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Jamaica
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Jamaica is a country in the Caribbean. The main religion is Christianity. The main language is English. Jamaica became independent from the United Kingdom in 1962. The country is a parliamentary democratic state with the British queen as monarch.
Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a drop-off in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office. Subsequent governments have been open market oriented. Political violence marred elections during the 1990s.
Jamaica is mainly a blend of African and British cultures, with influences from the Spanish and Taino cultures, although the Tainos as a people were completely wiped out by the Spanish soon after their arrival in 1494. These Tainos (sub-Arawaks) were known for archery and have left many remnants of their culture in artifacts and in at least one popular food (bammy- a small flat cake made of grated cassava).The majority of the population is of African descent, however there are smaller groups of persons of mixed race, Indian, Chinese and European heritage. Caucasians compose a tiny minority, less than 1% of the population; however, they have historically played a large role in the nation's political and economic development.
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| Official Name: |
Jamaica |
| Area: |
10,991 square km (4,244 sq. miles) |
| Capital: |
Kingston |
| Nationality: |
Jamaican |
| Official Language: |
English |
| Population: |
2,538,000 |
| Currency: |
Jamaican Dollar (J$) |
| Exchange Rate: |
U.S $1 = $35 Jamaican |
| Time Zone: |
EST+1; GMT - 5 |
| Phone Code: |
Country Code 876, plus local number |
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