 Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean
island, measuring 146 miles at its widest point. Primarily of volcanic
origin, the lush island features a mountain ridge that peaks at
Blue Mountain which is 7,402 feet
high. Many white-sand beaches and clear seas ring the island. The island
was discovered by Columbus on May 4,
1494. The Spanish (who ruled the island until 1655) were the first
Europeans to explore the Caribbean. The region became known for
its production of sugar, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits.
The importance of the Antilles declined as
the Spanish advanced into the New World through Mexico and Peru, and the
islands mostly became supply bases. In this century, the Windward
Passage became a major shipping route between the eastern United States
and the Panama Canal. In 1958, Jamaica formed the
West Indies Federation with nine other British
possessions, but it withdrew in 1961, a move that led to the eventual
collapse of the federation. Jamaica's withdrawal was urged by Sir
Alexander Bustamante, a labor leader who became prime minister when
Jamaica became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations in
1962. Jamaica gained full independence within the British
Commonwealth. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to
recurrent violence and a dropoff in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the
democratic socialists voted out of office, and a more conservative
government installed. Political violence marred elections during the
1990s.
 In 1990 the population of Jamaica was 2.4
million Approximately 45% of the people are 19 years or
under, and a little less than 8% are above 65. Based on the census of
1982, at least 48% of the population was urban; in 1943, the census
estimated the urban population at that time to be 15%. The people of
Jamaica have emerged from a historical process in which peoples of all
the continents were brought together within a well-defined social
hierarchy. The 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. Popular culture is heavily
influenced by the African heritage, while formal behavior is
unmistakably British in style. While it is arguable that the popular
speech of Jamaicans is a distinct language from English, it was derived
largely from English which has been the official language for over 300
years. The influence of the USA is becoming more evident, reflecting the
closer ties with that society. The main cities are the capital
Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
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. Typically sunny year-round, Jamaica has rainy months in
May, June, September and October. Jamaica's 4-day weather forecast.
 Kingston is the capital city of
Jamaica (1987 est. pop., 646,400), and also the largest city on the
island. It lies on the southeastern coast of the island. One of the
leading ports of the West Indies, it exports sugar, rum, molasses, and
bananas. Other industries include tourism, oil refining, shoe and
clothing manufacturing, and food processing. The average annual
temperature is 25 deg C (77 deg F), and yearly rainfall is 813 mm (32
in). The University of the West Indies
(1962) is there. Founded in 1692 after nearby Port Royal was destroyed
by an earthquake, Kingston became the capital of Jamaica in 1872. Points
of interest include Rockfort, a 17th-century fortress; the Church of
Saint Thomas; and Headquarters House (18th century), once the seat of
government. Music, and more particularly reggae
music, has a strong presence in Kinston and this is in
fact the city where Bob Marley
learned to make his glorious music. Trenchtown
where Marley resided is situated around a large drainage
trench, hence the name. It is a area slum where the poorest of poor
live.
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