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.

[+] Geography

[+] People

[+] Government

Video

Map


View Larger Map

References

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

Cities

Links

News Headlines

Google News
England to face Jamaica for Euro 2025 send-off - ESPN IndiaEngland to face Jamaica for Euro 2025 send-off  ESPN India

Watch: Olympic legend leaves parents in her dust at school sports day - BBCWatch: Olympic legend leaves parents in her dust at school sports day  BBC

Bangladesh Joins Pakistan, Jamaica, Egypt, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Vanuatu as US Issues New Travel Alert: What You Need to Know - Travel And Tour WorldBangladesh Joins Pakistan, Jamaica, Egypt, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Vanuatu as US Issues New Travel Alert: What You Need to Know  Travel And Tour World

Jamaica: Sugar Annual - USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (.gov)Jamaica: Sugar Annual  USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (.gov)

Jamaica suffer some setbacks, but lead Carifta medal table after day one - Jamaica ObserverJamaica suffer some setbacks, but lead Carifta medal table after day one  Jamaica Observer

Jamaica bets on next generation - InsideTheGamesJamaica bets on next generation  InsideTheGames

Emirates New Flights to Jamaica in Controversy - Aviation A2ZEmirates New Flights to Jamaica in Controversy  Aviation A2Z

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)

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

New Fortress Energy Announces Sale of Jamaica Assets & Operations to Excelerate Energy - Business WireNew Fortress Energy Announces Sale of Jamaica Assets & Operations to Excelerate Energy  Business Wire

Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana secure wins in round three of West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship - SportsmaxBarbados, Jamaica and Guyana secure wins in round three of West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship  Sportsmax

Permanent Secretary Highlights National Reading Competition’s Role in Boosting Literacy - Jamaica Information ServicePermanent Secretary Highlights National Reading Competition’s Role in Boosting Literacy  Jamaica Information Service

Jamaica travel - Lonely PlanetJamaica travel  Lonely Planet

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

PM Modi inaugurates ‘Jamaica Marg’ in Delhi, hopes for closer India-Jamaica relations - DD NewsPM Modi inaugurates ‘Jamaica Marg’ in Delhi, hopes for closer India-Jamaica relations  DD News

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

Religious leader among three charged with abduction of Clarendon teen - Jamaica ObserverReligious leader among three charged with abduction of Clarendon teen  Jamaica Observer

Lionesses: England to play Jamaica in Leicester in their last friendly before Euro 2025 - BBCLionesses: England to play Jamaica in Leicester in their last friendly before Euro 2025  BBC

Good Friday rescue - Jamaica ObserverGood Friday rescue  Jamaica Observer

West Indies miss out on ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup - Jamaica ObserverWest Indies miss out on ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup  Jamaica Observer

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

Jamaica launches “Go Public! Fund Education” campaign amid critical teacher shortage - Education InternationalJamaica launches “Go Public! Fund Education” campaign amid critical teacher shortage  Education International

4-H Boy and Girl of the Year Crowned - Jamaica Information Service4-H Boy and Girl of the Year Crowned  Jamaica Information Service

Playing with fire? - Jamaica ObserverPlaying with fire?  Jamaica Observer

India, Jamaica sign pacts on UPI, digital infra; plan to enhance def cooperation - Hindustan TimesIndia, Jamaica sign pacts on UPI, digital infra; plan to enhance def cooperation  Hindustan Times

Meet Kwame Dawes, Brown University professor and new poet laureate of Jamaica - The Public's RadioMeet Kwame Dawes, Brown University professor and new poet laureate of Jamaica  The Public's Radio

Alkaline ‘New Rules' At Jamaica Trelawny Stadium First Time: Interview - BillboardAlkaline ‘New Rules' At Jamaica Trelawny Stadium First Time: Interview  Billboard

Jamaica rebuffs Rubio push against Cuban doctors - France 24Jamaica rebuffs Rubio push against Cuban doctors  France 24

