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.
Airport:
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:
The Honourable Andrew Holness, MPPrime MinisterProfile at the official website of the Office of the Prime Minister
Population:
2,644,600 (2004)
Currency
Jamaica Dollar
Area:
10,991 km2 (4,243.6 miles2)
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
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
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,
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
J Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love
(Words by Hugh Sherlock; music by Robert Lightbourne)
Highest National Award:strong>
Highest National Award:
Order of the National Hero
Favourite dish:
Ackee and Salt Fish
Government web page:
