Jamaica is a country located in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Hot, with landscapes of unimaginable beauty, Jamaica is translated from the language of the Indians as "country of sources." always full of vacationers. richest vegetable world the island amazes the newly arrived visitors. Although most of the forests have been destroyed, there are areas that are densely overgrown with tropical forests, with thickets of vines and bamboo. In the west you can find many cacti.

The humid tropical climate of Jamaica provides the inhabitants of the island with constant heat. The temperature here averages +24°C – +27°C throughout the year. A light breeze from the sea, bringing life-giving coolness, makes it easy to endure hot weather. The summer months are characterized by increased precipitation, strong winds and hurricanes are possible. Therefore, the most suitable time to visit Jamaica is the winter period.

The fauna in Jamaica is not so diverse. Mostly representatives of reptiles live here, many of which are under the threat of extinction. For ornithologists Jamaica - real paradise. More than 500 species of birds live on the island, and most of the representatives of the world of birds can be found only here.

Landmarks of Jamaica.

The territory of Jamaica is mainly covered with hills and partially occupies a limestone plateau. The east of the country is covered by the Blue Mountains, where the highest peak of the island is located and where the most expensive coffee is grown.

The capital of Jamaica is Kingston, where a historical zone has been preserved to this day, including: the Royal House, museums of history and geology, natural history and the armed forces, and the Church of St. Catherine. In the capital of Jamaica - the city of Kingston - there is the National Art Gallery, the University, the Castleton Botanical Garden with unique plants. The city has several Rockford mineral springs and clinics where various ailments are treated.

Kingston is considered the city of music and the birthplace of Bob Marley. Everywhere in the squares and streets you can hear "reggae" performed by amateur orchestras. The museum dedicated to the king of reggae - Bob Marley, located in the house of the singer, keeps a piece of the king himself. Here everything remains as it was during the life of the musician. Opposite the house is a monument to the famous Jamaican reggae lover.

Not far from Kingston is the city of Mandeville with luxurious villas and sports courts. In the western part of Jamaica, there is the Cockpit Country Plateau, where you can see unique caves and reservoirs of incomparable beauty. Here, in Mandeville, there is a unique Museum, which contains a huge collection of cars from different times.

Be sure to visit the fabulous beaches of Jamaica. The famous resort town of Montego Bay is known for the magnificence of the beach strip and comfortable hotels, which will certainly please lovers of a leisurely vacation. Most restaurants and entertainment centers is also located in the city.

The whole city is a mass of luxurious mansions and villas. Plantations of spices and citrus trees are located in the vicinity of the city. Along the entire coast there are wonderful beaches with soft clean sand. The city has many attractions. In Montego Bay, you can visit the famous rum factory, the favorite drink of brave pirates. In addition to the opportunity to taste the drink, you can also buy a couple of bottles to go.

You can visit the Greenwood Great House Museum with a unique collection of antique furniture. There is also a collection of musical instruments. Noteworthy are the churches of St. James and Burchell. In one of the districts of the city there are Marine and underwater parks Montego Bay and Mo Bay Andersey. Equestrian sports enthusiasts can visit the equestrian sports complex and attend the races. Active tourists will certainly be attracted by the idea of ​​going down a raft down a mountain river and visiting a real tropical jungle.

Jamaica has a beach - Calico Jack, where you can relax. This beach is considered the pearl of the famous resort of Negril, located eighty kilometers, in the western part of Montego Bay. Calico Jack Beach is a real entertainment center with a bustling life for Jamaican guests.

Another beautiful place in Jamaica is the amazing Duns River Falls, where tourists love to climb up the waterfall holding hands. Not everyone succeeds and many, slipping, fall into the water, which is unsafe. The most persistent travelers continue to conquer the waterfall with pleasure.

The Blue Lagoon of Jamaica is considered to be a bewitching beauty in Port Antonio. With the purest sea water and the length of tropical thickets along the coast, it is no less worthy of a visit. In addition to the Blue Lagoon, there are luxurious resorts where filmmakers love to shoot films.

Everywhere on the island there are restaurants and bars with hearty and very tasty cuisine. Fish dishes are prepared especially tasty by local chefs. Tourists are also offered to take a walk to St. Anne's Bay. There are always many lovers of diving with a mask, flippers and survey the depths of the underwater kingdom. And in the picturesque bay of Bloody Bay, you can admire the coral reefs.

On the south coast of Jamaica, in Lakovia, there is the Keshu ostrich park - this is a real recreation complex where you can see not only ostriches, but also other amazing birds and animals.

Tourists can visit former capital pirates, an English colony on the island from 1656 to 1692. Port Royal will appeal to lovers of history and ancient sights. On the this moment the city is empty and almost completely flooded by the sea, but the opportunity to see the legendary capital of the British colony will certainly impress anyone.

The whole island of Jamaica is smooth alleys of banana trees, coffee plantations, unhurried reggae rhythms, Jamaican rum, orchards, endless beaches with clear water and amazing landscapes with beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking sunsets.

Holidays in Jamaica is a memorable vacation, with picturesque nature, a chic climate, comfortable hotels, well-organized infrastructure, many shrouded waterfalls and a magnificent beach area along the coast.

Approximately two thirds of Jamaica is occupied by a limestone plateau with a height of more than 900 m above sea level. In its western part is the famous Cockpit Country karst basin with an area of ​​approx. 1300 sq. km, which is a complex of hills 120–150 m high, separated by narrow valleys. This area is characterized by sinkholes and underground watercourses. In some places, small rivers cut picturesque gorges in limestone. To the east of the plateau rise two mountain ranges: the Grand Ridge and the Blue Mountains (Blue Mountains). In the Blue Mountains is the highest peak in the country (2256 m). Along the northern coast stretches a narrow plain with beaches composed of fine-grained white sand and coral reefs protected from waves; these places are especially attractive for tourists. Alluvial lowlands are confined to the southern and western coasts. The south coast is quite indented. There are more than 100 rivers and streams in Jamaica, but only the Black River is navigable in the lower reaches. Barges and small boats can climb up to 48 km.

Climate Jamaican tropical trade wind. However, within the island there are small differences due to the features of the relief. Temperatures depend on the absolute height of the area and its position in relation to the prevailing northeast trade winds. In the Kingston area average temperature July 27 ° C, and February - 24 ° C, while in the town of Gordon Hill in the Blue Mountains - 4 ° and 7 ° C, respectively. The average annual rainfall is 1900 mm, but on the relatively dry southern coast only 635 mm falls, and up to 7600 mm in the John Crow Mountains in the northeast of the island. The rainy season is clearly defined, lasting from May to October.

Flora and fauna.

Forests in Jamaica occupy approximately 194 thousand hectares, i.e. 1/5 of the total area of ​​the island. A significant part of the indigenous forest communities has been destroyed, however, in hard-to-reach places, virgin stands of large-leaved, briya (ebony) and dalbergia are still preserved. In Jamaica, there are extensive thickets of bamboo and logwood, and in some places there are plantings of Caribbean pine and eucalyptus. In the west and southwest, in areas not occupied by agricultural plantations, savanna-type vegetation of grasses with solitary trees is common. The most common for Jamaica is a cotton tree (ceiba), reaching a height of 30 m. In total, more than 3,000 species of flowering plants grow on the island, including 200 species of orchids. On the south coast, mangroves are widespread.

The local fauna suffered greatly during the development of the island, although manatees and crocodiles, several species of snakes, iguana lizards, and more than 20 species of bats are still preserved here. However, most of the characteristic animals are introduced to Jamaica from other countries, including mongooses and mynas from India. Jamaica is famous for its rich bird fauna, numbering 256 species, with 25 species and 21 subspecies living only on this island.

POPULATION.

Jamaica's population, as of July 2004, was 2,713,130; population density reached 243 people per 1 sq. km. In 2012, the population of the country grew to 2 million 889 thousand 187 people.

The median age of Jamaicans in 2012 was 24.4 years: 30.1% under 14, 62.3% between 14 and 64, and 7.6% over 65.

Population growth rates have remained relatively high for several decades, but the birth rate has gradually declined and in 2004 was 16.94 per 1,000 people. In 2012, the birth rate slightly increased again and amounted to 18.89 births per 1,000 people.

Mortality rate 6.59 per 1000 people, infant mortality 14.3 per 1000 newborns. Since the 1950s, there has been constant emigration (4.92 per 1,000 people in 2004; 5.17 in 2012).

Overall, Jamaica's real population growth in 2004 was estimated at 0.66%; in 2012 - 0.714%. Average life expectancy in 2012 was 71.78 years for men and 75.15 years for women.

