Jamaica is an island country located in the Caribbean. With an area of 10,990 sq km, it is the third largest island "after Cuba and Hispaniola" in the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean. It lies in the south of Cuba and the west of Hispaniola. The economy of Jamaica highly depends on tourism. Jamaica stands in favor of a democratic government and press freedom.
History
Jamaica was originally inhabited by indigenous Taino peoples. It came under Spanish rule with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. It was conquered by England ending the possession of Spain in 1655 and was renamed Jamaica. Jamaica became a leading sugar exporter under British rule. The plantation economy was dependent on African slaves. Chinese and Indian indentured labor was used by Britishers at the beginning of the 1840s. Independence from the United Kingdom came on August 6, 1962.
Culture
The culture of Jamaica stands as a product of the interaction between Africa and Europe. To denote the perceived duality in Jamaican cultural values and traditions, words like Euro-centred and Afro-centred are often used. European influences persist in medicine, Christian worship, arts, and public institutions. African continuities are present in Jamaican Creole language, proverbs, religious life, cuisine, drumming, traditional medicine, the rhythms of Jamaican dance and music, and tales of Anansi.
Language
English has been spoken in Jamaica since the Spanish occupation in 1655. Due to the slave trade, most of the population is of African descent. Although English is the official language of Jamaica, Jamaican Patois is spoken by the majority of the population. It is the Creole language composed of Upper English and Lower African. Most of the non-English words in Patois come from the West African language Akan. It is spoken by most Jamaicans as their first language.
Geography
Jamaica stands as the third largest island in the Caribbean. It lies between longitudes 76 degrees and 79 degrees, and 79 degrees W, and latitudes 17 degrees and 19 Degrees N. The interior is dominated by mountains. Santa Cruz, Don Figueroa, and May Day mountains in the West, the Blue Mountains and Crow mountains in the East, and the Dry Harbour mountains in the center. These mountains are surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. Major tourist attractions include YS Falls in St. Elizabeth, Dunn's River Falls, a dormant volcano's crater, the Blue Lagoon in Portland, and Port Royal.
Official Name | Jamaica |
Capital | Kingston |
Population | 28.3 Lakhs (2021) |
Area | 10,991 sq km |
Currency | Jamaican Dollars |
Religion | Christianity (major population) |
Language | English and Jamaican Patois |
Major cities | Kingston, Spanish Town, Portmore |
FAQs
Q.1. What is the capital of Jamaica?
Ans. Kingston is the capital of Jamaica.
Q.2. What is the area covered by this Island?
Ans. The land area acquired by Jamaica is 10,991 sq km.
Q.3. Where is Jamaica located?
Ans. Jamaica is in the Caribbean Sea, South of Miami in Florida.
Q.4. What is the government and political situation in Jamaica?
Ans. Jamaica is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the King of Jamaica, with the Governor-General of Jamaica representing the region.
Last Updated on: March 29, 2023