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{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name=
|conventional_long_name =Jamaica
|common_name = Jamaica
|image_flag = Flag of Jamaica.svg
|image_coat = Coat of Arms of Jamaica.svg
|image_map = LocationJamaica.svg
|national_motto = "Out of many, one people"
|national_anthem = "]"
|royal_anthem = "]"
|official_languages = ]
|regional_languages = ]
| chad demonym = Jamaican
|ethnic_groups = 91.2% ] <br />6.2% ] <br />3.2% ] <br />2.5% ] <br /> 1.2% ] <br />0.3% ]
|capital = ]
|Religion = 65.3%<br /> ],<br />4.0% ] <br />35.0% ], ], ], and ],
|latd=17 |latm=59 |latNS=N |longd=76 |longm=48 |longEW=W
|largest_city = capital
|government_type = ] and ]
|leader_title1 = ]
|leader_name1 = ]
|leader_title2 = ]
|leader_name2 = ]
|leader_title3 = ]
|leader_name3 = ]
|sovereignty_type = ]
|established_event1 = from the United Kingdom
|established_date1 = 6 August 1962
|area_rank = 166th
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
|area_km2 = 10,991
|area_sq_mi = 4,244 <!--Do not remove per ]-->)
|percent_water = 1.5
|population_estimate = 2,804,332
|population_estimate_rank = 137th
|population_estimate_year = July 2008
|population_census =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 252
|population_density_sq_mi = 653 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|population_density_rank = 49th
|GDP_PPP = $20 Billion
|GDP_PPP_rank = 113st
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $7,697
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 85th
|GDP_nominal_year = 2007
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.736
|HDI_rank = 101st
|HDI_year = 2005
|HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
|Gini = 37.9
|Gini_year = 2000
|Gini_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
|currency = ]
|currency_code = JMD
|country_code =
|time_zone =
|utc_offset = -5
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|cctld = ]
|calling_code = 1 876
}}
'''Jamaica''' ({{pronEng|ˈdʒəˈmeɪkə}}} is an ] of the ], {{convert|234|km|mi|abbr=off}} in length and as much as {{convert|80|km|mi|abbr=off}} in width situated in the ]. It is about {{convert|145|km|mi|abbr=off}} south of ], and {{convert|190|km|mi|abbr=off}} west of the ] of ], on which ] and the ] are situated. Its ] ]-speaking ] inhabitants named the island ''Xaymaca'', meaning the "Land of Wood and Water", or the "Land of Springs".<ref name=taino>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uctp.org/VocesIndigena.html |title= Taíno Dictionary |author=The United Confederation of Taíno People |accessdate=2007-10-18|language=Spanish}}</ref> Formerly a ] possession known as ''{{lang|es|Santiago}}'', it later became the ] ] ] of Jamaica. It is the third most populous ] country in the ], after the ] and ].


==History==
{{main|History of Jamaica}}

The ] and ] indigenous people originating from ] settled on the island between 4000 and 1000 BC{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. When ] arrived in 1494 there was already an established government{{Fact|date=September 2008}} with a Cacique or chief as the head{{Fact|date=September 2008}} who was supported by a group of nobles{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. In addition the island was divided into districts{{Fact|date=September 2008}} and regional chiefdoms.{{Fact|date=September 2008}} The Taino population was largely increasing when the ] arrived{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. Although some claim{{Fact|date=September 2008}} they became virtually extinct following contact with ], others claim{{Fact|date=September 2008}} that they survived for a while.{{Fact|date=September 2008}} It has been proposed {{whom}} that the Taino bloodline has been absorbed into the population.{{Fact|date=September 2008}}.The Jamaican National Heritage Trust is attempting to locate and document any evidence of the ]/].<ref></ref>

Christopher Columbus claimed Jamaica for Spain after landing there in 1494. Columbus' probable landing point was Dry Harbour, now called ]. ] was the "Saint Gloria" of Columbus who first sighted Jamaica at this point. One mile west of St. Ann's Bay is the site of the first Spanish settlement on the island, ], which was abandoned in 1554 because of numerous pirate raids.

