| Also known as: |
Land of Wood and
Water (Root: Xaymaca (Arawak)) (Source:
Caribbean Islands Handbook (Footprint
Handbooks), 8th edition)
|
| Motto: |
Out of Many One People
|
Location: |
In the Caribbean Sea, 145 km (90 miles)
south of Cuba and 160 km (100 miles) west of
Haiti.
|
History: |
Jamaica was first settled by Amerindians.
Columbus visited the island in 1494, and it
fell under Spanish possession from
1509-1655, before becoming a British sugar
colony. During the social unrest of the
1930s, two major political parties were
formed - the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) by
Alexander Bustamante, and the People's
National Party (PNP) by Norman Manley.
Jamaica joined the West Indies Federation in
1958, but withdrew following a referendum in
1961. The country gained independence in
1962. The PNP instituted a democratic
socialist government from 1974-80, and the
JLP established free-enterprise government
from 1980
|
Elections: |
Last elections were held in 2007. Next
elections due 2012.
|
Ruling Party: |
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)
|
Major Political Parties: |
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), People's
National Party (PNP)
|
Economic Summary: |
Tourism is the main source of foreign
exchange.
The manufacturing sector is the second
largest after distribution. Activities
include the processing of sugar, food,
beverages and tobacco, as well as production
of chemicals, metals and construction
material, and the assembly of electrical
appliances and apparel. Bauxite, however,
is the principal industry and Jamaica ranks
as the third largest producer of bauxite,
after Australia and Guinea.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing also
contribute to Jamaica's foreign exchange
earnings.
|
Airports: |
Norman Manley International; Donald
Sangster International |
Status: |
Independent - 6 August 1962 |
| Capital: |
Kingston |
| Head of
State: |
His
Excellency The Most Honourable Patrick Linton
Allen, ON, CD - Governor General |
| Head of
Government: |
Honourable
Orette Bruce Golding
Prime Minister
|
Population: |
2,644,600 (2004)
|
Currency:
|
Jamaica Dollar |
| Area: |
10,991 km2
(4,243.6 miles2) |
| Population: |
2,644,600 (2004) |
| GDP: |
EC$23,909.4 Mn (2004) |
GDP per capita:
|
EC$9.0041 (2004) |
Total Exports:
|
EC$4,324.4 Mn
(2004) |
Total Imports:
|
EC$11,086.6 Mn
(2004) |
Intra-Regional Exports:
|
EC$137.1 Mn (2003) |
Intra-Regional Imports:
|
EC$1,268.8 Mn
(2003) |
| Business
Hours: |
Commercial: 09:00-17:00 hrs Monday to Friday
Government: 08:30-17:00 hrs Monday to
Thursday; 08:30-16:00 hrs Friday
|
| National
Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January); Ash Wednesday;
Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (23
May); Emancipation Day (1 August);
Independence Day (First Monday in August);
National Heroes Day (third Monday in
October); Christmas Day (25 December);
Boxing Day (26 December)
Holidays that fall on a Sunday are observed
the following Monday. In the case of Labour
Day only, if this falls on a Saturday or
Sunday then the Monday will be a holiday.
|
| Date of CARICOM
Membership: |
1 August 1973 |
| National
Anthem: |
Jamaica Land We Love
Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Might Hand
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty's call,
Strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love
(Words by Hugh Sherlock; music by Robert
Lightbourne)
|
| Highest National Award: |
Order of the
National Hero |
| Favourite Dish: |
Ackee and Salt Fish |
| Government web page: |
http://www.cabinet.gov.jm |
| |
|
| Getting There:
|
Served by Air Canada, Air Jamaica,
ALM, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and
Continental.
|
|
Entry Documents:
|
Proof of citizenship for U.S.
and Canadian citizens (passport or birth certificate
with a photo ID). Passports required for citizens of
other countries. All visitors must have an ongoing or
return ticket.
|
|
Airport |
: Vacationer's typically fly into Sangster
airport in Montego Bay. Kingston's Norman Manley airport
is the second most highly used airport mostly for
business or resident traffic.
|
|
Driving: |
On the left - valid driver's license is
required |
| |
|
