The country was first occupied by the Spanish in 1494, which was the time Christopher Columbus arrived, until 1655 when Great Britain took the colony from the Spanish and named it Jamaica. Jamaica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the country is now on track to stabilizing its growth to stay in line with United Nations recommendations. It is the third-largest island in the Caribbean at 4,320 square miles. Alternative Titles: Santiago, Xaymaca. However, the economic infrastructure is generally vulnerable, as most foods and energy depend on import. Jamaica and other aguas frescas are commonly found in taquerias, or other Mexican restaurants. It is south of Cuba and for comparison, it is just under the size of Connecticut. ... Smith, in welcoming the Nigerians to Jamaican shores said the flight will help to boost trade relations between the two countries and also strengthen their relationship, through tourism, air services and culture. Donate. Jamaica is currently seeing a decline in the 0-14 age group with an increase in the working age and retired population, the fastest growing segment, which is typical for developing countries. The UN recognizes 195 countries, including 193 full members and two observers (Palestine and the Holy See). Few rivers are navigable for any great distance, because of their rapid descent from the mountains. Jamaica has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Covid-19 Response Fund. Other towns include the likes of Spanish Town, Port Antonio, and Ocho Ríos. Medical services in Jamaica are limited. Alluvial soils on the coastal plains chiefly consist of deep loam and clay, and residual clays cover the valley floors. Coastal plains largely encircle the island, and the largest alluvial plains are located in the south. Other European … Medical services in Jamaica are limited. 2. Search by Country, Territory, or Area. View Images A man steers a raft down the Martha Brae River in Jamaica. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. It is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea, after Cuba and Hispaniola. Jamaica can be found about 500 miles south of The Bahamas. Jamaica is nearer to the Equator than The Bahamas, which means the waters here are slightly warmer. Is Jamaica a Country & Where is it Located? Jamaica Overview - Overview - Customs and Culture - Diet and Recipes - Language - Religion - Interesting Facts. However, most of the population of Jamaica is of African descent. The Black River in the west and the Rio Cobre near Kingston are each longer than 30 miles (50 km). The Caribbean sea has an area of approximately 1,063,000 square miles. The poverty rate is expected to decline significantly by 2020. 97,424), capital and largest city of Jamaica, SE Jamaica. Jamaica has been known to spend half of its income on imported good for basic necessities. During periods of submersion, thick layers of limestone were laid down over the old igneous and metamorphic rock. More than 80 U.S. firms have offices in the country and hundreds of other U.S. firms sell their products through local distributors. 11) Is Jamaica a country or a state? The island's GDP for 1985 was US$1.7 billion, or US$940 per capita. In many places, the limestone is thousands of feet thick. According to the Bank of Jamaica, by the end of 2008, remittances reached approximately USD 2.025 Billion, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the country's GDP . About World Cities Database; World Cities Database; North America; Jamaica; Jamaica States ; Jamaica States/Province List | Jamaica | Genreal Information | Location Map | State/Province List | County/City List | National Flag | This page provide states/provinces list of Jamaica. Country data and statistics. Cuba is to the south of Jamaica and to the west of the island of Hispaniola. Primary data; Contact us. Prior to colonization, indigenous peoples known as the Arawak and Taíno inhabited the island. The tropical climate and sandy beaches also attract visitors. It is part of the Greater Antilles a group of islands. Jamaica is 145 miles (234 km) long and 50 miles (80 km) wide at its widest point. The island is 90 miles south of Cuba and 110 miles west of Haiti. The Rio Minho in central Jamaica is the longest river, flowing for some 60 miles (100 km) from the Dry Harbour Mountains to Carlisle Bay. Jamaica (jəmā`kə), independent state within the Commonwealth (2015 est. Numerous rivers and streams issue from the central highlands, but many disappear intermittently into karst sinkholes and caves. Total and daily confirmed cases and deaths. Do you desire to know more about these things Jamaica is known for? Jamaica. Located on the south eastern part of the island is Kingston – the capital and the largest city of Jamaica. Overview; Data Table; Explore. The regulators unanimously asserted that no bauxite mining activity is happening in the designated protected area of the Cockpit Country. The two countries have an investment treaty and a double taxation agreement. Jamaica Tourism: Tripadvisor has 669,126 reviews of Jamaica Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Jamaica resource. The great majority of its people are of African ancestry, the descendants of slaves brought by European colonists. Health statistics summarized for major health topics; Country metadata. The country was first occupied by the Spanish in 1494, which was the time Christopher Columbus arrived, until 1655 when Great Britain took the colony from the Spanish and named it Jamaica. Jamaica is a Nature Lovers Paradise ... we have many indigenous species of tree, plant, flower, bird, insect, butterfly, bat, frog, lizard, snake and reptile. Of all the islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica is the 3rd largest country in the Caribbean. Introduction of bananas reduced dependence on sugar. Revered as the “holy herb” by many, the cannabis here is meant to lead you to a deeper faith instead of just a recreational drug (but it’s fun to smoke too). The island’s various Spanish, French, and English place-names are remnants of its colonial history. Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean sea adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Country Country Beach Cottages is the epitome of casual beach living directly on Negril's famous Seven Mile beach. 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