The capital was moved to ], now located in the ], as early as 1534. It was then called "Santiago de la Vega". Spanish Town has the oldest ] in the British colonies. The Spanish were forcibly evicted by the English at Ocho Rios in St. Ann. However, it was not until 1655 that, at Tower Isle, the English took over the last Spanish fort in Jamaica. The Spaniard Don Arnoldo de Yassi kept Tower Hill (the site of Tower Isle) from the English for five years, before escaping to Cuba. The site of his departure was fittingly called "Runaway Bay", which is also in St. Ann. The name of Montego Bay, the capital of the parish of St. James, was derived from the Spanish name ''{{lang|es|manteca bahía}}'' (or Bay of Lard) for the large quantity of ] used for the lard-making industry.<ref></ref>

The English Admiral ] (father of ] of Pennsylvania) and General ] seized the island in 1655. During its first 200 years of British rule, Jamaica became one of the world's leading ]-exporting, slave-dependent nations, producing more than 77,000 tons of sugar annually between 1820 and 1824. After the abolition of the slave trade (but not slavery itself) in 1807, the British imported Indian and Chinese workers as ]s to supplement the labour pool. Descendants of indentured servants of Asian and Chinese origin continue to reside in Jamaica today.

By the beginning of the 19th century, Jamaica's heavy reliance on slavery resulted in blacks (Africans) outnumbering whites (Europeans) by a ratio of almost 20 to 1. Even though England had outlawed the importation of slaves, some were still smuggled into the colonies. The British government drew-up laws regimenting the abolition of slavery, but they also included instructions for the improvement of the slaves' way of life. These instructions included a ban of the use of whips in the field, a ban on the flogging of women, notification that slaves were to be allowed religious instruction, a requirement that slaves be given an extra free day during the week when they could sell their produce as well as a ban of Sunday markets.

In Jamaica, however, these measures were resisted by the House of Assembly. The Assembly claimed that the slaves were content and objected to Parliament's interference in island affairs, although many slave owners feared possible revolts. Following a series of rebellions and changing attitudes in Great Britain, the nation formally abolished slavery in 1834, with full ] from chattel slavery declared in 1838.

In the 1800s, the British established a number of ]. These included the Castleton Garden, set up in 1862 to replace the Bath Garden (created in 1779) which was subject to flooding. Bath Garden was the site for planting breadfruit brought to Jamaica from the Pacific by Captain ]. Other gardens were the ] ] founded in 1868 and the Hope Garden founded in 1874. In 1872, Kingston became the island's capital.

In 1945, ] became ] and Keeper of the Records in Jamaica. He headed the ], ] between 1945 and 1950/1951. He then moved to Kenya where he was appointed ].

Jamaica slowly gained increasing independence from the United Kingdom and in 1958, it became a province in the ], a federation among the ]. Jamaica attained full independence by leaving the federation in 1962.
]
Strong economic growth, averaging about six percent per annum, marked the first ten years of independence under conservative governments which were led successively by Prime Ministers ], ] and ]. The growth was fueled by strong investments in bauxite/alumina, tourism, manufacturing industry and, to a lesser extent, the agricultural sector. However, the optimism of the first decade was accompanied by a growing sense of inequality, and a sense that the benefits of growth were not being experienced by the urban poor. This, combined with the effects of a slowdown in the global economy in 1970, prompted the electorate to change the government, electing the PNP (]) in 1972. However, despite efforts to create more socially equitable policies in education and health, Jamaica continued to lag economically, with its gross national product having fallen in 1980 to some twenty-five percent below the 1972 level. Rising foreign and local debt, accompanied by large fiscal deficits, resulted in the invitation of the ] (IMF) financing from the USA and others, and the imposition of IMF austerity measures (with a greater than 25% interest rate per year).

Economic deterioration continued into the mid-1980s, exacerbated by a number of factors; The first and third largest alumina producers, Alpart and Alcoa, closed and there was a significant reduction in production by the second largest producer, Alcan. In addition, tourism decreased and Reynolds Jamaica Mines, Ltd. left the Jamaican industry. By the 1980s, Jamaica was still a prosperous country, although increases in crime and petty theft began to weigh heavily.

==Government and politics==
{{main|Politics of Jamaica}}

Jamaica is a ] with the ] being represented by a ].<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page4923.asp|title= The Monarchy Today: Queen and Commonwealth|accessdate=2007-06-25}}</ref> The ] is ], who officially uses the title "Queen of Jamaica" when she visits the country or performs duties overseas on Jamaica's behalf. See ]. The Governor-General is nominated by the ] and the entire Cabinet and appointed by the monarch. All the members of the Cabinet are appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The monarch and the Governor-General serve largely ceremonial roles, apart from their potent ] to dismiss the Prime Minister or Parliament.

Jamaica's current ] was drafted in 1962 by a bipartisan joint committee of the ]. It came into force with the Jamaica Independence Act, 1962 of the United Kingdom ], which gave Jamaica political independence. This was followed by a reformation of the island's flag.

