Jamaica

Introduction

• The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of Jamaica and Jamaican culture.

Geography• The country of Jamaica is a West Indian

island located near the center of the Caribbean Sea. It is among the group of islands that comprise the Greater Antilles (the others are Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico) and is the largest of the English–speaking islands in the region.

• Jamaica is 90 miles south of Cuba and

100 miles west of Haiti.

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Geography• Approximately the size of Connecticut,

Jamaica has an area of 4,411 square miles and is 146 miles long. The breadth of the island varies from 22 miles at its narrowest point to 51 miles at the widest.

• Rugged chains of mountains extend from east to west. The Blue Mountains include the highest point on the island, a summit of 7,402 feet. Low elevations form a costal belt around the island but approximately two thirds of the landmass lies 1000 feet above sea level.

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Jamaica Map

• Early settlers were the Arawaks• In 1494 Columbus claimed the island for Spain• In 1665, the British drove out the Spaniards and the

island was ceded under the Treaty of Madrid. • In 1834, slavery was abolished• Independence from British rule August 6, 1962

History

Flag of Jamaica

The Jamaican flag is made up of 3 colors: Green, Black, Gold. Black symbolizes hardships. Gold for the golden sunshine and green for the lush vegetation of the island.

Jamaican Government

Prime Minister Bruce Golding

• Executive Branch• Queen Elizabeth II• Governor General

• Legislative Branch• Senate• House of Representatives

• Judicial Branch• Supreme Court• Court of Appeals

• Political Parties• Jamaica Labor Party (JLP)• National Democratic Movement (NDM)• People’s National Party (PNP)

Jamaican peopleThe vast majority are of African descent, but there are well established, but small, Indian, Chinese, Arab, and European communities as well. Jamaican culture is a particular synthesis of all these cultures. Ethnic groups: Black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, white 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%, mixed 7.3%, other 0.1%

Emigration

Many Jamaicans have emigrated to other countries, especially to the United Kingdom, the United States, and to Canada.

Crime in Jamaica

Crime Totals

LarceniesShootingsBreak-Ins

5001,6503,700

Murders 1,700

Rapes 1,650

Robberies 3,000

Total Crimes 39188

Jamaica Crime Statistics for the Year 2010:

Jamaica has the 3rd highest murder rate in the world.

Life Expectancy & Infant Mortality Rate

Male Life Expectancy72 Years

Female Life Expectancy77 Years

Infant Mortality Rate15.6 per 1,000 live births

Economy of Jamaica

Economy of Jamaica

Currency Jamaican dollar (JMD)

Fiscal year 1 April – 31 March

Trade organisations Bank of Jamaica

Statistics

GDP $23.25 billion (2009 est.)

GDP growth -4.2% (2009 est.)

GDP per capita $8,200 (2009 est.)

GDP by sectoragriculture: 5.7%; industry: 29.7%; services: 64.7% (2009 est.)

Inflation (CPI) 8.6% (2009 est.)

Populationbelow poverty line

14.8% (2003 est.)

Gini index 45.5 (2004)

Labour force 1.311 million (2009 est.)

Labour forceby occupation

agriculture: 17%; industry: 19%; services: 64% (2006)

Unemployment 14.5% (2009 est.)

Main industries

tourism, bauxite/alumina, food processing, light manufactures, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products, telecommunications

Ease of Doing Business Rank 81st

RELIGION

• Jamaicans are predominately Christian with small numbers of Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai and Afro-Caribbean religious groups.

• Rastafarians constitute one of the most famous religious groups.

The Guinness Book of World Records determined Jamaica to have the most churches per square mile of any place on the planet.

LanguageThe official language of Jamaica is English. Jamaicans primarily speak an English-African Creole language known as Jamaican Patois/Patwa, which has become known widely through the spread of Reggae music. Jamaican Patois had formed from West African, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Native American words mixed in with English, as well as other influences such as from the Irish.

Standard English Jamaican Patois

thing t’ing, ting

nothing nutten, not’n’, notin’

no nuh, noh, nu

can’t cyan, cyaan, kaan, kean

(be)cause caw, cau’, caa

boy bwoy, bway

Table 1. Difference of Spellings in British Creole and Standard English 

Weather

In winter, the average temperature is 75 degrees; in summer it's about 80. Year-round, temperatures are usually five to 10 degrees cooler in the mountain. The rainiest months are generally May/June and October-December. Jamaica is in the hurricane belt with hurricane season being June through November. The most active months are typically August and September.

Education in Jamaica

• Literacy rate is 87.9% for general population • Males’ literacy rate is 84.1• Females’ literacy rate is 91.6 • Educational System—based on British system• Level of education for individuals with disabilities

• 75% Primary level as highest level of education• 10% Secondary education• 0.4% University education

• (based on 2004 statistics from World Fact Book-Jamaica)• Total number of individuals with disability 111,114• They are taught Spanish in school from primary school, about 40–45% of

educated people in Jamaica knows some form of Spanish.

The music of Jamaica includes Jamaican folk music and many popular genres, such as mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub music, dancehall.

Jamaican Music

  Sports in Jamaica

Jamaican sports have always been a strong part of Jamaican culture. The most popular sport in Jamaica Soccer/Football.

Jamaican cuisineJamaican cuisine includes a mixture of cooking techniques, flavors, spices and influences from the indigenous people on the island, and the Spanish, British, Africans, Indians, and Chinese who have inhabited the island. It is also influenced by the crops introduced into the island from tropical Southeast Asia.

Ackee and saltfish

Jerk chicken

Jamaican patty Oxtail and rice and peasCurry goat and rice and peas

Popular Jamaican Drinks

BiggaJamaican Rum Punch

D&G CREAM SODA 12 OZ.(Pepsi)

Carrot Juice

Irish Moss

Red Stripe

FAMOUS TOWNS AND CITIES OF JAMAICA

MONTEGO BAY (MoBay)

OCHO RIOS (Ochee)

NEGRIL

KINGSTON (capital)

Famous tourist attractions and things to do in Jamaica

Bob Marley museum

Dunn's River Falls

Horseback Riding

Zip-line

Rose Hall Great House

River rafting

Jamaican Dollars and Coins

National symbols

National Bird

Red-billed Streamer tail

National Flower

Lignum vitae

Blue Mahoe

National Tree

Ackee

National Fruit

Out of Many, One People

National Motto

National Holidays

• Independence Day is the most celebrated event (August 6, 1962)

• National Heroes Day (October 17)• Christmas• New Years• Easter• Labor Day

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Jamaican Culture And Jamaican Traditions

Jamaican culture is defined as the origin of its entire population. The Jamaican culture is mixed as most of the society is ethnically diverse. There are several nations and peoples, the majority are African, then Indian and Chinese, then the minority being European. There is a North American contingent but they did not contribute to the origin and main stream Jamaican society.

Conclusion

Jamaica is a well known island for vacationing for many reasons. Its beautiful beaches, colorful people and the relaxed way of life are just a few of the reasons to keep you coming back.

The End