IFC and the Government of Jamaica sign MOU to scale up Public-Private Partnerships through programmatic approach - International Finance Corporation (IFC)IFC and the Government of Jamaica sign MOU to scale up Public-Private Partnerships through programmatic approach  International Finance Corporation (IFC)

A Glowing Legacy: Education, Bioluminescence and Sustainability in Jamaica - UNESCOA Glowing Legacy: Education, Bioluminescence and Sustainability in Jamaica  UNESCO

Jamaica Will Face England for the First Time This Summer - VERSUS – The Future of FootballJamaica Will Face England for the First Time This Summer  VERSUS – The Future of Football

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

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

UN-EU Youth Advisory Group Launched to Empower Jamaican Youth - EEASUN-EU Youth Advisory Group Launched to Empower Jamaican Youth  EEAS

The making of champions: Inside Jamaica’s unstoppable sprint factory - The Straits TimesThe making of champions: Inside Jamaica’s unstoppable sprint factory  The Straits Times

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

Cherry Blossom Festival at Arnold Arboretum on Saturday - Jamaica Plain NewsCherry Blossom Festival at Arnold Arboretum on Saturday  Jamaica Plain News

Rubio to discuss with Jamaica Cuban doctor program after US visa threats - ReutersRubio to discuss with Jamaica Cuban doctor program after US visa threats  Reuters

Jamaica signs MoU to advance nuclear adoption - World Nuclear NewsJamaica signs MoU to advance nuclear adoption  World Nuclear News

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

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

Trans rights supporters rally in London, Edinburgh after landmark ruling - Jamaica ObserverTrans rights supporters rally in London, Edinburgh after landmark ruling  Jamaica Observer

Binghi Blaze salutes The Mighty Diamonds - Jamaica ObserverBinghi Blaze salutes The Mighty Diamonds  Jamaica Observer

Popular Jamaican Tik-Toker killed in motor vehicle crash in St Ann - IRIE FMPopular Jamaican Tik-Toker killed in motor vehicle crash in St Ann  IRIE FM

Strengthening teachers’ capacity in Jamaica to support peace in the classrooms - UNESCOStrengthening teachers’ capacity in Jamaica to support peace in the classrooms  UNESCO

Half Moon Jamaica Resort Review: Luxury by the Caribbean Sea - Haute LivingHalf Moon Jamaica Resort Review: Luxury by the Caribbean Sea  Haute Living

Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine - Jamaica ObserverPutin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine  Jamaica Observer

Lights, Camera, Law And Order: Jamaica Gets Serious About Security - The St Kitts Nevis ObserverLights, Camera, Law And Order: Jamaica Gets Serious About Security  The St Kitts Nevis Observer

India trusted partner in Jamaica's development journey, says PM Modi - Business StandardIndia trusted partner in Jamaica's development journey, says PM Modi  Business Standard

Fesco pumps $1.5m into Waterhouse FC youth teams - Jamaica ObserverFesco pumps $1.5m into Waterhouse FC youth teams  Jamaica Observer

Travel to Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname, March 26-27, 2025 - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Travel to Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname, March 26-27, 2025  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

'My kids won’t run for Jamaica if': Asafa Powell reignites conversation about lack of support for athletes - Sportsmax'My kids won’t run for Jamaica if': Asafa Powell reignites conversation about lack of support for athletes  Sportsmax

The Caribbean Capital That’s a Creative Superpower - The New York TimesThe Caribbean Capital That’s a Creative Superpower  The New York Times

Barbados move to two from two in West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship; Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago record first wins - SportsmaxBarbados move to two from two in West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship; Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago record first wins  Sportsmax

Road Safety Council issues warning after three lives lost on Good Friday - Jamaica ObserverRoad Safety Council issues warning after three lives lost on Good Friday  Jamaica Observer

Team Jamaica Bickle receives $15k from Second Round Foundation - caribbeanlife.comTeam Jamaica Bickle receives $15k from Second Round Foundation  caribbeanlife.com