]]]
The ] is ], consisting of the House of Representatives (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House). Members of the House (known as Members of Parliament or ''MPs'') are directly elected, and the member of the House of Representatives who, in the Governor-General's best judgement, is best able to command the confidence of a majority of the members of that House, is appointed by the Governor-General to be the ]. Senators are appointed jointly by the Prime Minister and the parliamentary ].

In February 2006, ] was elected by delegates of the ruling People's National Party (PNP) to replace ] as President of the Party. At the end of March 2006 when Patterson demitted office, Simpson-Miller became the first female Prime Minister of Jamaica. Former Prime Minister Patterson had held office since the 1992 resignation of ]. Patterson was re-elected three times, the last being in 2002.

On 3 September 2007, ] of the Jamaica Labour Party was voted in as Prime Minister-Designate after achieving a 33 - 27 seat victory over Portia Simpson-Miller and the PNP in the ]. Portia Simpson-Miller conceded defeat on 5 September 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6984105.stm|title= BBC News: Jamaica confirms opposition win|accessdate=2007-09-09}}</ref> On 11 September 2007, after being sworn in by Governor-General Kenneth Hall, The Hon. ] assumed office as ].

Jamaica has traditionally had a ], with power often alternating between the ] and ] (JLP). However, over the past decade a new political party called the ] (NDM) emerged in an attempt to challenge the two-party system though it has become largely irrelevant in the two party system as it garnered only 540 votes of the over 800,000 votes cast in the 3 September elections. Jamaica is a full and participating member of the ] (CARICOM).

===Parishes===
{{main|Parishes of Jamaica}}
{{Jamaica parishes imagemap}}
Jamaica is divided into 14 ], which are grouped into three historic ] that have no administrative relevance.

{| border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"
| style="background: #CCC;" align="right"|
| style="background: #CCC;"|
| style="background: #CCC;" align="right"|
| style="background: #CCC;"|
| style="background: #CCC;" align="right"|
| style="background: #CCC;"|
|-
| style="background: #BFB;" colspan="2" align="center"|''']'''
| style="background: #FBB;" colspan="2" align="center"|''']'''
| style="background: #FFA;" colspan="2" align="center"|''']'''
|-
| 1
| ]
| 6
| ]
| 11
| ]
|-
| 2
| ]
| 7
| ]
| 12
| ]
|-
| 3
| ]
| 8
| ]
| 13
| ]
|-
| 4
| ]
| 9
| ]
| 14
| ]
|-
| 5
| ]
| 10
| ]
|}

==Geography==

{{main|Geography of Jamaica}}].]]

Jamaica is the third largest island in the ], and the most populous English-speaking island in that region. The island of Jamaica is home to the ] inland, and is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. Most major towns and cities are located on the coast. Chief towns and cities include the capital ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].

The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although higher inland regions have a more temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are relatively dry rain-shadow areas. Jamaica lies in the ] of the ]; as a result, the island sometimes experiences significant storm damage. Hurricanes ] and ] hit Jamaica directly in 1951 and 1988, respectively, causing major damage, destruction, and many deaths. In the 2000s, hurricanes ], ], and ] also brought severe weather to the island.

==Demographics==
{{see|Demographics of Jamaica}}

===Ethnic origins===

Jamaica's population consists mainly of people of ] descent, comprising over 90% of the demographics. There are 90,000 ] who make up 3.2% of the population. Over 33,000 ] (mostly composed of 26,000 ], ], and ]s) make up 1.2% of the population. 70,000 ] make up 2.5% of the population, and over 20,000 ] make up 0.7% of the population. ] Jamaicans make up 6.2% of the population. Immigration has been rising from ], ], and other ]n countries; 8,000 ] currently reside in Jamaica. 7,000 ] also reside in Jamaica, most of whom are part of the White demographics.<ref>http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php</ref><ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/brits_abroad/html/caribbean.stm</ref><ref></ref>

===Language===
The official language of Jamaica is ]. Informally ] ({{pronEng|pætwɑː}}) is more commonly spoken by a majority of the population. Although ] or "The Queen's English" is the most obvious influence on patois, it includes words and syntax from various ] (namely ], ], ] and ]);<ref>http://www.jamaicans.com/speakja/patoisarticle/notpatoisbutjamic.shtml</ref> other ] (], ], and ]); Pre-Columbian Caribbean languages (]); and Asian languages (], ] and ]) which is evidence of the long standing mixing of the people. In general, ] differs from ] in pronunciation, grammar, nominal ] and syntax, having many intonations to indicate meaning and mood. The language's characteristics include pronouncing {{IPA|/θ/}} as {{IPA|}} and {{IPA|/ð/}} as {{IPA|}}, and omitting some initial consonant sounds, principally {{IPA|/h/}}. For example, the word "there" is {{pronounced|ˈdɪeɹ}}. A number of linguists classify Jamaican Patois as a separate language, while others consider it to be a ] of English.

