Facts about Jamaica

Geography: Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles. With a length of 235 kilometers and a width of between 35 and 82 kilometers, the main island covers an area of 10,991 square kilometers.

Capital: Kingston

Largest cities: Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, Montego Bay, May Pen, Mandeville, Old Harbour, Savanna-la-Mar

Population: 2.8 million (as of 2018)

Languages: English and Jamaican Patois/Patwa

Government: Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy under the British Crown with a monarch (Governor General: Patrick Linton Allen since 2009), a prime minister (Andrew Holness since 2016), and a bicameral system (House of Representatives and Senate). The House of Representatives consists of 63 members elected by the Jamaican people. The Senate is composed of 21 senators appointed by the Governor-General; 13 of them are nominated by the Prime Minister and 8 by the Leader of the Opposition. Despite Jamaica's "independence" since 1962, the King of England remains the head of state. The Governor-General of Jamaica represents the head of state locally and therefore has a representative role.

Ethnic Groups: See ‘Formation of Jamaican Culture’

Religions: Religious affiliation in Jamaica is a complex topic. 69% identify as 'Protestant,' although a more precise distinction must be made in Jamaica's case. 2% of the Jamaican population identifies as belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. 8% of the Jamaican population identifies religiously as Rastafarian, Muslim, Hindu, or Baha'i. 21% of Jamaicans do not identify with any religion. More information can be found here.

Quelle: Morse, Kimberly J. (ed.) (2022): The Americas. An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society, Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.

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