treasure Beach, Jamaica - Travel NoireFrom Visitor To Visionary: How Photographer Kirth Bobb Found Home In Treasure Beach, Jamaica  Travel Noire

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

Jamaica 2025 CXC Results - Jamaica Information ServiceJamaica 2025 CXC Results  Jamaica Information Service

Manifesto musings - Jamaica ObserverManifesto musings  Jamaica Observer

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

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

Foxborough man arrested, accused of murder in Jamaica Plain - Boston 25 NewsFoxborough man arrested, accused of murder in Jamaica Plain  Boston 25 News

More Than Jerk: The Rousseau Sisters Want to Change The Way You Experience Jamaican Food - essence.comMore Than Jerk: The Rousseau Sisters Want to Change The Way You Experience Jamaican Food  essence.com

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

GET ON BOARD! - Jamaica ObserverGET ON BOARD!  Jamaica Observer

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

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

Caribbean leaders back Jamaica petition to King Charles for slavery reparations - The GuardianCaribbean leaders back Jamaica petition to King Charles for slavery reparations  The Guardian

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

Jamaica’s 17th-Century Port Royal Gains World Heritage Status - UNESCO World Heritage CentreJamaica’s 17th-Century Port Royal Gains World Heritage Status  UNESCO World Heritage Centre

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

Razor-thin - Jamaica GleanerRazor-thin  Jamaica Gleaner

The Palace Company and Government of Jamaica Break Ground on Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay, a USD $700 Million Landmark Resort With Exclusive Benefits for Palace Elite Members - Bakersfield.comThe Palace Company and Government of Jamaica Break Ground on Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay, a USD $700 Million Landmark Resort With Exclusive Benefits for Palace Elite Members  Bakersfield.com

Skeletal remains stir investigation into missing Vincentian woman - St Vincent TimesSkeletal remains stir investigation into missing Vincentian woman  St Vincent Times

Stampede at Sumfest lands man in court for stealing cop’s phone - Jamaica ObserverStampede at Sumfest lands man in court for stealing cop’s phone  Jamaica Observer

Community Partnership Critical To Ensuring Cybersecurity - Chang - RJR NewsCommunity Partnership Critical To Ensuring Cybersecurity - Chang  RJR News

I flew 4,600 miles to a Jamaican resort that offers more than just 'fly and flop' - Metro.co.ukI flew 4,600 miles to a Jamaican resort that offers more than just 'fly and flop'  Metro.co.uk

US abruptly stops visas for foreign truck drivers - Jamaica ObserverUS abruptly stops visas for foreign truck drivers  Jamaica Observer

Rollover crash involving tour bus on New York Thruway leaves multiple dead, others injured - Jamaica GleanerRollover crash involving tour bus on New York Thruway leaves multiple dead, others injured  Jamaica Gleaner

House of brands strategy reshapes One Great Studio - Jamaica ObserverHouse of brands strategy reshapes One Great Studio  Jamaica Observer

Birthday photos/ Dua Lipa celebrates 30th birthday with a trip to Jamaica - cna.alBirthday photos/ Dua Lipa celebrates 30th birthday with a trip to Jamaica  cna.al

Jamaica's Oblique Seville sprints to 100m victory at Diamond League Lausanne - CBCJamaica's Oblique Seville sprints to 100m victory at Diamond League Lausanne  CBC

Top State care male PEP student says he sacrificed many things to succeed - Jamaica ObserverTop State care male PEP student says he sacrificed many things to succeed  Jamaica Observer

A first-time guide to Negril, Jamaica - Lonely PlanetA first-time guide to Negril, Jamaica  Lonely Planet

Jamaica’s 17th-Century Port Royal Gains World Heritage Status - UNESCOJamaica’s 17th-Century Port Royal Gains World Heritage Status  UNESCO

Japan-Jamaica Foreign Ministers’ Meeting - mofa.go.jpJapan-Jamaica Foreign Ministers’ Meeting  mofa.go.jp

Big JTA wage meeting today - Jamaica ObserverBig JTA wage meeting today  Jamaica Observer

Micro market progresses as steering committee builds out framework - Jamaica ObserverMicro market progresses as steering committee builds out framework  Jamaica Observer

Foreign ministry pursuing early return of Jamaican national from Eswatini - Jamaica ObserverForeign ministry pursuing early return of Jamaican national from Eswatini  Jamaica Observer

Mullings Highlights 2 Jamaican Victories At Brussels Diamond League - RJR NewsMullings Highlights 2 Jamaican Victories At Brussels Diamond League  RJR News

West River Trail reopens at Jamaica State Park in Vermont, but hike with care - Burlington Free PressWest River Trail reopens at Jamaica State Park in Vermont, but hike with care  Burlington Free Press

Jamaica’s women set 4x100m Junior Pan-Am Games record - Jamaica ObserverJamaica’s women set 4x100m Junior Pan-Am Games record  Jamaica Observer

Messi ruled out of Miami’s Leagues Cup quarter-final v Tigres - Jamaica ObserverMessi ruled out of Miami’s Leagues Cup quarter-final v Tigres  Jamaica Observer

Maine police officer arrested by ICE agrees to voluntarily leave the country - AP NewsMaine police officer arrested by ICE agrees to voluntarily leave the country  AP News

Cel­e­brating Jamaica, in Jamaica: Heritage on display at new Queens exhibit - Spectrum News NY1Cel­e­brating Jamaica, in Jamaica: Heritage on display at new Queens exhibit  Spectrum News NY1

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

Rocket Fire Seb blasts off dominant 11 ¾-length win in Caymanas 66th Anniversary Trophy - Jamaica ObserverRocket Fire Seb blasts off dominant 11 ¾-length win in Caymanas 66th Anniversary Trophy  Jamaica Observer

WATCH: Right party, right time’, says JPP’s Greenwood in Westmoreland Central - Jamaica ObserverWATCH: Right party, right time’, says JPP’s Greenwood in Westmoreland Central  Jamaica Observer

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

Tanya-Marie to launch her latest line, TM #OpulentBohemian - Jamaica ObserverTanya-Marie to launch her latest line, TM #OpulentBohemian  Jamaica Observer

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

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

From cancer survivor to Team Jamaica: Ezekiel Brown’s lacrosse journey - Denver7From cancer survivor to Team Jamaica: Ezekiel Brown’s lacrosse journey  Denver7

BOJ allays concern that surge in election campaign expenditures will impact inflation or widen Jamaica's fiscal deficit - IRIE FMBOJ allays concern that surge in election campaign expenditures will impact inflation or widen Jamaica's fiscal deficit  IRIE FM

VJH Gets Foetal Doppler Machines From JURA - Jamaica Information ServiceVJH Gets Foetal Doppler Machines From JURA  Jamaica Information Service

British Airways to add fourth weekly Kingston service - Jamaica ObserverBritish Airways to add fourth weekly Kingston service  Jamaica Observer