Jamaica

1494 (Wednesday, May 5) – Christopher Columbus arrives in Jamaica, claiming it for Spain

1655 (Friday, May 10) – The English capture Jamaica from Spain

1834 (Wednesday, August 1) – Slavery abolished in Jamaica

1962 (Monday, August 6) – Jamaica gains independence from the United Kingdom

1972 (Wednesday, December 20) – Michael Manley becomes Prime Minister, beginning a period of socialist policies

1980 (Saturday, October 30) – Hurricane Allen causes significant damage across the island

1990s – Period of political and economic instability, with significant debt and social unrest

2004 (Wednesday, September 15) – Hurricane Ivan causes severe damage and loss of life

2017 (Tuesday, September 5) – Hurricane Irma impacts Jamaica with heavy rainfall and flooding

2019 (Wednesday, July 3) – Severe flooding caused by heavy rains affects several parts of Jamaica

2020 (Monday, March 11) – COVID-19 Pandemic: Jamaica starts implementing restrictions and quarantine measures

Continent: North America
Location: Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba, west of Haiti
Capital: Kingston
Language: English (official), Jamaican Patois
Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
Population: ~2.9 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)

Borders: Jamaica is an island nation and does not share land borders with any other country
Landscape: Coastal plains, mountains, rivers, and beaches
Major Rivers: Black River, Rio Cobre, Lethe River
Major Mountains: Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Azuei
Volcanoes: No active volcanoes
Highest Point: Blue Mountain Peak – 2,256 m (7,402 ft)
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea – 0 m (0 ft)
Climate: Tropical climate, characterized by hot, humid weather and a wet season from May to November.
Geological Features: Jamaica is located on the Caribbean Plate, with mountainous regions formed by volcanic activity in the distant past.

Ethnic Group: Predominantly Afro-Jamaican (~92%), with minorities of East Indian, Chinese, White, and others
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant)
Urban Population: ~55% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~10% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Reggae music, Bob Marley, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture
Cuisine: Jerk chicken, Ackee and saltfish, Curried goat, Rice and peas, Patty
Music: Reggae, Dancehall, Ska
Sports: Cricket, Track and Field (sprinting), Football (soccer)
Arts: Jamaican literature, art, and dance
Festivals: Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica Carnival

Economy Type: Mixed economy, with a significant portion of GDP from tourism, agriculture, and mining
GDP: Approx. $16 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, bauxite mining, sugar, bananas, rum
Key Exports: Bauxite, alumina, sugar, coffee, bananas, rum
Unemployment Rate: ~8.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, particularly beach resorts and natural attractions in coastal areas.

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary democracy
Head of State: King Charles III (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Andrew Holness (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (House of Representatives & Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 1962

Kingston: The capital, known for its music scene and cultural history
Montego Bay: Famous for its beaches, resorts, and vibrant nightlife
Negril: Known for Seven Mile Beach and laid-back atmosphere
Ocho Rios: Famous for Dunn’s River Falls and other natural attractions
Blue Mountains: Scenic mountains offering hiking and coffee plantations
Port Antonio: Known for Frenchman’s Cove and Blue Lagoon