St. 52% of the population of Jamaica lives in cities. The largest settlements are located on the coast of the country: in the south - Kingston (the capital, main port and trading center with a population of over 800 thousand people, including suburbs), Spanish Town (until 1872 - the capital of Jamaica, over 111 thousand inhabitants ), Portmore (about 100 thousand inhabitants), Mei-Pen (about 46 thousand inhabitants), Mandeville (the center of bauxite mining), in the north - Montego Bay (over 82 thousand inhabitants) (data for 2004) .

Most of the inhabitants are of African origin (over 76%); approx. 15% - mixed African-European; 1.3% are descendants of immigrants from India; 0.2% - Chinese; 0.2% of European origin (English, Irish, etc.). The official language is English, but the local Anglo-Creole language, Patois, is also widely spoken. Religiously, St. 61% of believers belong to various Protestant denominations ("Churches of God", Baptists, Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists, Pentecostals, Methodists, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.), 4% are Catholics, 35% profess other religious cults (syncretic, Rastafarians, and also minorities of Baha'is, Muslims, Jews, etc.).

POLITICAL SYSTEM

Until 1962, Jamaica was a possession of Great Britain, August 6, 1962 became an independent state. The 1962 constitution is in force (subject to the 1997 reforms and subsequent amendments). The country is a parliamentary democracy in the form of a constitutional monarchy. The official head of state is the British monarch (Queen of Great Britain Elizabeth II), represented by the Governor General, who is appointed by him on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Jamaica. The Governor General signs all bills and appoints the Prime Minister. Under the Governor-General, there is an advisory body of 6 members - the Privy Council, which is formed by him on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. On his recommendation, the governor-general appoints members of the government.

Legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament, which consists of an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate. Members of the House of Representatives (60 people) are elected for 5 years in single-member districts by universal, direct and secret suffrage of adults (over 18 years old) citizens of Jamaica and Commonwealth countries living in the country for at least a year. The Senate has 21 members, of which 13 are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Prime Minister, and 8 on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. Any act of Parliament is approved by a qualified majority of the members of both chambers. The Senate may postpone the adoption of the budget for a period not exceeding 1 month and other laws for a period not exceeding 7 months. If the bill is rejected by the Senate, it is sent to the House of Representatives for revision. After three months, the House may again submit the bill to the Senate, and if it is rejected again, a popular referendum is held; if it is approved by 2/3 of those who voted, the bill goes to the signature of the governor-general.

Executive power is exercised by the government headed by the prime minister. The prime minister and his deputy are appointed by the governor general from among the members of the House of Representatives (the leader of the party with the majority in the House becomes the head of government). From March 30, 1992 to 2006, the leader of the People's National Party, Percival James Patterson, was the prime minister. Cabinet members are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. 2 to 4 cabinet members become senators.

Administratively, Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes. There are elected councils in the parishes, which carry out the functions of local government (the term of office is 3 years).

The judiciary is organized along the lines of the British judiciary. It belongs to the Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice and members of the Supreme Court, including the President of the Court of Appeal, are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, after the latter has consulted with the Leader of the Opposition. At the Supreme Court there is a judicial service commission with advisory functions. There are courts of appeal, magistrates and lower courts. There are jury trials.

Political parties.

In Jamaica, even before independence, a two-party system actually developed. The absence of other influential political parties led to a split in society into two opposing camps. Between supporters of which conflicts often occurred, even with the use of weapons.

People's National Party (PNP) was founded in 1938 by one of the leaders of the independence movement, Norman Manley. Party of the social democratic type, is a member of the Socialist International. It initially relied on the so-called colored middle class, but then attracted a significant part of the workers to its side, especially in the bauxite industry. The National Union of Workers operates under the influence of the NPP.

In 1940, the NNP declared itself a party of socialist orientation and a supporter of political self-government. However, in the 1950s she moved to a more moderate position, supported national entrepreneurship and condemned strikes. From the late 1950s and early 1960s, the party again evolved to the left and declared its anti-capitalism. In 1964 she accepted new program, which declared the socialist orientation the only way to solve the socio-economic problems of the country. In 1969, the NPP approved the doctrine of economic nationalism, which provided for the priority development of cooperative and state property. In 1972, the party, having come to power, began to put into practice the provisions of its social democratic program, which included the strengthening of the public sector, the nationalization of natural resources, the creation of a "mixed economy", and the expansion of the participation of workers in political and economic decision-making. Prime Minister Michael Norman Manley proclaimed the idea of ​​building a classless society of democratic socialism in Jamaica by peaceful means.

In 1980, the NPP went into opposition and abandoned the course towards socialism. She began to advocate for attracting foreign investment and private entrepreneurship to overcome the economic crisis. Returning to power in 1989, the party, without theoretically abandoning the social democratic perspective, made adjustments to its program. She advocates a combination of a market economy and an active social policy of the state. In the 2002 elections, the party won 52.2% of the vote and won 34 out of 60 seats in the House of Representatives. The NPP leader is Percival James Patterson (Prime Minister).

Representatives of the NPP remained parliamentary majority parties until 2007 (leaders - Percival James Patterson 1992-2006, Portia Simpson-Miller, 2006-2007). According to the results of the 2007 elections, the NPP held 27 seats in parliament.

Labor Party of Jamaica(LPYa) - founded in 1942 by trade unionist Alexander Bustamante. Initially focused on protecting the interests of the working class and still controls the Bustamante Industrial Union. Subsequently, the party refocused on supporting entrepreneurship and farmers. Having won the 1944 elections, the LPJ came out in favor of attracting foreign investment in the country's economy and strengthening the role of private capital. In the 1950s and 1962-1972, under the Labor governments, the development of bauxite began with the active participation of foreign companies. In 1972–1980 the LPJ was in opposition; during this period it was headed by Edward Siaga, who gravitated towards the principles of Christian democracy. Returning to power in 1980, the party pursued a tough policy based on the principles of the free market, which caused severe social consequences and led the LPJ to defeat in the 1989 elections. While in opposition, the party takes a generally conservative position, although it often puts forward slogans of social justice. In the 2002 elections, she received 47.2% of the vote and has 26 seats in the House of Representatives. Leader - E. Siaga.

In 2007 she again won the parliamentary elections and took the majority in parliament (33 seats). LPJ leader Orette Bruce Golding.

In addition to the two main parties in Jamaica, there are: National Democratic Movement(center-right, broke away from the LPJ in 1995; leader G. Bennett), Natural Law Party, United People's Party(populist, founded in 2001) and etc.

Foreign policy.

Jamaica is a member of the British Commonwealth, a member of the UN and its specialized organizations, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community, the Non-Aligned Movement, etc. The country's foreign policy course fluctuated significantly depending on which party was in power. Thus, the LPJ government in 1962-1972 was oriented towards the USA and Great Britain. In 1972-1980, the PNP cabinet emphasized the slogans of non-alignment and solidarity with the Third World countries, and strengthened relations with Cuba. The LPJ, having returned to power in 1980, broke off relations with Cuba and again reoriented itself towards the United States. Since 1989, the Jamaican government has been pursuing a more balanced foreign policy. The country has diplomatic relations with Russia (established with the USSR in 1975).

Military establishment.

The country has established the Jamaica Defense Force, consisting of ground forces, coast guard and air force. Military service is voluntary. In 2003, 0.4% of GDP was spent on military needs.

ECONOMY

The basis of the Jamaican economy is the service sector, which currently provides most of the GDP. Tourism, remittances from abroad and the bauxite-aluminum industry bring the greatest income to the country. The global slowdown in economic growth after 2001 affected Jamaica, but in 2003 the situation improved somewhat, the island was visited by a record number of tourists. However, the Jamaican economy suffers from a number of long-term problems: high interest rates, a large trade deficit, high unemployment (16% in 2003) and a growing public debt, which is almost 1.5 times GDP. High inflation was reduced in 2003 to 10%.

In 2003, Jamaica's GDP was estimated at $10.61 billion, i.e. $3,900 per capita. GDP growth in 2003 was 1.9%. In the structure of GDP, services account for 56%, industry - 37%, agriculture - 2%. OK. 20% of families live below the official poverty line.

Jamaica is divided into six economic zones. In the mountainous western region, Indian hemp is grown, from which marijuana is made, and in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the best coffees. In the central and western regions of the limestone plateau, animal husbandry is developed, as well as fruits and vegetables are grown. Here are the main deposits of bauxite. The northern coast of Jamaica with beautiful beaches serves as a recreation and tourism area. Large plantations of bananas and sugar cane are concentrated on the southern coastal plains, and there are factories for the production of raw sugar. The hinterland of the limestone plateau has been in decline for half a century. The area was heavily overpopulated and its soils suffered from erosion. Recently adopted programs for the economic development of the region have been crowned with a successful revival of agriculture. The small area of ​​Liguania in the southeast of the island occupies a leading position in terms of population and economic development. The cities of Kingston and Spanish Town are located here, in which 80% of industry and 25% of the country's population are concentrated.

