General Information

The name Jamaica is derived from the Arawak word Xaymaca , which means "Land of wood and water". The island, which was settled by the Arawak Indians, was first visited by Christopher Columbus in 1494. It was occupied by the Spanish until 1655 when the English conquered the island. For three centuries, Jamaica was a British colony. Independence was granted in 1962 and Jamaica adopted a Westminster style constitution as a member of the British Commonwealth.

Political System

Jamaica has a stable, British style parliamentary system of government. The Prime Minister is head of the government. The British monarch is represented by a Governor General, appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. There are two main political parties, the Peoples National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party.

Legal System

The legal and judicial system is based on English common law and practice. The judiciary comprises the Supreme Court, a Court of Appeal, Resident Magistrates' Court, Petty Sessions courts and other Courts. The final Court of Appeal is the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

Geography and Climate

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island (and the largest English speaking Caribbean island). With an area of 4,411 square miles (11,420 kilometers) the island's scenery is varied, with a mountainous central spine and broad coastal plains fringed with beautiful beaches, particularly in the north and west.

The island of Jamaica is 146 miles (235 kilometers) long, and varies from 22 miles (35.4 kilometers) to 51 miles (82.1 kilometers) wide. Kingston, the capital city and major commercial centre, lies to the south-eastern end of the island. Montego Bay, the second city located on the north-western coast, is a major tourist destination.

The island enjoys a tropical climate with annual average temperature of 27 degrees C (81 degrees F).

Population

The population of Jamaica is principally of African or mixed African-European origin. The minority consists of East Indians, Chinese and Europeans. The population of Jamaica was estimated at 2,605,400 persons at the end of 2000.

Language and Religion

English is the universal language. No other international language is in common usage, however, most of the people speak an English based local language " patois" .

Jamaicans are a very religious people, but religion is not a dividing factor. The country has over 100 Christian denominations, of which the Protestant churches predominate with 61.3%. Well established Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Rastafarian communities exist.

Education

Jamaica has a first-class education system. Schooling is divided into primary and secondary levels, with tertiary education offered at three universities. There are several professional training institutions including community colleges, vocational training institutions, and others including foreign universities which offer post graduate training in Jamaica.

Visitors' visas

Non residents who come to the island to workare required to obtain a work permit.

Canadian and US passport-holders do not require a visa if they are visiting the island provided they reside in their own country and can present proof of citizenship, e.g. a valid birth certificate or driver's licence. In addition to a passport, most Commonwealth citizens are required to have a letter of invitation. Caricom nationals may enter the country freely, with only a passport requirement.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Jamaican dollar, and its supply into the banking system is regulated by the Bank of Jamaica. The United States dollar is, however, accepted by many vendors. Only authorized dealers are allowed to trade in the purchase or sale of Jamaican dollars. Any person can, however, make or accept payment in foreign currency for goods and services received or offered and hold any currency for their own account in any country. The Jamaican dollar is traded freely against major international currencies.