CARICOM Member since August 1, 1973 Government Website
Jamaica flag
Also Known As: Land of Wood and Water

Jamaica

Population 2,702,300 (2010)
Date of Independence August 6, 1962
Out of Many, One People

About Jamaica

Jamaica is a large island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 630 kilometres north-east of mainland Central America. Its nearest neighbours include Haiti to the east and Cuba to the north. The island’s interior and eastern regions are dominated by mountains and elevated plateaus, while coastal plains encircle much of the island. These plains are characterised by sandy beaches, natural harbours, and numerous sheltered bays.

Quasi Cabinet Portfolio Allocation

External Trade Negotiations

About Jamaica

Key facts

Date of Membership in CARICOM: 1 Aug 1973 Also Known as:Land of Wood and Water (Root: Xaymaca (Arawak)) Status of Independence:Independent 1962/08/06 Area: 10,991 km2 (4,244 miles2) 
Capital City: Kingston 
Population: 2,687,200 (2008) 
Currency: Jamaica Dollar 
Highest National Award: Order of the National Hero

Economy

GDP: EC$41,275 Mn (2012) GDP Growth: 0.5% p.a. 1990–2012 GNI: US$13.7bn GNI PC: US$5,220

Key dates in history

SOME KEY DATES IN HISTORY 1494    Arrival of Columbus on island Arawak Indians called `Xaymaca’ (meaning land of wood and water) 1509    Occupation by Spain 1655    Captured by Britain 1692    Famous buccaneer town, Port Royal, destroyed by earthquake 1907    Capital, Kingston, severely damaged by another earthquake 1930    Framework for modern political system laid 1958    Joined the West Indies Federation 1962    Independence achieved. Rt Excellent Sir William Alexander Bustamante, first Prime Minister