Facts and Figures

Jamaica is the largest of the English-speaking Caribbean islands.  Located 600 miles south of Florida (between 17.5 degrees and 18.5 degrees latitude; between 76 degrees 79 longitude), the island enjoys a tropical maritime climate with temperatures ranging from 25 to 29.4 degrees C (75-85 degrees F).

 

Named the “Land of wood and water” by the Taino Indians, Jamaica is 10,991 sq. km within which its landscape is widely varied and rich in its bio-diversity.  The annual average rainfall is 78 inches (198 cm) with some hilly areas experiencing as much as 300 inches (762 cm) of rainfall per year. 

 

The annual average temperature is 27degrees C. falling to 13 degrees C. in areas of highest altitude.  The island is home to about 2.7 million persons.  Jamaicans are primarily of African descent.  However, in the course of its history Jamaica has come to represent a racial melting pot with minorities from every Continent all of whom have added to its strong cultural heritage.  Jamaica became an independent country in 1962 after 300 years as a British colony. 

 

The island has a bicameral parliament based on the Westminster model and remains a member of the Commonwealth.  Jamaica’s economy is primarily dependent in tourism, agriculture, mining and manufacturing.