===Emigration===
{{main|Jamaican diaspora}}
Over the past several decades,{{When?}} close to a million{{Fact|date=September 2007}} Jamaicans have ], especially to the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, though this emigration appears to have been tapering off somewhat in recent years.{{When?}} The great number of Jamaicans living abroad has become known as the "]". There has also been emigration of Jamaicans to ].<ref></ref>

Concentrations of ] Jamaicans are large in a number of cities in the United States, including ], ], the ] metro area, ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. In Canada, the Jamaican population is centred in ], and there are smaller communities in cities such as ], ] and ]. In the United Kingdom, Jamaican communities exist in most large cities where they make up the larger part of the ].

==Religion==
] make up 65.3% of Jamaica's population, with the majority being ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jamaica-guide.info/past.and.present/religion/|title=Jamaican Census Figures|accessdate=2007-06-03}}</ref> partly due to the influence of the Christian leadership in the British ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moec.gov.jm/heroes/sharpe.htm|title=Samuel Sharpe, Jamaica National hero|accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref> and the later influence of ] denominations from the U.S. In spite of resistance by the slave owners,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cghs.dadeschools.net/slavery/antebellum_slavery/plantation_slave_life/diet_religion/religion.htm |title= Antebellum Slavery: Plantation Slave Life |accessdate=2007-06-22}}</ref> the Christian faith spread rapidly as British Christian abolitionists and educated former slaves<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.victorianweb.org/history/antislavery.html | title= Antislavery Campaign in Britain | accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref> joined local Jamaican Christian leaders<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moec.gov.jm/heroes/gordon.htm |title=Paul Bogle, Jamaica National hero|accessdate=2007-06-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moec.gov.jm/heroes/gordon.htm |title=George William Gordon, Jamaica National hero|accessdate=2007-06-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moec.gov.jm/heroes/sharpe.htm |title=Samual Sharpe, Jamaica National hero|accessdate=2007-06-22}}</ref> in the struggle against slavery. Today, the five largest denominations in Jamaica are: ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jamaica-guide.info/past.and.present/religion/|title=Jamaican Census Figures|accessdate=2007-06-03}}</ref>

The ] was founded in Jamaica. This ] movement believes that ] was ] ], the returned black ], come to take the lost ] back to live with him in Holy Mount ] in a world of perfect peace, love and harmony. ], a convert to the faith, spread the message of Rastafari to the world. There are now estimated to be more than a million Rastafarians throughout the world.

Other non-Christian religions in Jamaica include ], ], ], and ].<ref>, </ref> There is also a small population of Jews, about 200, who describe themselves as Liberal-Conservative.<ref></ref> The first Jews in Jamaica trace their roots back to early 15th century Spain and Portugal.<ref>{{cite web | first=Mark | last=Dawes | title=Jews hold firm Life goes on in Old Synagogue | url=http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20030610/mind/mind2.html/ publisher=Gleaner Co. | date=] | accessdate=2007-12-15 }}</ref>

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Jamaica}}{{see|Music of Jamaica|Cuisine of Jamaica|Jamaican literature}}

Though a small nation, Jamaica is rich in culture, and has a strong global presence. The musical genres ], ], ], ], ], and, more recently, ] and ] all originated in the island's vibrant, popular urban recording industry. Jamaica also played an important role in the development of ], through reggae and ska. Reggae has also influenced American ] music, as they both share their roots as rhythmic, African styles of music. Some rappers, such as the ], were of Jamaican descent. Internationally known reggae musician ] was born in Jamaica and is very respected there. Many other internationally known artists were born in Jamaica including ] ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and many others. Famous band artist groups that came from Jamaica include ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The genre ] emerged from London's Jamaican diaspora. The birth of ] in New York also owed much to the city's Jamaican community.

], who lived in Jamaica, repeatedly used the island as a setting in the ] novels, including '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. In addition, James Bond uses a Jamaica-based cover in '']''. So far, the only Bond film to have been set in Jamaica is '']''. However, filming for the fictional island of ] in '']'' took place in Jamaica.

The American film '']'', starring ], is one of the most popular films to depict Jamaica. A look at delinquent youth in Jamaica is presented in the 1970s cops-and-robbers musical film '']'', starring ] as a frustrated (and psychopathic) reggae musician who descends into a murderous crime spree.