Currently, the service sector in the Jamaican economy accounts for about 65% of GDP. The country still derives most of its foreign exchange earnings from tourism, remittances, and the aluminum bauxite industry. Remittances account for about 15% of GDP and bauxite and alumina export revenues account for about 10%. The bauxite-aluminum sector of the country's economy was most affected by the global economic downturn, but the number of tourists increased by 4%. Tourism revenue in 2010 was approximately 10% of GDP.

In 2011, Jamaica's GDP (purchasing power parity) was $25.07 billion, i.e. $9,100 per capita. GDP growth in 2011 was 1.5%. In the structure of GDP, services account for 64.7%, industry - 29.5%, agriculture - 5.8%.

Jamaica's economy faces many growth challenges: high crime and corruption, massive unemployment and underemployment, and an external debt of over 120% of GDP.

Agriculture.

In agriculture, St. a quarter of the economically active population of the country (including seasonal workers on sugar plantations). In Jamaica, sugar cane, bananas, coffee, citrus fruits, yams, and vegetables are grown. There is not enough agricultural land, but a significant part of it is not used. The island is characterized by a combination of large plantations and latifundia, which control most of the land, with small peasant farms. The former produce bananas, sugarcane and citrus fruits for export, the latter partially supply export products (ginger, bananas, sometimes sugar), but more often produce fruits and vegetables for the domestic market, including potatoes, breadfruit and cassava. After 1972, the government began to buy sugar cane plantations owned by foreigners and create agricultural cooperatives on these lands. Animal husbandry is poorly developed. Coastal dwellers fish and shellfish.

Industry.

Approx. 19% of workers. Jamaica has reserves of bauxite, gypsum and stone. The mining industry has been actively developing since the 1950s; in the 1970s, bauxite and the aluminum produced from it provided more than half of the export earnings, but in the 1980s, the supply of Jamaican bauxite to the world level was significantly reduced. The branch manages with a small number of workers (less than 7 thousand people).

The main obstacle to the expansion of bauxite mining is the lack of cheap energy. Almost all of the country's energy is based on imported oil.

Light industry is developed, including the production of food, sugar, textiles, paper and cigarettes. There are a number of large enterprises owned by foreign companies and working on imported raw materials. They produce chemical products, machinery, machine tools, glass, cement and metal products, as well as refining bauxite and oil.

International trade.

In 2003, according to estimates, the volume of exports reached 1335 million US dollars, the volume of imports - 3265 million US dollars. Jamaica exports bauxites and aluminum, sugar, bananas, rum and other drinks, coffee, yams, chemical products, clothing, etc.; the main partners are the USA, Great Britain, Canada, France, Norway. Germany, China and the Netherlands. Food and other consumer goods, industrial goods, products and spare parts, fuel, machine tools and transport equipment, building materials are imported; the main suppliers are the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Venezuela, France and Japan.

In the 1980s, the trade deficit was covered by more than $500 million a year from marijuana smuggling, more than $100 million by U.S. bailouts, and mostly foreign loans, due to which the country has a large external debt

Finance.

Budget revenues in 2003 amounted to $2.6 billion, expenditures - $3.1 billion. Balance of payments deficit $842 million. Gold and foreign exchange reserves $1.2 billion, external debt $5 billion.

The monetary unit is the Jamaican dollar (the exchange rate in 2003 was 57.74 Jamaican dollars to 1 US dollar).

Transport.

Length highways 18.7 thousand km, of which 13.1 thousand have a hard surface. From 272 km. railways 207 km. not used, but 57 km. used to transport bauxite. The main ports are Kingston, Alligator Pond, Discovery Bay, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Rocky Point, Port Esquivel. The merchant fleet has 6 ships with a displacement of St. 1000 br. reg. t. There are 35 airfields in the country, incl. 11 have paved tracks. Among them are the international airports of Kingston and Montego Bay.

Connection.

In Jamaica, there are St. 444 thousand telephone lines, there are 1.4 million mobile phones. In the late 1990s, there were 23 radio stations and 7 television stations; the population had 1,215,000 radios and 460,000 televisions. In 2002 there were 600 thousand Internet users.

SOCIETY

Jamaican culture is based on a mixture of African and Anglo-Irish traditions; Spanish culture and the culture of the disappeared Taino Indians had a certain influence. The narrow most prosperous stratum of the population, until recently, consisted almost exclusively of the descendants of European settlers; the "middle strata" were formed by mestizos of Afro-European origin and the descendants of emigrants from Asia, and the "social lower strata" were almost exclusively Africans.

The oral folk art of the indigenous people has not been preserved. The folklore of the Jamaican blacks is largely associated with the culture of Africa. Written literature in English and Patois appeared in the 18th century. At the beginning of the 20th century accounts for the work of such writers as T. Redkam, G. J. De Lisser, K. McKay. After World War II, the genre of the West Indian novel spread (R. Mays, R. Weed, N. Dawes, J. Hearn, O. Patterson). The genre of the story was greatly developed (E. Solki and others). The poetry of W. Roberts, F. Sherlock, D. Campbell and H. Carberry is closely connected with national motives.

The art of Jamaica developed under the strong influence of the art of African peoples, but the English influence was predominant. In the 17th and 18th centuries, mainly one-story stone buildings were erected, in the 18th and 19th centuries - wooden two-story buildings with a veranda and iron decorative ornaments. Later, houses of the European type began to be built. A significant role in the development of art was played by the Institute of Jamaica, in which painting classes were opened in the 1940s. Among Jamaican artists A. Hugh, R. Campbell, D. Pottinger, L. Morris, A. Cooper, B. Watson, V. Tong are known. Folk art is widespread - wood and metal carving.

In the 1930s, an influential movement of the pan-Africanist type, Rastafari, emerged in Jamaica, which still has many adherents, including those abroad. It is characterized by pacifism and ritual marijuana smoking. Popular reggae music is associated with him (the most famous singer is Bob Marley, famous all over the world). Some other musical styles originated in Jamaica: ska and dancehall.

OK. 12% of the population over the age of 15 is illiterate. Jamaica introduced compulsory education for children aged 6–15; there is a primary, secondary general education school of 2 levels, vocational education, teacher training schools (colleges). In the suburbs of Kingston, the University of the West Indies has been open since 1962.

In the capital of the country, there are museums of natural history, the history of Jamaica, and others at the Institute of Jamaica, the Arawak Indians, folk art, traditional African art and graphics, archaeological, and the National Art Gallery.

In recent decades, the government of Jamaica began to provide assistance to the poor. A program of public charitable works was implemented, a minimum wage law was passed, compulsory health insurance was introduced, and the construction of public housing was launched.

Jamaica publishes newspapers and magazines. The largest daily newspaper, The Daily Glyner (50,000 copies), has been published since 1834 by a private company. The organ of the NPP is the weekly "Trumpit", the organ of the LPJ is the weekly "The Voice of Jamaica".

Sports such as athletics, football, weightlifting are common. Jamaican athletes have been winners of many Olympic Games and World Championships.

STORY

By the end of the 15th century the island was inhabited by Arawak Indian tribes who moved to the Antilles from South America. The most numerous of them were the Taino people, who were engaged in hoe farming, hunting, fishing, collecting wild berries and fruits. The Taino grew corn, yams, potatoes, tobacco, and other crops. They repeatedly repulsed the warlike Indians of the Caribs, who made destructive raids from the Lesser Antilles. In total, St. 100 thousand Indians. They called it "Haymaka" - "the land of springs".

May 3, 1494 Jamaica was discovered by the Spanish expedition of Christopher Columbus. In 1503, Columbus was shipwrecked near the coast of the island and was forced to spend more than a year on it. The navigator barely managed to prevent the Taino attack by frightening them with a solar eclipse. In 1506, Jamaica was officially given by the Spanish crown to the Columbus family, but later its representatives renounced ownership in exchange for a title and a lifetime pension.

Spanish colonization began in 1508. The island was ruled by a governor appointed by the king. Jamaica was incorporated into the Captaincy General of Cuba. Spanish settlers took over cultivated land and subjugated the Indians, forcing them to work for them. Colonization proceeded slowly. The Spaniards grew tobacco, indigo, cocoa, sugar cane, oranges, lemons, limes and other fruits, brought horses, cattle, poultry, pigs, goats, etc. The first center of the island, Seville Nueva, was located on the northern coast, but the area turned out to be unhealthy and in 1534 the capital was moved to Villa de la Vega (now Spanish Town). Enslaved Indians quickly died out (74 Tainos survived in 1611), and from 1513–1517 the colonialists began to import African slaves to work on the plantations.