Ganja stakeholders call for reset and inclusion 10 years after enactment of Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act - Jamaica GleanerGanja stakeholders call for reset and inclusion 10 years after enactment of Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act  Jamaica Gleaner

Paris 2024 Olympics: All Jamaican medal winners – full list - Olympics.comParis 2024 Olympics: All Jamaican medal winners – full list  Olympics.com

Partnerships to Drive Infrastructure Development in Jamaica - International Finance Corporation (IFC)Partnerships to Drive Infrastructure Development in Jamaica  International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Jamaica Names Two-Athlete Squad for 2025 World Bowls Indoor Championships in Scotland - SportsmaxJamaica Names Two-Athlete Squad for 2025 World Bowls Indoor Championships in Scotland  Sportsmax

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

University Hospital’s chief of staff taken to court over alleged physical assault of colleague - Jamaica ObserverUniversity Hospital’s chief of staff taken to court over alleged physical assault of colleague  Jamaica Observer

Dockery, Daley and Douglas shine at Jamaica’s Boys’ and Girls’ Championships - worldathletics.orgDockery, Daley and Douglas shine at Jamaica’s Boys’ and Girls’ Championships  worldathletics.org

Jamaica Tourist Board celebrates 70th anniversary - Ron FanfairJamaica Tourist Board celebrates 70th anniversary  Ron Fanfair

GG proclaims April 16 National Kingston College Day - Jamaica ObserverGG proclaims April 16 National Kingston College Day  Jamaica Observer

Google has illegal monopoly in ad tech, US judge rules - Jamaica ObserverGoogle has illegal monopoly in ad tech, US judge rules  Jamaica Observer

CAF Asset Management seeks key partners and projects in Jamaica - CAF -banco de desarrollo de América LatinaCAF Asset Management seeks key partners and projects in Jamaica  CAF -banco de desarrollo de América Latina

‘Leave everything in God’s hands’ - Jamaica Gleaner‘Leave everything in God’s hands’  Jamaica Gleaner

Shein, Temu prices to increase next week - Jamaica ObserverShein, Temu prices to increase next week  Jamaica Observer

Arsenal oust holders Real Madrid to reach Champions League semis - Jamaica ObserverArsenal oust holders Real Madrid to reach Champions League semis  Jamaica Observer

England to play Jamaica in final pre-Euro 2025 friendly - Yahoo SportsEngland to play Jamaica in final pre-Euro 2025 friendly  Yahoo Sports

2025 Jamaica Carnival Road March Poised for Record Surge in Revellers - Jamaica Information Service2025 Jamaica Carnival Road March Poised for Record Surge in Revellers  Jamaica Information Service

Jamaica's security forces trained in Dark Web Firearms Trafficking Investigations - United Nations Development ProgrammeJamaica's security forces trained in Dark Web Firearms Trafficking Investigations  United Nations Development Programme

Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Jamaica GleanerThursday, April 17, 2025  Jamaica Gleaner

Labour Ministry Works with Partners to Promote Digital Literacy - Jamaica Information ServiceLabour Ministry Works with Partners to Promote Digital Literacy  Jamaica Information Service

I Spent 7 Days in Jamaica—Here Are 15 Flattering Resortwear Styles I Wore From $10 - instyle.comI Spent 7 Days in Jamaica—Here Are 15 Flattering Resortwear Styles I Wore From $10  instyle.com

New wave of luxury tourism development for Jamaica - Travel Daily News InternationalNew wave of luxury tourism development for Jamaica  Travel Daily News International

Hungary Joins US, Russia, Turkey, Jamaica, And Georgia In Introducing New Tight LGBTQ+ Citizenship And Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know - Travel And Tour WorldHungary Joins US, Russia, Turkey, Jamaica, And Georgia In Introducing New Tight LGBTQ+ Citizenship And Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know  Travel And Tour World

