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Jamaica, island country, third largest island of
the Greater Antilles of the West Indies, situated south of Cuba. With
its lush mountains and pristine beaches, the island is known for its
beautiful natural surroundings and is a popular tourist destination.
Jamaica became a British colony in 1670. During the 18th century,
planters began importing African slaves to work on the sugar
plantations. Today the island�s culture and customs blend its British
and African roots. Jamaica gained its independence from Britain in 1962
and maintains a strong two-party political system. The island is named
after the Native American word Xaymaca, meaning isle of springs. Jamaica is a multiracial society, with a population primarily of African or mixed African-European origin. Many people are descended from slaves brought to the island between the 17th and 19th centuries. Among the established minorities are East Indians, Europeans, and Chinese. The population of Jamaica (2004 estimate) was 2,713,130, giving the country an overall population density of 251 persons per sq km (649 per sq mi). The annual rate of population increase, formerly high, declined to 0.66 percent by 2004. Emigration, primarily to the United States, Britain, and Latin America, has been substantial. |
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