In May 1655, the island was captured by seven thousand English troops led by Admiral William Pan and General Robert Vinable, the local Spanish militia surrendered, and the administration fled to Cuba. The new authorities allowed the pirates to set up a base in Port Royal to fight against Spain. In 1657-1658, the British defeated the Spanish fleet and repulsed the Spanish attempts to regain the island. In 1661, the English colonization of the island began. In 1670, under the peace treaty of Madrid, Spain formally ceded Jamaica to England in exchange for a promise to end piracy in the West Indies. Former pirate Henry Morgan appointed as interim governor ordered to be hanged for piracy. But Port Royal, into which the wealth of the West Indies flowed, flourished until 1692, when it was destroyed by an earthquake. The English administration was located in Spanish Town, and later in Kingston.

In 1662, King Charles II granted Jamaica a constitution. The island was ruled by a British governor, under whom an elected Assembly was created. The slave trade and plantation economy developed rapidly. Sugarcane became the monoculture of the island, which turned into the 18th century. into a leading supplier of raw sugar to the world market and one of the largest slave trading centers in the West Indies. In the 18th century 700 thousand slaves from Africa were brought to the island. By the beginning of the 19th century. 19,000 whites and 300,000 African slaves lived in Jamaica. In addition to the latter, the Irish exiled by Cromwell, vagrants and criminals from Scotland, etc. were brought to the island. After 1721, the British also began to grow coffee.

The slaves offered fierce resistance. From the middle of the 17th century before the beginning of the 19th century. on the island, St. 30 uprisings brutally suppressed by British troops. Leaving the island, the Spaniards freed some of the African slaves who had created in the interior mountainous areas independent communities and led the guerrilla struggle against the new colonizers. Later they were joined by slaves who fled the plantations. Punitive expeditions were not successful. In 1739, the colonial authorities were forced to make peace with the Maroons, to recognize their autonomy in exchange for an obligation to help in the search for runaway slaves. However, in 1785 the Maroons revolted again, but by 1790 the British authorities managed to win with the help of mercenaries - "slave hunters" from Cuba. 1.5 thousand Maroons were taken prisoner, 600 of them were expelled from the island. The descendants of those who did not participate in the uprising still live in Jamaica.

At the beginning of the 19th century the rise of the slave movement is again taking place: conspiracies and speeches took place in 1806, 1808, 1809 and 1815. In 1823–1824, an uprising broke out, and in 1831–1832, from 20 to 50 thousand people rebelled in the northern and western parts of the island. Continuous riots and the growing unprofitability of slave labor prompted the British authorities to agree to its gradual abolition. In 1807 the slave trade was banned in the British colonies. In 1833, the Jamaican Assembly confirmed the law on the abolition of slavery, adopted by the British Parliament, and from August 1, 1834, St. 225,000 slaves were freed (until 1838 they remained under the rule of their former masters). At the same time, in 1839, the British government tried to abolish the Jamaican constitution, but the corresponding bill was rejected. In 1854, along with the Governor's Council, a Privy and Executive Council (something in the nature of a government, primarily with powers in the sphere of finance) were created. By 1864, out of 500,000 inhabitants, only less than 2,000 had the right to vote.

After liberation, a significant part of the former slaves left the plantations, in connection with which the production of sugar in 1838–1842 was halved. Tens of thousands of small peasant farms sprang up, poor Africans became sharecroppers, tenants and seasonal workers who had to work in difficult, often enslaving conditions. From 1844, the importation of agricultural workers from India began (within 60 years, 30,000 Indians were brought, of whom 10,000 returned home) and China.

In October 1865, the difficult living and working conditions caused a major uprising of the Negro population in Morant Bay, led by George Gordon and Pole Bogle. The British governor declared martial law and brutally crushed the rebellion. Hundreds of people were shot without trial, 330 were executed, St. 600 were whipped and sentenced to imprisonment, St. 1 thousand houses were burned. A special commission appointed by the British government removed the governor. In 1866-1869 the power of the white elite was somewhat limited; the island was turned into a colony with Legislative and Privy Councils. Fearing new unrest, the colonial authorities created a police service, district courts, and others. Since 1884, some of the members of the Legislative Council were elected. By the 1930s, the majority of representative bodies were already members of African or mixed origin.

At the end of the 19th century Sugar cane production was in decline to a large extent, and banana cultivation became widespread. Their production was carried out by peasant farms. Since the late 1870s, bananas have been Jamaica's number one export. By the beginning of the 20th century, most of the banana and a significant part of the sugar plantations were in the hands of the American United Fruit Company. The first trade unions appeared in 1908.

Jamaica's population grew rapidly. Since the 19th century mass emigration began to Central America - to banana plantations, the construction of the Panama Canal and railways, to the sugar cane plantations of Cuba and Haiti, as well as to the USA and Great Britain. By 1930, emigration was greatly reduced, and many emigrants began to return to their homeland.

The island's economy was severely damaged by an earthquake that destroyed Kingston in 1907 and devastating hurricanes in 1912, 1916, 1917, 1935, 1939, 1943 and 1944.

In the post-World War I period, a social movement began to grow in Jamaica. A number of branch trade unions were created (1919, 1926), and there were strikes of transport workers (1919, 1923) and dock workers (1929). The economic crisis of the 1930s caused the world recession and the collapse of the sugar industry. In 1936–1937, new branch trade unions appeared, strikes took place. The ideas of nationalism were spread, the ideologists of which were Marcus Garvey and others, who called for the revival of African traditions and identity, opposed white colonialism. In 1938, a wave of riots and clashes swept across the island, accompanied by bloodshed. A government commission appointed to investigate the causes of civil unrest in Jamaica recommended a "new approach" to the administration of the colony. The British government set up a financial fund for the economic development of the island and gradually re-established government there. In September 1938, the British authorities lifted restrictions on trade union activity and allowed the creation of political parties. In the same year, the left-wing People's National Party (PNP) was formed; in 1943, the Jamaican Labor Party (LPJ) appeared; both were associated with the trade union movement. During the Second World War, the United States, under an agreement with Great Britain, established a military base on the island.

In 1944, Jamaica received a new constitution that established an elected House of Representatives and introduced universal suffrage. The LPJ won the election, and in 1953 Labor leader Alexander Bustamante became Jamaica's first chief minister. In 1954, his government put down a strike by 30,000 workers in the sugar industry with the use of troops.

In 1955, the left-wing NNP came to power. Norman Manley's government pursued a moderate course. In 1958, Jamaica became part of the West Indies Federation, and in 1959 received internal self-government. However, the insufficient representation of Jamaica in the federation (its population was half the population of the federation, but the island received only a third of the seats) caused discontent among the Jamaicans. In September 1961, a referendum was held in Jamaica, and the majority of participants voted to leave the federation. In August 1962 the island gained independence.

Elections in 1962 brought victory to the opposition LPJ, and Alexander Bustamante became Prime Minister of independent Jamaica. The government pursued a policy of widespread involvement of foreign business, especially in the development of bauxite. At the beginning of 1963, the Cabinet adopted a number of resolutions and laws designed to stimulate investment in various sectors of the economy; new enterprises were exempted from income tax for a period of 10 years, and enterprises in rural areas - for an even longer period. The central place in the five-year economic development plan for 1963-1968 was occupied by the problems of agriculture, but serious agrarian reforms were not carried out. In 1963 the government entered into an agreement with the United States on military and economic assistance. The largest enterprises and banks were owned by American companies.

Bustamante's successors as prime minister, Donald Sangster (1967) and Hugh Shearer (1967–1972), continued the same political course. But in order to ensure victory in the 1967 elections, the Laborites put forward a program for the development of all sectors of the economy, the improvement of the social conditions of the population and the establishment of relations with all countries. The LPJ governments have taken active steps to strengthen and expand trade and economic ties with the United States, Canada, countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa.

During the 10 years of Labor rule, the country has achieved some success. The volume of GDP increased 1.5 times. Were built industrial enterprises trade expanded. But Jamaica's external debt also grew. The constant unrest of the poor, strikes and protests of workers made the political situation very unstable. The authorities declared a state of emergency and deployed military units to various parts of the country.

The opposition NPP took advantage of the growing discontent of the population and came up with a program of "democratic socialism". Having won the 1972 parliamentary elections, the NNP formed a government headed by Michael Manley. It took energetic measures to stabilize the economy: it established control over monetary and financial transactions, limited the flight of capital abroad, froze prices and created a special commission to study the situation in the mining industry. The Manley cabinet proceeded to nationalize private (especially foreign) companies in the field of bus service (1974), services (1975), telephone communication(1975), a number of hotels. In 1974, the tax on the profits of American and Canadian firms developing bauxite was increased; in 1976, the government bought out part of the capital of the American Aluminum Company. State control was established over 5 out of 12 large sugar factories. In 1977, the authorities created the State Foreign Trade Corporation.