] lived with his third wife Patrice Wymore in ] in the 1950s. He was responsible for developing tourism to this area, popularising raft trips down rivers on bamboo rafts.<ref>Dr. Rebecca Tortello </ref>

===National symbols===
* National Bird — ] (], ''Trochilus polytmus'')
* National Flower — ] (''] officinale'')
* National Tree — ] (''] elatus'')
* National Dish — ] and Saltfish (dried salted ])
* National Motto — "Out of Many, One People." (Unity among many cultures and races.)

==Sport==
{{seealso|Cricket in the West Indies}}
{{seealso|History of Jamaican athletics}}

Jamaicans, in general, have a large interest in sports. ], ], ] and ] are several popular sports. The ] competes regionally, and also provides players for the ]. The ] qualified for the 1998 ]. Jamaican athletics have been well represented at the ], World Championships and other major athletics events over the years with leading athletes obtaining medals. ], world record holder in the 100m for men at 9.69s, and 200m for men at 19.30s is among a rich heritage of Jamaican ]s to compete on the world stage. They have also boasted athletes such as ], ], ] and former 100m world record holder ]. The ] was once a serious contender in the ], beating many well-established teams.

There is a notable amount of ] in Jamaica, but it appears to be focused on the international tourism market.

In the ], ] of Jamaica won three gold medals and broke the World Records for the ] and ] sprint races respectively. 400 m hurdler ], won a gold medal and broke the Olympic record time in her event. ] successfully defended her 200 m title when she claimed gold. ] won gold in the women's 100 m sprint, with her team mates ] and ] coming in joint second for two silver medals. The Jamaican men's ] team consisting of ], ], ] and ] passed the finishing line in a World Record time of 37.10 seconds. This was 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous record set by the American relay team in 1992 and 1993, the margin is equivalent to three metres. Overall, the Jamaican 2008 Olympics team finished with a rank of ] out of 204 competing nations. The 11 medals consisted of 6 golds, 3 silvers and 2 bronze.

==Education==
{{Main|Education in Jamaica}}

The emancipation of the slaves heralded in the establishment of the Jamaican education system for the masses. Prior to emancipation there were few schools for educating locals. Many sent their children off to England to access quality education.

After emancipation the West Indian Commission granted a sum of money to establish Elementary Schools, now known as ''All Age Schools''. Most of these schools were established by the churches.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.jis.gov.jm/education/html/20041212T090000-0500_4438_JIS_MORAVIAN_CHURCH_CONTRIBUTING_MUCH_TO_EDUCATION.asp | title=Moravian Church Contribution to Education in Jamaica |accessdate=2007-12-22 }}</ref> This was the genesis of the modern Jamaican school system:

Presently the following categories of schools exist:
* '''Early childhood''' – Basic, Infant and privately operated pre- school. Age cohort – 1 – 5 years.
* '''Primary''' – Publicly and privately owned (Privately owned being called Preparatory Schools). Ages 5 – 10 years.
* '''Secondary''' – Publicly and privately owned. Ages 10 – 18 years. The high schools in Jamaica may be either single-sex or co-educational institutions, and many schools follow the traditional ] used throughout the British West Indies.
* '''Tertiary''' - Community Colleges, Teachers’ Colleges, Vocational Training Centres, Colleges and Universities - Publicly and privately owned. There are five local universities namely: The ] (Mona Campus); the ] formerly The College of Art Science and Technology (CAST); the ]; the ] and the International University of the Caribbean. Additionally there are many teacher training and who is community colleges.

Although there is no free education in Jamaica above the primary level, there are opportunities for those who cannot afford further education in the vocational arena through the Human Employment and Resource Training-National Training Agency (HEART Trust-NTA) programme<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.moec.gov.jm/news/speeches/ict2003.htm | title=Transforming the Jamaican Education System | accessdate=2007-12-22 }}</ref> and through an extensive scholarship network for the various universities.

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Jamaica}}

Jamaica is a ] with state enterprises as well as private sector businesses. Major sectors of the Jamaican economy include ], ], ], ] and ] and ] services. ] and ] are the leading ] earners.

Supported by multilateral financial institutions, Jamaica has, since the early 1980s, sought to implement structural reforms aimed at fostering private sector activity and increasing the role of market forces in resource allocation. Since 1991, the Government has followed a programme of economic liberalization and stabilization by removing exchange controls, floating the exchange rate, cutting ]s, stabilising the Jamaican currency, reducing ] and removing restrictions on ]. Emphasis has been placed on maintaining strict fiscal discipline, greater openness to trade and financial flows, market liberalisation and reduction in the size of government. During this period, a large share of the economy was returned to private sector ownership through ] and privatisation programmes.

