Jamaicans are a group of people with a strong sense of independence. Jamaica is world famous for its reggae music, jerk chicken, and producing some of the world's fastest sprinters. One of Jamaica's greatest problems is integrating tourism with the local culture.  Jamaica's large beach resorts employ large numbers of people, but also create an environment of the "have's" vs. the "have not's."  Some areas (West and South Coasts) are working to make tourism, the largest industry, a more corporate effort. To the short-term mission participant, Jamaica will appear very developed in some areas (mostly coastal), but it also has many rural areas in addition to grinding poverty in urban areas.

Jamaica is adorned with beautiful sandy beaches on its north and west coasts, while the south and east coasts tumble down from the mountains to the water in the form of marshes and mangroves as well as few dark-colored sand beaches. Peaking at 7,402 feet, the Blue Mountains are famous for rich coffee beans. The mountains dominate any view of the eastern side of the island. The rest of Jamaica consists of rolling hills and flat beaches.

Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, is one of the Caribbean’s largest cities. Perched on the edge of the world’s seventh largest natural harbor, Kingston’s population comprises nearly 1 million people. This is approximately one third of Jamaica’s 3 million inhabitants. Other famous cities and locales include Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, which are truly the “picture postcards” of Jamaica. While these tourist locations are beautiful, romantic, and tropical, they do not accurately represent everyday life for the vast majority of Jamaicans. The struggle to make a living and create a better tomorrow dominates day-to-day life for most natives.

Jamaica enjoys a subtropical climate throughout the year. The wet season occurs from August through November, raining in brief mid-afternoon showers. The dry season is from December through March. Normal highs year-round range from 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures are in the 60 to 70 degree range.

English is the official and predominantly spoken language in Jamaica. In addition, the locals have their own dialect and slang use of the language.

All who travel need to take necessary precautions and be reminded to be aware of their environment. Jamaica has its share of crime, but generally it is confined to the urban areas amongst the locals. The Jamaica Tourism Board is continually working to maintain a safe environment for travelers and tourists.

Today, Jamaica is in a relatively stable state with the economy showing slow to moderate growth. This growth is fueled by the tourism industry and bauxite (a base form of aluminum) mining in the heart of the country. As the bauxite mines begin to run out, concerns are growing about what industry will take its place. Other significant exports include sugar cane and bananas. The annual income in Jamaica is $4,100 U.S. dollars per person, creating a thin line between poverty and the middle class. This concern will be paramount to the people of Jamaica for years to come.

The Jamaican dollar is the official unit of currency, though United States dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate is approximately $75-85 Jamaica = $1 U.S.

Jamaican food is very flavorful and generally made from local resources. A typical Jamaican breakfast may include salt fish and ackee, a native fruit. A local dinner may feature fried fish or chicken with rice and beans. Don’t forget to try the world-famous Jamaican Jerk style sauce!

Jamaica plays host to a myriad of activities. The island is blessed with beautiful sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and dense jungles. Jamaica hosts more than 3,800 plant species and features more than 100 rivers. The wilderness is never far away! Some of the Caribbean’s best shopping is in Jamaica. Open air markets and negotiating a price for an item are commonplace in Jamaica. With a strong local culture and substantial tourism industry, there is always the opportunity to bring a souvenir from Jamaica home with you.

Jamaica was originally settled by the Arawak Indians of South America in the 700s AD. In 1494, Christopher Columbus stopped in Jamaica on his second voyage to the New World. The Spanish were the first to settle in Jamaica while slowly eliminating the Arawaks until the late 1600s, when the English arrived in Jamaica. Near the end of the 1700s, England had begun importing slaves from West Africa. By the end of the century, 20,000 English landowners ruled over 300,000 African slaves on sugar plantations. Lay Pastor Sam “Daddy” Sharpe led the way to abolition slavery through passive resistance. He became a national hero while ultimately laying down his life for the cause of freedom. Slavery was officially abolished in 1834, though thousands died in the struggle.

Most Jamaicans profess some form of spiritual faith. It is the birthplace of Rastafarianism and its most famous follower, Bob Marley, so many Jamaicans promote "one love." This refers to the belief that we are God and God is us, thus creating "one love." Other prevalent religions include Buddhism, Jehovah’s Witness, Voodoo, and African-based Animist beliefs. Christian churches have a significant presence in Jamaica. Protestant churches are more prevalent than Catholic churches by a 10 to 1 ratio, resulting from the English Anglican influence from past centuries.

Here are some links to more information about Jamaica.
(These links will open in a new window when clicked.)

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jm.html
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2032.htm
http://jamaica-guide.info/past.and.present/culture/