Jamaica, Land of Wood and Water

Flag of Jamaica

Jamaica has many rural and resort areas that contribute substantially to the Jamaican economy. These areas are relatively safe, providing excellent tourism opportunities. The island has a tropical climate mostly all year round which is great for tourism. In particular there is a dry season from December to April and a wet season that corresponds to the Atlantic hurricane season.

The island of Jamaica was discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494. It was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies.

Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today.

Kingston Jamaica

Jamaica for a Leisurely Vacation

Kingston, Jamaica's capital, is the largest city in Jamaica and the largest English-speaking city south of the U.S. It is located on the south-eastern end of the Island and is home to the Kingston Harbour, the largest natural harbour in the Caribbean and 7th largest in the world. Kingston is a busy city with approximately one third of the island's population residing there. Kingston is concidered the business and cultural capital of the Caribbean.

Some of the information on this page was sourced from the Central Intelligence Agency