The macroeconomic stabilisation programme introduced in 1991, which focused on tight fiscal and monetary policies, has contributed to a controlled reduction in the rate of inflation. The annual ] rate has decreased from a high of 80.2% in 1991 to 7.9% in 1998. inflation for FY1998/99 was 6.2% compared to 7.2% in the corresponding period in CUU1997/98. The ] remains committed to lowering inflation, with a long-term objective of bringing it in line with that of its major trading partners.

After a period of steady growth from 1985 to 1995, real ] decreased by 1.8% and 2.4% in 1996 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in GDP in 1996 and 1997 was largely due to significant problems in the financial sector and, in 1997, a severe island-wide drought (the worst in 70 years) that drastically reduced agricultural production. In 1997, nominal GDP was approximately J$220,556.2&nbsp;million (US$6,198.9&nbsp;million based on the average annual exchange rate of the period).
]

The economy in 1997 was marked by low levels of ] growth, high levels of private capital inflows and relative stability in the ].

Recent economic performance shows the Jamaican economy is recovering. ] production, an important engine of growth increased 15.3% in third quarter of 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997, signaling the first positive growth rate in the sector since January 1997. ] and ] production increased 5.5% from January to December, 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997. January's bauxite production recorded a 7.1% increase relative to January 1998 and continued expansion of ] production through 2009 is planned by ].<ref> at www.jamaicaobserver.com</ref> ], which is the largest foreign exchange earner, showed improvement as well. In the third quarter of 1998, growth in tourist arrivals accelerated with an overall increase of 8.5% in tourism earnings in 1998 when compared to the corresponding period in 1997. Jamaica's agricultural exports are ], ], ], ],and ].

Jamaica has a wide variety of industrial and commercial activities. The ] industry is able to perform most routine aircraft maintenance, except for heavy structural repairs. There is a considerable amount of technical support for transport and agricultural aviation. Jamaica has a considerable amount of ], ], including ], metal roofing, and furniture ]. Food and ] processing, ] manufacturing, ] and ], ] and ], ] underwriting, ] and recording, and advanced ] activities can be found in the larger urban areas. The Jamaican ] is entirely self-sufficient, with professional technical standards and guidance.<ref></ref>

Since the first quarter of 2006, the economy of Jamaica has undergone a period of staunch growth. With inflation for the 2006 calendar year down to 6.0% and unemployment down to 8.9%, the nominal GDP grew by an unprecedented 2.9%.<ref> at www.statinja.com</ref> An investment programme in island transportation and utility infrastructure and gains in the tourism, mining, and service sectors all contributed this figure. All projections for 2007 show an even higher potential for economic growth with all estimates over 3.0% and hampered only by urban crime and public policies.

In 2006, Jamaica became part of the ] Single Market and Economy ] as one of the pioneering members.

===International trade===
'''Exports''': (1999) 1,238&nbsp;billion $ (Natural resources: 55.7%, Food 19.1%, Bananas 4%, Chemicals 3.6%, Machinery 2.2%). The main export countries: ] 33.4% , United Kingdom 13.4%, France 5%, Germany 4%, Canada 14.1%, ] 10.2%, ] 5.8%, Japan 2.3%.

'''Imports''': (1999) 2,89&nbsp;billion $ (Energy 50.5%, Machinery and Equipment 7.6%, Consumer goods 33.2%). The main import countries: ] 48.1%, ] 7.8%, Japan 6.9%, United Kingdom 3.7%, France 5%, Canada 3%.

'''Exports''' and '''Imports''' for January 2007 -

'''Exports''': (January 2007) Total Goods Exports 166,495 (US$000) (General Merchandise Exports 93.4%, Freezone Exports 2.6%, Goods Procured in Ports 4.0%).

'''Imports''': (January 2007) : Total Goods Import 511,015 (US$000); General Merchandise Imports 97.8%, Freezone Imports 0.3%, Goods Procured in Ports 1.8%).

==Infrastructure==
===Transport===
{{see|Transport in Jamaica}}

The ] infrastructure in Jamaica consists of ]s, ]s, ] and ], with roadways forming the backbone of the island's internal transport system.

'''Roadways'''
{{Main|Roads in Jamaica}}
The Jamaican road network consists of almost 21,000 ] of roads, of which over 15,000 kilometres is paved.<ref name=WorldFactbook> Retrieved 27 June 2007.</ref> The ] has, since the late 1990s and in cooperation with private investors, embarked on a campaign of infrastructural improvement projects, one of which includes the creation of a system of ]s, the first such access-controlled roadways of their kind on the island, connecting the main population centers of the island. This project has so far seen the completion of 33 kilometres of freeway.

