 Google Map of Jamaica |
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| Jamaica News |
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| Location of Jamaica |
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| Feature Articles about Jamaica |
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| We do not yet have any feature articles for Jamaica |
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| Interesting Facts about Jamaica |
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| Jamaica Weather |
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| Area |
total: 10,991 sq km land: 10,831 sq km water: 160 sq km |
| Climate |
tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior |
| Population |
2,780,132 (July 2007 est.) |
| Languages |
English, English patois |
More Interesting Jamaica Facts & Figures |
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| Jamaica Websites |
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| Jamaica CIA Map |
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| Source:
CIA World Factbook |
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| CIA World Factbook Description of Jamaica |
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| The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated, replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and a plantation economy - based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee - was established. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain, and 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. The cycle of violence, drugs, and poverty has served to impoverish large sectors of the populace. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy. |
| Source:
CIA World Factbook |
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