In the field of agriculture, vacant land was purchased from private individuals and distributed among the working people. To do this, new large loans were made abroad, which worsened the financial situation of the country. In 1977, Parliament granted thousands of peasants ownership of the land they rented. In rural areas, the road network was expanded at state expense, and a system of energy and water supply was created. Since 1974, the process of creating cooperative farms on the purchased lands has begun.

In the social sphere, the NPP government was able to significantly reduce illiteracy in the country, built St. 100 new schools, introduced free school and higher education, adopted a maternity law, established a minimum wage scale, built 40,000 housing for poor families, and subsidized prices for basic food, consumption and transportation services. In foreign policy, the Manley cabinet lifted the ban on the import of literature from the countries of the Soviet bloc, established diplomatic relations with Cuba (1972) and the USSR (1975), began to make anti-war and anti-imperialist statements, and actively participated in the non-aligned movement.

In 1976, the NPP again won the parliamentary elections. But soon the economic difficulties of Jamaica began to grow. Demand for bauxites fell sharply, their production fell, foreign firms closed alumina refineries, and foreign banks in 1976 suspended loans to Jamaica. The outflow of foreign capital began. The external debt increased 3 times (up to 1.6 billion dollars). Tourism revenues were falling. A deficit in foreign trade, an increase in spending on the purchase of oil, the closure of many small private enterprises and rising unemployment, and a lack of foreign exchange for importing essential goods prompted the government to conclude an agreement with the IMF in 1978. The result was the devaluation of the Jamaican currency, the limitation of wage increases, the liberalization of foreign trade, higher prices and further deterioration in the financial situation of the population. In 1979, the LPJ and the trade unions controlled by them organized a general strike, which was accompanied by street clashes and bloodshed. The floods of 1979 and Hurricane Allen of 1980 caused significant damage to agriculture. In 1980, the Manly government was forced to reject new IMF demands for the reduction of public sector jobs and the abolition of subsidies to support fixed prices.

Having lost the support of many urban and rural workers, the NNP suffered a heavy defeat in the elections of 1980. They were accompanied by numerous clashes and acts of violence. Labor was widely supported and financed by the US administration led by Ronald Reagan. The government of the LPJ, headed by Prime Minister Siaga, has sharply reduced the participation of the state in the economy and has embarked on a partnership with the IMF and the United States. In 1981 relations with Cuba were severed; in 1983 Jamaica supported the US invasion of Grenada. The new agreement with the IMF provided for a wage freeze, the reduction of the public sector and the sale of state-owned enterprises, and the widespread attraction of foreign capital. These measures led to some improvement in economic indicators, but failed to solve the structural problems of the country's economy and caused a significant increase in unemployment and social unhappiness. Spending on social programs has been cut. In 1982–1984, large-scale strikes broke out among workers in the bauxite, cement, sugar industries, and agricultural workers. The authorities took control of the media, curtailed trade union rights, and systematically cracked down on opposition demonstrations. In 1983, the Labor government held early parliamentary elections, refusing to update the electoral rolls, and the ANP boycotted them. The result was the de facto establishment of a one-party regime. Riots, protests and clashes between supporters of the government and the opposition broke out in the country.

In the wake of widespread dissatisfaction with the policies of the Laborites, the NPP won a decisive victory in the elections of 1989. It proclaimed its tasks to reduce the huge external debt, regulate relations with the IMF, restore social infrastructure and improve the situation in agriculture, primarily through the creation of small cooperatives. The new government headed by M. Manley did not break with the neo-liberal policy of the LPJ. The NNP cabinet accepted the terms of the IMF.

In March 1992, Manley resigned for health reasons and Percival Patterson, the first African, became Prime Minister. In 1993, the NPP again won the parliamentary elections, which were accompanied by opposition protests. Since then, the authorities, the political parties and the election monitoring committee have attempted to develop principles for electoral reform, but only limited success has been achieved in this regard. In December 1997, the NPP again won the elections. Activists social movements and international observers succeeded this time in reducing the usual campaign violence. In October 2002, the NPP won the elections for the fourth time in a row. Public groups (Civil Action for Free and Fair Elections, etc.), foreign observers and the Carter Center contributed to their relatively peaceful conduct.

Jamaica in the 21st century

Difficult economic conditions continued to cause tension in society. One of the consequences of poverty was a high level of crime, including drug trafficking. In 2004, the government faced serious problems trying to contain the growth of public spending, continue paying off external debt and combat crime, which hinders the country's economic development.

The Patterson government tried to pursue an independent foreign policy. So, in 2004, Jamaica (along with St. Kitts-Nevis and Venezuela) refused to recognize the interim government of Haiti, headed by Gerard Latortue, who came to power after the overthrow of President Aristide, who accused the United States and France of his removal. Patterson offered Aristide temporary asylum in Jamaica.

Portia Simpson-Miller, leader of the People's National Party, became the eighth Prime Minister of Jamaica in March 2006. She left office in September 2007 when the Labor Party won the parliamentary elections and Orette Bruce Golding became Prime Minister. However, in January 2011, she re-entered the post of prime minister after the victory of her party, which received 41 out of 60 seats in parliament.

One of the first actions of the new prime minister was to declare his intention to abandon the current form of government and proclaim a republic on the island in the near future. Thus, the British monarch will be deprived of the status of head of Jamaica. Simpson-Miller is going to formalize the civil rights of people with non-traditional sexual orientation, which looks shocking for a conservative Jamaica in this regard. In addition, Simpson-Miller promised to lower the national debt, help the poor find decent jobs, and ensure the safety of foreign investment.

Literature:

Dridzo A.D. Jamaican maroons. M., 1971
Stepanov Yu.S. Jamaica. M., 1980
Caribbean countries: trends in economic and socio-political development. M., 1985
Latin America and the Caribbean. Political institutions and processes. M., 2000
Jamaica. Economy and ties with Russia 1999–2005. Tt. 1–2. M., 2002–2003



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Jamaica
Jamaica
Motto: "Out of Many, One People (From many people - one people)"
Hymn: "Jamaica, Land We Love"
date of independence	August 6, 1962 (dated)
Official language	English
Capital	kingston
The largest city	kingston
Form of government	a constitutional monarchy
Queen	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Patrick Allen
Prime Minister	Andrew Holness
Territory	160th in the world
Total	10,991 km²
% water surface	1,5
Population
Score (2014)	2 930 050 people (139th)
Density	252 people/km²
HDI (2013)	▲ 0.730 (high; 86th)
Names of residents	Jamaican, Jamaican
Currency	Jamaican dollar (JMD, code 388)
Internet domain	.jm
ISO code	JM
IOC code	JAM
Telephone code	+1876
Time Zones	UTC−5

Jamaica(eng. Jamaica) - an island state within the British Commonwealth in. Located in the Caribbean, south of, west of.

The name comes from the distorted Native American word "haymaka" (Arawak. Xaymaca), which literally means "island of springs" or "land of springs."

On August 6, 1962, Jamaica declared independence from the Commonwealth of Nations. The capital and largest city of the country is Kingston.

Physical and geographical characteristics

Satellite photo from NASA. Jamaica island south of Cuba

Geographical position

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Greater Antilles group. main island located between 17° and 19° north latitude and 76° and 79° west longitude, 145 km south of , 160-190 km west of Haiti, 290 km southeast of . The nearest point of the continent - Cape Gracias a Dios () - is located 630 km to the south-west. With the length of the island from west to east for 225 km, from north to south - from 35 to 82 km, it has an area of ​​10,991 km². The length of the coastline is 1022 km.

Climate

Jamaica is located in a tropical climate zone with the dominance of the northeast trade winds, which noticeably affect, along with the absolute height of the area, the climate of the country.

In the metropolitan area, the average temperature for the year varies from 24 to 27 ° C, and in the town of Gordon Hill in the Blue Mountains - from 4 to 7 ° C.

The temperature during the year varies slightly, the average values ​​in January are 24-25 °С, in July - 26-27 °С.

Precipitation is seasonal and is especially intense in May and October, although thunderstorms with heavy rain also occur during the summer months. The average annual rainfall is 2100 mm, but it also depends on the area. The southern coast receives 635 mm of rainfall, while the John Crow Mountains in the northeast of the island receive up to 7600 mm. The rainy season lasts from May to October, and in the winter months (December to March), cold northern winds from the North American continent reach the island.

Jamaica is located in the Atlantic belt of hurricanes, which cause great damage to the population and economy. Among the particularly strong hurricanes that swept right across the island are hurricanes Charlie (1951), Allen (1980) and Gilbert in 1988. Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Dean (2007) caused extensive damage and several deaths on the island.