'''Railways'''
{{Main|Railways of Jamaica}}
Railways in Jamaica, as in many other countries, no longer enjoy the prominent position they once did, having been largely replaced by roadways as the primary means of transport. Of the 272 kilometres of railway found in Jamaica, only 57 kilometres remain in operation, currently used to transport ].<ref name=WorldFactbook/>

'''Air transport'''

There are two international airports in Jamaica with modern ], long ]s, and the navigational equipment required to accommodate the large ] used in modern ]: ] in ] and ] in the ] town of ]. Both airports are home to the country's national airline, ]. In addition there are local commuter airports at ], ], ], ], and ] which cater to internal flights only. Many other small, rural centers are served by private fields on sugar estates or bauxite mines.

'''Ports, shipping and lighthouses'''

Owing to its location in the ] in the ] to the ] and relative proximity to large markets in ] and ]s in ], Jamaica receives high ] traffic. The ] at the Port of Kingston has undergone large expansion in capacity in recent years to handle growth both already realised as well as that which is projected in coming years.<ref name=nameJamaicaObserver> Retrieved 27 June 2007.</ref> Montego Freeport in ] also handles a variety of cargo like(though more limited than) the Port of Kingston, mainly agricultural products.

There are several other ports positioned around the island, including Port Esquivel in ] (WINDALCO), Rocky Point in ], Port Kaiser in ], Port Rhoades in Discovery Bay, Reynolds Pier in ], and Boundbrook Port in ].

To aid the navigation of shipping, Jamaica operates nine lighthouses. ''For more information see ]''.

===Energy===
Jamaica depends on petroleum imports to satisfy its national energy needs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jm.html |title=Jamaica |accessdate=2007-08-19 |date=] |work=The World Factbook |publisher=CIA |quote=Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2004 est.) Oil - consumption: 72,080 bbl/day (2004 est.)}}</ref> Many test sites have been explored for oil, but no commercially viable quantities have been found.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcj.com/industry_stat.htm |title=Petroleum Corp of Jamaica, Petroleum Industry Statistics |accessdate=2007-07-21}}</ref> The most convenient sources of imported oil and motor fuels (diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel) are from ] and ].

Jamaica's electrical power is produced by diesel (]) generators located in Old Harbour. Other smaller power stations (most owned by the Jamaica Public Service Company - the island's electricity provider) support the island's electrical grid including the Hunts Bay Power Station, the Bogue Power Station, the Rockfort Power Station and small hydroelectric plants on the White River, Rio Bueno, Morant River, Black River (Maggotty) and Roaring River.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpsco.com/site.nsf/web/powerPlants.htm |title=JPS - JPS' Power Plants |accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> A wind farm, owned by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, was established at Wigton, Manchester.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwfja.com |title=Wigton Wind Farm Company |accessdate=2008-03-25}} </ref>

Jamaica imports approximately 80,000 barrels of oil energy products per day,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcj.com/industry_stat.htm |title=Petroleum Corp of Jamaica, Petroleum Industry Statistics |accessdate=2007-07-21}}</ref> including asphalt and lubrication products. Just 20% of imported fuels are used for road transportation, the rest being used by the bauxite industry, electricity generation, and aviation.

Jamaica produces enormous quantities of hydrous ethanol (5% water content), most of which appears to be consumed as beverages, and none of it used as motor fuel. Facilities exist to refine hydrous ethanol feedstock into anhydrous ethanol (0% water content), but the process appears to be uneconomic at this time and the facility remains idle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcj.com/petrojam/associate_text.htm |title=Petroleum Corp of Jamaica, Petrojam Ethanol |accessdate=2007-07-21}}</ref>

===Communication===
Jamaica has a fully ] with a mobile penetration of over 95%.<ref name=EIU>, The Economist Intelligence Unit.</ref>

The country’s three mobile operators - ] (marketed as ]), ], and Oceanic Digital (operating as MiPhone) - have spent millions in network upgrade and expansion. The ]-owned Digicel has become a generic term for ]s in Jamaica. Both Digicel and Oceanic Digital were granted licences in 2001 to operate mobile services in the newly liberalised telecom market that had once been the sole domain of the incumbent Cable and Wireless monopoly. Digicel opted for the more widely used ] wireless system, while Oceanic opted for the ] standard. Cable and Wireless, which had begun with ] standard, subsequently upgraded to GSM, and currently utilises both standards on its network.

With wireless usage increasing, ] supplied by Cable and Wireless have declined from just over half a million to roughly about three hundred thousand as of 2006.<ref name=EIU/> In a bid to grab more market share, Cable and Wireless recently launched a new land line service called HomeFone Prepaid that would allow customers to pay for minutes they use rather than pay a set monthly fee for service, much like ].

A new entrant to the Jamaican communications market, ], recently laid a new ] connecting Jamaica to the United States. This new cable increases the total number of submarine cables connecting Jamaica to the rest of the world to four.

Two more licences were auctioned by the Jamaican government to provide mobile services on the island, including one that was previously owned by ] but never utilised, and one new licence. Industry analysts argue that with a near market saturation, there is very little room for new operators.

==Military==
{{Main|Military of Jamaica}}
The ] (JDF) is the small but professional military force of Jamaica. The JDF is based upon the British military model with organisation, training, weapons and traditions closely aligned with ]s. Once chosen, officer candidates are sent to one of several British or Canadian basic officer courses depending upon which arm of service they are selected for. Enlisted soldiers are given basic training at JDF Training Depot, Newcastle or Up Park Camp, both in St. Andrew. As on the British model, NCOs are given several levels of professional training as they rise up the ranks. Additional military schools are available for speciality training in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The JDF is directly descended from the British ] formed during the colonial era. The West Indies Regiment was used extensively by the British Empire in policing the empire from 1795 to 1926. Other units in the JDF heritage include the early colonial Jamaica Militia, the Kingston Infantry Volunteers of WWI and reorganised into the Jamaican Infantry Volunteers in World War II. The West Indies Regiment was reformed in 1958 as part of the ]. The dissolution of the Federation resulted in the establishment of the JDF.

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) comprises an infantry Regiment and Reserve Corps, an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and a supporting Engineering Unit. The infantry regiment contains the 1st, 2nd and 3rd (National Reserve) battalions. The JDF Air Wing is divided into three flight units, a training unit, a support unit and the JDF Air Wing (National Reserve). The Coast Guard is divided between seagoing crews and support crews. It conducts maritime safety and maritime law enforcement as well as defence-related operations. The support battalion contains a Military Police platoon as well as vehicle, armourers and supply units. The 1st Engineer Regiment provides military engineering support to the JDF. The Headquarters JDF contains the JDF Commander, Command Staff as well as Intelligence, Judge Advocate office, Administrative and Procurement sections.

In recent years the JDF has been called upon to assist the nation's police, the ] (JCF) in fighting drug smuggling and a rising crime rate which includes one of the highest murder rates in the world. JDF units actively conduct armed patrols with the JCF in high-crime areas and known gang neighbourhoods. There has been vocal controversy as well as support of this JDF role. In early 2005, an Opposition leader, ], called for the merger of the JDF and JCF. This has not garnered support in either organisation nor among the majority of citizens.

==Crime==
:''See also: ]''
Some areas of Jamaica experience high levels of violent crime. Jamaica has had one of the highest murder rates in the world for many years according to ] estimates.<ref></ref> Jamaica's former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson described the situation as "a national challenge of unprecedented proportions".<ref></ref> In 2005, Jamaica had 1,674 murders for a murder rate of 64.10 per 100,000&nbsp;people; that year Jamaica had the highest murder rate in the world.<ref></ref>

==See also==
* ]
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* Chapman, V.J. 1961. ''The Marine Algae of Jamaica. Part 1. Myxophyceae and Chlorophyceae.'' Institute of Jamaica.
* Chapman, V.J. 1963. ''The Marine Algae of Jamaica. Part 2. Phaeophyceas and Rhodophyceae.'' Institute of Jamaica.

==External links==
{{portal|Jamaica|Flag of Jamaica.svg}}
{{sisterlinks}}
{{Spoken Misplaced Pages-2|2005-08-23|en-Jamaica-Part-1.ogg|en-Jamaica-Part-2.ogg}}
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*
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<!--replace the Cabinet Office link with and/or when those websites are closer to completion-->
* materials in the
* {{wikiatlas|Jamaica}}
* {{wikitravel}}
* {{wikia|world:Jamaica|Jamaica}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/Caribbean/Jamaica}}
* {{CIA World Factbook link|jm|Jamaica}}
*

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{{Commonwealth of Nations}}
{{Commonwealth Realms}}
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'''hey wat r u doin'''

Revision as of 18:38, 8 October 2008

hey wat r u doin

Jamaica: Difference between revisions Add topic