Source to sink in precolonial Jamaica: Tracing geochemistry and mineralogy from the rocks to the pots in understanding White Marl pottery production and exchange - ScienceDirect.comSource to sink in precolonial Jamaica: Tracing geochemistry and mineralogy from the rocks to the pots in understanding White Marl pottery production and exchange  ScienceDirect.com

Kingston, Jamaica Is The Caribbean Capital Of Culinary Fusion - ForbesKingston, Jamaica Is The Caribbean Capital Of Culinary Fusion  Forbes

Barca through to Champions League semis despite Guirassy hat-trick - Jamaica ObserverBarca through to Champions League semis despite Guirassy hat-trick  Jamaica Observer

ICE nabs undocumented Caribbean nationals at construction site in Puerto Rico - Jamaica ObserverICE nabs undocumented Caribbean nationals at construction site in Puerto Rico  Jamaica Observer

US top diplomat Rubio to visit Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname this week - ReutersUS top diplomat Rubio to visit Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname this week  Reuters

WATCH: Stacey Knight calls for end to ‘educational apartheid’ in Jamaica - Jamaica ObserverWATCH: Stacey Knight calls for end to ‘educational apartheid’ in Jamaica  Jamaica Observer

Max Romeo, Reggae Great Behind ‘Chase the Devil’ and ‘Wet Dream,’ Dead at 80 - Rolling StoneMax Romeo, Reggae Great Behind ‘Chase the Devil’ and ‘Wet Dream,’ Dead at 80  Rolling Stone

KC parade brings life to downtown Kingston - Jamaica ObserverKC parade brings life to downtown Kingston  Jamaica Observer

WTO chief says ‘very concerned’ as tariffs cut into global trade - Jamaica ObserverWTO chief says ‘very concerned’ as tariffs cut into global trade  Jamaica Observer

Kingston, Jamaica Hopes To Join Big Three As Global Logistics Center For The Americas. - The St Kitts Nevis ObserverKingston, Jamaica Hopes To Join Big Three As Global Logistics Center For The Americas.  The St Kitts Nevis Observer

Jamaica’s Under-15 cricket team secures first win at Rising Stars Championship - IRIE FMJamaica’s Under-15 cricket team secures first win at Rising Stars Championship  IRIE FM

Meta chief Zuckerberg testifies at landmark US antitrust trial - Jamaica ObserverMeta chief Zuckerberg testifies at landmark US antitrust trial  Jamaica Observer

Towards Better and More Inclusive Jobs in Jamaica - World Bank BlogsTowards Better and More Inclusive Jobs in Jamaica  World Bank Blogs

I regret running for Jamaica - Asafa Powell rues missed opportunity for nationality switch early in his career - Pulse Sports NigeriaI regret running for Jamaica - Asafa Powell rues missed opportunity for nationality switch early in his career  Pulse Sports Nigeria

Can Jamaica Go Nuclear? - The Breakthrough InstituteCan Jamaica Go Nuclear?  The Breakthrough Institute

CARIFTA 2025: The Bahamas in close medal race with Jamaica after day one - Tribune242CARIFTA 2025: The Bahamas in close medal race with Jamaica after day one  Tribune242

Prioritizing risk management for effective immunization in Jamaica - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)Prioritizing risk management for effective immunization in Jamaica  Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Jamaica names team for Paris Olympic Games | News | Paris 24 | Olympic Games - worldathletics.orgJamaica names team for Paris Olympic Games | News | Paris 24 | Olympic Games  worldathletics.org

Newcastle thrash Crystal Palace to go third in Premier League - Jamaica ObserverNewcastle thrash Crystal Palace to go third in Premier League  Jamaica Observer

A dancehall superstar's guide to Jamaica - BBCA dancehall superstar's guide to Jamaica  BBC

'My kids not running for Jamaica' - Asafa Powell declares as he calls out poor support system in sprint factory nation - Pulse Sports Nigeria'My kids not running for Jamaica' - Asafa Powell declares as he calls out poor support system in sprint factory nation  Pulse Sports Nigeria