Relief and geology

Relief of Jamaica

Most of the territory (approximately 2/3) of Jamaica is a limestone plateau with a height of 500 m to 1 km, in some places higher. The Blue Mountains are located in the eastern part of the island, where the highest point of the country is located - Mount Blue Mountain (height 2256 m). To the southwest is Mount Malvern (725 m) and to the west is Dolphin Head (545 m). In the western part of the island, karst landforms are common, represented in the mountains of John Crow, Dry Harbor and in the Cockpit Country karst basin with an area of ​​​​about 1300 km². The hollow is a complex of low hills separated by narrow valleys. This area is characterized by sinkholes and underground watercourses.

Along the south and west coast alluvial lowlands are located. The south coast of the island is heavily indented, with reef-fringed harbours, such as the harbor town of Kingston. On the west coast near the city, a beach of coral sand stretches for 11 km. The northern coast is poorly dissected and has a rocky character. In its center is the Jamaican Riviera, popular with tourists - a narrow strip of beaches of fine-grained white sand.

The position of Jamaica in the seismically active Antilles-Caribbean tectonic region was expressed in the catastrophic earthquakes of 1692 and 1907. The most important mineral is bauxite, the reserves of which Jamaica occupies a leading position in the world.

Water resources

There are many small rivers and streams in Jamaica, originating in the central highlands and often disappearing into karst cavities. The total volume of renewable water resources is 9.4 km³ (2000). The longest river in length is the Minho (93 km) flowing from the mountains of Dry Harbor to Carlisle Bay. Two more rivers - the Black River in the western part and the Rio Cobre near Kingston, have a length of more than 50 km. Of all the rivers of the island, the Black River is navigable for a considerable distance - small ships can rise 48 km from the mouth. The only river that does not flow in the northern or south directions- Plantaine Garden in the east of the island.

Major cities

• kingston

Flora and fauna

Halliwell National Park in the Blue Mountains

The island is known for its diverse ecosystems, including low-growing forests high in the mountains, selva on the northeastern slopes of the mountains and in the valleys, savannahs in the south and west, as well as sandy areas where only cacti and other xerophytic plants grow. Since the 15th century, when the island was completely covered with forest except for small agricultural areas, the vegetation has changed a lot. The colonists cut down trees for building needs and cleared plains, savannahs, and mountain slopes for soil cultivation. Many species have been introduced including sugarcane, bananas and citrus fruits.

The forest area on the island is about 194 thousand hectares (1/5 of the entire territory). The cotton tree is the most common, in hard-to-reach places virgin stands of large-leaved, ebony and dalbergia are preserved, in some places there are thickets of bamboo and logwood, as well as plantings of Caribbean pine and eucalyptus. The southern coast is overgrown with mangroves in many places. In the western and southwestern parts of the island, in places where the land is not used for plantations, savanna-type vegetation (cereals and isolated trees) is common. There are more than 3,000 species of flowering plants growing on the island, including 200 species of orchids and hibiscus sabdariffa (from which hibiscus is made).

Bird Trochilus polytmus, a member of the pennant-tailed hummingbird subfamily

The fauna of Jamaica is relatively poor: birds, rodents (rats, mice), rabbits, mongooses, reptiles (turtles, snakes, crocodiles and iguanas) and 20 species of bats. There are few local animals in Jamaica; in the course of human development, the fauna of the island suffered greatly. In pre-Columbian times, numerous members of the Huti family lived on the island, but later their numbers declined due to hunting and habitat destruction. Local crocodiles may also be at risk of extinction. Mongooses, brought in 1872 from India to fight poisonous snakes, spread widely.

The waters of the island and coastal areas are rich in fish. Freshwater fish are represented mainly by mullet, there are 4 types of freshwater crayfish. Manatees live in coastal waters.

More than 250 species of birds, including migratory ones, have been recorded, with 25 species and 21 subspecies being endemic, including the national symbol, the pennant-tailed hummingbird. Among the introduced species are mynas.

The island's protected areas include the Cockpit Country, Hellshire Hills and Litchfield Forest Reserves. In 1992, the first marine park in Montego Bay and has an area of ​​15 km². In 1993, the Blue Mountains and John Crow National Park were created.

Story

In ancient times, Jamaica was inhabited by Indians. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494. Columbus named it in honor of the royal couple the island of Ferdinand and Isabella. This name did not take root, the island retained the local name - Jamaica. The Spaniards founded their first settlement on the island in 1509.

By the arrival of the Spaniards, Jamaica was inhabited by the Arawak Indians, their number may have reached about 60 thousand people. During the period of Spanish domination, the Indians in Jamaica disappeared almost completely. By 1611, there were only 74 Indians on the island.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the Spaniards began to import black slaves from Jamaica as a labor force. However, the Spaniards did not colonize the island very actively for a century and a half, and in 1655 the British captured it (Jamaica was officially declared an English colony in 1670).

On the shores of a vast natural harbor, not far from present-day Kingston, the British built a fort. A city began to grow near the fort. He soon gained fame "the most sinful city in the entire Christian world", since the "capital" of sea robbers moved there from the island of Tortuga. At the end of the 17th century, the city of Port Royal had 8,000 inhabitants, of which 1,500 were pirates.

Pirates robbed Spanish ships, brought booty to Port Royal, which led to the prosperity of the city. However, on June 7, 1692, most of this "perverse Babylon" as a result of the earthquake, disappeared into the depths of the sea. The overjoyed Church of Catholic Spain hastened to announce that "God punished the wicked city for its sins."

Kingston, 1820

However, by that time the British had already firmly established themselves in Jamaica, turning the island into a large "sugar" colony - sugarcane plantations were intensively developing in Jamaica. Most of the plantations were located on the plains of the south of the island. The hinterland of Jamaica was used for grazing. The Jamaican industry produced raw sugar, molasses and the famous Jamaican.

The British were greatly disturbed by the uprisings of Negro slaves. For about 150 years, until the beginning of the 19th century, there were at least 30 such uprisings. Already in the second half of the 17th century, Maroons settled in the most remote mountainous and wooded regions of Jamaica - runaway Negro slaves and their descendants, who created something like their own state. They raided to seize cattle and other robberies, and as a result, the British at the end of the 18th century deported the Maroons to Africa (in where they founded the city).

In 1831, there was a major uprising in Jamaica in which some 60,000 slaves went on strike, and is believed to have hastened the decision to abolish slavery in the British colonies. Thus, Henry Taylor, head of the West Indies department of the British Colonial Office, later commented: "Indirectly, this terrible event [rebellion] ... dealt a mortal blow to slavery." In the 19th century, after the abolition of slavery in 1833, "bad times" came for the English planters in Jamaica. The emancipation of Negro slaves significantly undermined the plantation economy of Jamaica. The importation of contract workers from China did not improve the situation. Sugar production in Jamaica has declined sharply. In addition, competition has increased due to the growth of beet sugar production in Europe and the increase in sugar production in Java.

In the 20th century, the economic situation in Jamaica changed significantly as a result of investments from. American companies organized large-scale export production of bananas in Jamaica, as well as cocoa, coffee and coconuts. The Americans also took up the development of Jamaica's infrastructure (railway network, etc.).

In 1943, universal suffrage was introduced in Jamaica, and in 1944, partial self-government. In 1959, Jamaica received internal self-government, in August 1962, Britain granted independence to Jamaica.

State structure

Until 1962, Jamaica was a possession, August 6, 1962 became an independent state. The 1962 constitution is in force (subject to the 1997 reforms and subsequent amendments). The country is a kingdom, royal power is exercised in the form of a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the British monarch (Queen of Great Britain Elizabeth II), represented by the Governor General, who is appointed by him on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Jamaica. The Governor-General exercises on behalf of the Queen the royal power in the country, having all her powers granted to her by the Constitution, during her absence in Jamaica.

In 2012, the year of the 50th anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom, Jamaica expressed its desire to leave the Commonwealth and become a "full" republic. Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller announced this at her inaugural speech. Buckingham Palace replied that the decision on the state system of Jamaica - for the population of the state, and not for someone else.

The Governor-General signs all bills and appoints the Prime Minister (from the winning party). Under the Governor-General, there is an advisory body of 6 members - the Privy Council, which is formed by him on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. On his recommendation, the governor-general appoints members of the government.

Legislative body - bicameral parliament, consists of two chambers: Senate (21 members, appointed by the governor general, 13 of them - on the recommendation of the prime minister, 8 - from the opposition); House of Representatives - 63 deputies elected by the population for a 5-year term.

The main two political parties (based on the results of the elections in February 2016):

• Jamaica Labor Party (Liberal Conservative) - 33 seats in Parliament
• People's National Party (Social Democratic) - 30 seats in parliament

Administrative division

Jamaica is divided into fourteen parishes (districts) (eng. parish), which are located in three historical counties.

