Jamaica Information

Jamaican Facts

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and the third largest overall. The island spans 4,400 square miles.

Jamaica is populated by over 2 million people, largely descendents of the freed African slaves brought over to the island by the spanish and British. Jamaica is classified as a developing country. Tourism and mining are the two most profitable economic sectors along with agriculture and manufacturing. Jamaica has been an independent country since 1962 when it ceased to be a British colony but remains part of the British Commonwealth.

JAMAICAN INFORMATION. JAMAICA FACTS

Population: 2,652,689 with a growth rate of 0.46%.

Official Language: English, Patois

Jamaican Religion: Protestant 61.3% Church of God 21.2%, Baptist 8.8%, Anglican 5.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 9%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Methodist 2.7%, United Church 2.7%, Brethren 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.6%, Moravian 1.1%, Roman Catholic 4%, other, including some spiritual cults 34.7%

Ethnic Groups: black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, white 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%, mixed 7.3%, other 0.1%

Jamaican Currency: The value of the Jamaican dollar fluctuates with the market. The exchange rate is roughly J $35 to $1 US. Vendors often prefer the US dollar. Many establishments list prices in US dollars.

Jamaican Weather: The average temperature in Jamaica is 82 ° F and remains consistent throughout the year. Daytime highs are a bit hotter. The northeast trade winds keep you from feeling overwhelmed despite the high humidly levels. Rainfall varies with the seasons; however, on average the island receives 78 inches per year, the bulk of which is in the Blue Mountains. Short heavy downpours are common on the coasts.