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Jamaica
Ambassador Accredited to CARICOM
CSME Participation
Jamaica is a large island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 630 kilometres north-east of mainland Central America. Its nearest neighbours include Haiti to the east and Cuba to the north. The island’s interior and eastern regions are dominated by mountains and elevated plateaus, while coastal plains encircle much of the island. These plains are characterised by sandy beaches, natural harbours, and numerous sheltered bays.
Key facts
Date of Membership in CARICOM: 1 Aug 1973 Also Known as:Land of Wood and Water (Root: Xaymaca (Arawak)) Status of Independence:Independent 1962/08/06 Area: 10,991 km2 (4,244 miles2)
Capital City: Kingston
Population: 2,687,200 (2008)
Currency: Jamaica Dollar
Highest National Award: Order of the National Hero
Economy
GDP: EC$41,275 Mn (2012) GDP Growth: 0.5% p.a. 1990–2012 GNI: US$13.7bn GNI PC: US$5,220
Key dates in history
SOME KEY DATES IN HISTORY 1494 Arrival of Columbus on island Arawak Indians called `Xaymaca’ (meaning land of wood and water) 1509 Occupation by Spain 1655 Captured by Britain 1692 Famous buccaneer town, Port Royal, destroyed by earthquake 1907 Capital, Kingston, severely damaged by another earthquake 1930 Framework for modern political system laid 1958 Joined the West Indies Federation 1962 Independence achieved. Rt Excellent Sir William Alexander Bustamante, first Prime Minister
Date of CARICOM Membership
Human Development Index
External Trade Negotiations
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Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness
Date of Independence
Motto
Out of Many, One People
Otherwise Known As
Land of Wood and Water
Population
2,702,300 (2010)
Website