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. 

Economic Summary: 

The tourism industry is of vital importance to the economy as it is the main source of foreign exchange, contributing US$1.13 billion in earnings in 1996.

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 materials; and the assembly of electrical appliances and apparel.

Bauxite is the principal industry and merchandise export earner.  Reserves is estimated at 1.9 billion tonnes.  This country ranks as the world's third largest producer of bauxite, after Australia and Guinea.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 8.4% of GDP in 1996, earning some US$225 million in foreign exchange, and providing 23% of total employment.  Approximately 270,000 hectares of land are cultivated, while nearly one-fifth of the total land area is forested.

There are considerable resources of both freshwater and sea fish.  Production of freshwater fish has remained fairly constant throughout the 1990s while the marine catch recorded a small growth level.

Airport: 

Norman Manley International; Donald Sangster International

Status:

Independent -  6 August 1962

Capital:

Kingston 

Population: 

2,605,787 (1999)

Currency:

Jamaican Dollar

GDP Per Capita (at current market  prices): 

EC$7,696.5 million  (2000)

Government  web page:

www.cabinet.gov.jm  www.jis.gov.jm