Clicking on the number or image of a district will take you to the corresponding article.
County of Cornwall		Adm. Centre	km	County of Middlesex		Adm. Centre	km	Surrey		Adm. Centre	km
1	Hanover	Lucea	450	6	Clarendon	May Pen	1196	11	kingston	kingston	25
2	Saint Elizabeth	Black River	1212	7	Manchester		830	12	Portland		814
3	Saint James		595	8	Sainte Anne	St. Anse Bay	1213	13	Saint Andrew		453
4	Trelawney		875	9	Saint Catherine		1192	14	St. Thomas		743
5	Westmoreland	Savanna-la-Mar	807	10	st mary		611

Foreign policy

Jamaica is a member of the British Commonwealth, a member of the UN and its specialized organizations, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community, the Non-Aligned Movement, the ACP countries, etc.

The country's foreign policy course fluctuated significantly depending on which party was in power. So, the government of the LPJ in 1962-1972 was guided by and. The Cabinet of the NPP in 1972-1980 emphasized the slogans of non-alignment and solidarity with the countries of the "third world", strengthened relations with. The LPJ, having returned to power in 1980, severed relations with and refocused on. Since 1989, the Jamaican government has been pursuing a more balanced foreign policy.

The country has diplomatic relations with (established with the USSR in 1975).

Military establishment

Jamaica Defense Forces (Eng. Jamaica Defense Force) consists of:

• ground forces - 1 infantry regiment (three battalions, of which one is reserve); sapper regiment (actually - a battalion of 4 companies); support and maintenance battalion (training center, supply, repair, transport, military police units);
• aviation wing - several light aircraft and helicopters;
• coast guard - 3 patrol ships, 2 patrol boats, as well as small boats.

Population

• Population - 2.8 million (July 2010 est.)
• Birth rate - 19.5 per 1000
• Mortality - 6.5 per 1000
• Emigration - 5.5 per 1000
• Annual population growth - 0.7%
• Fertility - 2.2 births per woman
• Average life expectancy - 71.8 years for men, 75.3 years for women
• Infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - 1.6% (2007 estimate)
• Literacy - 84% of men, 92% of women
• Urban population - 53%

Ethno-racial composition: Africans 91.2%, mulattoes 6.2%, other 2.6% (according to the 2001 census).

Languages: The main spoken language is Jamaican Creole ("Patois") based on English, official language is standard English.

Religions: Miscellaneous Protestant 62.5%, Roman Catholic 2.6%, Rastafari 10%, Atheist 20.9%, Other and Undecided 4% (2001 Census). Protestants are represented by Baptists, Anglicans, Methodists, Church of God Pentecostals and the Assemblies of God, etc.

Largest cities: Kingston (660 thousand people), (83 thousand).

Economy

The main sector of the Jamaican economy is the service sector (more than 60% of GDP and employees). The main sources of income in hard currency are tourist services (20% of GDP), cash receipts from workers abroad (20% of GDP) and the export of bauxite and aluminum.

GDP per capita (in 2009) - 8.2 thousand dollars (117th place in the world). Unemployment rate (in 2009) - 14.5%.

Agriculture (6% of GDP, 17% of employees) - sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus fruits, yams, vegetables; chickens and goats are bred; shellfish fishing.

Industry - bauxite mining, agricultural processing, rum and clothing production.

International trade

Export in 2008 - 2.6 billion dollars. Main export commodities: alumina, bauxite, sugar, coffee, yams, drinks.

Imports in 2008 - $7.2 billion: food, consumer goods, fuel, vehicles, building materials.

The main suppliers are the USA 39.7%, 17.6%, 11.7%.

culture

Music

In the music world, Jamaica is best known for its reggae style, represented by hundreds of talented artists and bands such as Bob Marley, The Congos, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Max Romeo, The Abyssinians, The Heptones, Kiddus I, John Holt, Eek-A-Mouse and more etc. Since the 1970s, reggae and its derivative styles have spread to all continents. Jamaica also owes its origin to the styles of ska, dub, dancehall, soul, calypso. Boney M soloists (Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett), model, actress and singer Grace Jones, Bad Boys Blue lead singer Trevor Taylor, Grammy winner Sean Paul, as well as the Jamaican reggae group Inner Circle, Andrew Donalds, are widely known. thanks to such hits as "Mishale" (#38 on the Billboard Hot 100), "(I'm Not Your) One Night Lover" and collaboration with the famous ambient music band Enigma.

Sport

Usain Bolt with the 2011 World Athlete of the Year Award

Among the sports in Jamaica, sprinting is the most developed. Jamaican sprinters made themselves known back in 1948, when Jamaica first took part in the Summer Olympics. In total, in the years 1948-2012, Jamaican athletes won 67 Olympic medals (including 17 gold), of which 66 were won in athletics and one more in cycling. In the 100 and 200 meters, Jamaican athletes in the 21st century are among the world leaders along with US athletes.

Among women sprinters, Merlin Otti, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and others have achieved world-class success. At the end of the 2000s, the star of the most successful athlete in the history of the country rose: Usain Bolt managed to win three gold medals at three Olympics in a row (2008 and 2012, 2016), winning at distances of 100 meters, 200 meters and in the relay race 4 × 100 meters . Having set world records in the 100 and 200 meters, Bolt has become a true symbol of Jamaica and one of the most recognizable athletes in the history of the sport.

The Jamaican bobsleigh team competed in four Winter Olympics, finishing 14th among quads in 1994.

Holidays

Jonkanu (English) Jonkonnu parades) is a traditional celebration dedicated to Christmas, during which the celebrants parade through the streets in fancy dress. This holiday came out of the tradition of secret societies.

January 6 is celebrated maroon day. This holiday is celebrated on the birthday of Captain Kujo, a maroon who defeated the English army in the 1730s. On January 6, in honor of this day, festivals are held, the integral attributes of which are traditional dances, singing and rituals.

Education

• University of the West Indies

In culture

• Pirates of the Caribbean (film series)
• The Maroons is a novel by Mine Reid.
• The Man with the Golden Gun - novel by Ian Fleming
• "Cool turns" - the story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team

Jamaican natives are characters in Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" and Ethel Lilian Voynich's "Take off your shoes"

The Comedoz group makes numerous references to Jamaica in their songs. They also have the song "Jamaica".

Tourist objects

• About 70 official beaches
• Bob Marley House Museum

Notes

1. Atlas of the world: The most detailed information / Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017. - S. 84. - 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
2. The CIA World Factbook - Jamaica.
3. Human Development Report 2013. United Nations Development Program (2013). Archived from the original on August 13, 2013.
4. Blue mountains of maroons.
5. place names World: Toponymic Dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E. M. 2001.
6. Encyclopedia Around the World: Jamaica.
7. Encyclopedia Around the World: Jamaica.
8. Jamaica- article from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia.
9. Jamaica - Britannica Online Encyclopedia
10. Jamaica // Encyclopedia "Round the World".
11. Jamaica - CIA - The World Factbook
12. America: a general overview of Latin America. Middle America. - Thought, 1981. - 344 p.
13. E. V. Tarle. Essays on the history of the colonial policy of Western European states: the end of the 15th-beginning of the 19th century. - Leningrad, 1965. - 450 p.
14. From colonies to sovereignty: from the history of the liberation struggle of the Caribbean colonies of England. - Thought, 1985. - 186 p.
15. N. A. Erofeeev. Essays on the history of England 1815-1917. M. 1959 (ru-US) . www.google.ru Retrieved April 20, 2018.
16. Zinkina Yu. V, Grinin L. E, Ilyin I. V, Andreev A. I, Aleshkovsky I. A. Historical global studies.: Volume 2. XIX century. - LLC "Publishing House "Teacher". - 392 p. - ISBN 9785705751808.
17. B. F. Porshnev, V. V. Biryukovich, S. D. Skazkin. New story: 1789-1870. - State. Publishing House Polit. literature, 1958. - 860 p.
18. Will Britain come to terms with its crimes against humanity? (Russian), InoSMI.Ru(April 20, 2018). Retrieved April 20, 2018.
19. Key historical individuals. Understanding slavery initiative. Retrieved June 30, 2013. Archived from the original on July 2, 2013.
20. Holiday Calendar: Maroon Day in Jamaica

Links

• Jamaica at the Open Directory Project (dmoz) Links Directory

Thematic sites

Musical Jamaica sways from dawn to dusk to the rhythms of reggae. Life here is more than unhurried, and the main occupation is unity with nature. Great beaches and a variety of hotels, cities and resorts, "excursion" and festivals - all about Jamaica: tours, prices, photos.

• Hot tours all over the world

Sunny and hospitable Jamaica receives more and more tourists from Russia every year. This is understandable: the island boasts beautiful exotic nature, beautiful beaches, places untouched by man, as well as good infrastructure - hotels and restaurants for every taste and budget. The main contingent is wealthy tourists who, as a rule, travel to Jamaica in pairs or small companies. Families with children are chosen less often - the duration of the flight affects. A separate important plus is that Russians do not need a visa to this country for a trip of up to 30 days.

Not only nature, but also the unique Jamaican culture attracts travelers to this country. African, British and Caribbean notes mixed here, and it was here that the musical style of reggae arose - a synonym for harmony and peace.

Regions and resorts of Jamaica

Time difference with Moscow

− 8 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

The climate of Jamaica

Maps of Jamaica

Visa and customs

Communication and Wi-Fi

Roaming in Jamaica is expensive, so it is recommended to purchase a local SIM card for calls and mobile data. There are two mobile operators on the island - Digicel and LIME, both have a wide coverage (interruptions in communication can only be in remote mountainous areas), but Digicel is the leader in terms of communication quality. A SIM card can be purchased at any mini market, there is also a counter at the airports of Kingston and Montego Bay. Payment cards are also sold everywhere, the basic package costs about 10 USD. The account will have about half of this amount, you will need a passport for the purchase. Keep in mind that card activation takes up to 72 hours, often faster, but if not, there is no way to speed up the process.

The cost of a call to Russia is about 140 JMD per minute, mobile Internet will cost 100 JMD for 500 MB per day or 600 JMD for 2 GB per week.

Call centers are also used for calls, accepting phone cards for 100, 200 and 500 JMD, you can buy them at post offices. Calling from a hotel is expensive, the rates are 3-4 times higher than usual.

Mobile Internet in Jamaica is poorly developed, the 4G network is just emerging and available in Kingston and other major cities. You can count on free Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants only in the capital, in other cities it is either not available, or it is paid. Free Wi-Fi in hotels is also still rare.

Money

The country's monetary unit is the Jamaican dollar (JMD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 JMD = 0.46 RUB (1 USD = 135.56 JMD, 1 EUR = 152.67 JMD).

Along with the local currency in Jamaica, the American dollar is in circulation, but change is still given out in Jamaican dollars. The most favorable exchange rate is in banks and exchange offices, and money can also be changed in most hotels. At the airport, the exchange rate is very disadvantageous. The reverse exchange of JMD to USD is possible only when leaving the country at the airport upon presentation of the receipt of the initial exchange.

If possible, take more small bills - it is more convenient with them. In Jamaica, there are coins with corners; tourists often bring them as gifts to fellow collectors.

Many tourist shops accept travelers checks (it is better to buy them in USD) and Visa, Mastercard and American Express bank cards.

Exchange offices (cambio) in Jamaica are located at airports, banks, hotels and on city streets. It is best to change money in city banks, most of them have 24-hour ATMs. ATMs dispense mostly Jamaican dollars, but some can also dispense US dollars.

Banks in Jamaica are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Major banks in the country: Bank of Jamaica, JMMB, Jamaica National, NCB, Scotiabank. The exchange rate is about the same everywhere.

As a rule, tips are already included in the cost of staying at a hotel if it operates on an all-inclusive basis, so any cash rewards are not accepted at Jamaican resorts. Tipping in restaurants is 10-15% of the bill - if they are not included in it. Tipping is prohibited at Sandals and SuperClubs hotels.

Jamaica Hotels

Entertainment and attractions in Jamaica

Jamaica is considered one of the richest countries in the entire Caribbean in terms of attractions. However, they are all located in different parts of the island, so you will have to ride for the impressions.

Architecture

Not far from Montego Bay the Belvedere estate of the 19th century is located. It is a kind of museum of the era when the slave system reigned in Jamaica. Here you can see a dam built by slaves, sugarcane plantations where slaves worked, and the house itself is stylized as a building of the 17th century. You can explore the estate on your own or with a guided tour; in the second case, the price includes a traditional Jamaican lunch with live music.

In Montego Bay itself, it is worth visiting the Appleton Estate rum factory. Tours are conducted around the factory, where you can learn the history of Jamaican rum, see the process of its creation and taste several varieties.

Architecture of the city" Spanish Town everything is designed in the spirit of the 17th century, even new houses are built here only in this style so that they fit into the urban landscape. The main local attraction is the Rodney memorial. It was built in honor of Admiral George Bridges Rodney, the commander-in-chief of the British army, who defended the city and prevented it from being captured by the French-Spanish army. On the sides of the memorial are guns, from which a volley is fired annually in honor of this victory. There is a legend that these guns were taken from the French in that very battle.

St. Catherine's Cathedral in Spanish Town is one of the oldest architectural monuments in Jamaica. It was built in the 17th century, and even wooden carvings and clay stucco have been preserved on it.

Rose Hall Mansion is one of Jamaica's most mysterious landmarks. It is located 20 minutes by car from Montego Bay and is known as the home of the legendary Anya Palmer, sometimes called the White Witch of Jamaica (white - purely because of the color of her skin). According to legend, Ani wielded voodoo magic and killed her husband in order to take possession of his estate, and then began to seduce slaves, who in the morning suffered the same fate as her husband. In 1965, the new owners of the house opened a museum here, but legends about the ghost of a woman who walks up the stairs and sighs are still alive.

Adventure lovers will love the old town Port Royal where the pirates used to live. Today it is located here Maritime Museum, defensive Fort Charles and a unique 45 degree stilt house.

AT Kingston there is the Bob Marley Museum, it is located in the house where the musician lived since 1975. The house is very bright, painted with portraits of Marley and colorful graffiti. The layout remained intact - as during the life of the singer, however, several rooms were completed: a library, a recording studio for the musician's children and his daughter's branded clothing store.

On the walls of the museum you can see not only drawings, but also bullet holes left after the assassination attempt on the reggae legend.

The rooms of the museum contain Bob Marley's favorite star-shaped guitar, his stage costumes, gold records and CDs, awards and magazine clippings.

4 things to do in Jamaica:

1. Ride ostriches in the famous Keshu Park on the south coast of the island.
2. Watch the sunset from the 2220m high Blue Peak in eastern Jamaica. Then visit the coffee planter's estates to sample some of the world's finest freshly brewed Blue Mountains coffee.
3. Rafting on the Martha Brae, Black River and in the Mountain Valley area.
4. Hand feed a hummingbird at Montego Bay Nature Reserve.

Nature

The Dunn's River Falls are one of the most beautiful places throughout the island. They are located in the middle of a real jungle, their height is 55 m. Near the waterfalls there is a beach where you can swim. The most desperate can climb to the top on foot - the stones are very slippery, so it is recommended to be as careful as possible and not go there alone.

All tourists at the waterfalls are met by the donkey Bunny, with whom you can take a picture - this is a long-term tradition and a local attraction.

You can get to the waterfalls on tourist buses that leave from Ocho Rios every day at 10:00.

Another very picturesque place is the Blue Lagoon. People come here not only for spectacular views: it is believed that local water has a very beneficial effect on the skin.

Near port city Falmouth is a luminous lagoon - microorganisms live there, whose chitinous cover glows bright turquoise in the dark.

The highest point of the island - Blue Peak - is located in the Blue Mountains (Blue Mountain). Its height is 2147 m, and from this peak the most beautiful views of the entire island open up. It is believed that it is best to meet the dawn here, and in order to see the first rays of the sun, the ascent must begin at dusk. For those who wish, there are organized walking tours.

On the south coast, in Lakovia, there is an ostrich farm - Cashoo Ostrich Park, where you can feed ostriches and ride them.

Leisure

Rafting is popular in Jamaica - a trip along the river on a bamboo raft, during which you can admire plants of rare beauty on the banks, as well as catamaran rides and snorkeling in coral bays. The most popular places for this are the Great River near Montego Bay, the Black River near Ocho Rios and the Rio Grande near Port Antonio.

The best waves for surfing and windsurfing can be found on the northeast and southeast coasts, where there are equipment rentals and instructors on popular beaches. For diving, the coral reef and the surroundings of the sunken Port Royal are usually chosen.

Events in Jamaica

Jamaica hosts many musical, cultural and sporting events throughout the year. The most notable and popular are the Splashes of the Sun reggae festival in Ocho Rios and the Summer festival in Montego Bay. In March-April, a week after Easter in Kingston and other parts of the country, there are many carnivals no worse than those in Brazil. And the celebration of Christmas ("Jonkanu") on the island is a special holiday. It is celebrated with a bright parade, all participants of which are dressed up in masquerade costumes.

One of the most famous yachting regattas, the Pineapple Cup, starts in Miami and finishes in Montego Bay in February. In April, Kingston hosts a Cable & Wireless Cup cricket match.

Other interesting events on the island:

• May-June - tennis championship,
• july - reggae festival,
• September - beauty contest "Miss Jamaica",
• November - jazz and blues festival,
• December - regatta.