NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Jamaica, the Nation

Jamaica, the Nation is a country in the Caribbean Sea, located south of Cuba and to the west of Hispaniola, on which Haiti and the Dominican Republic are situated. Map of Central America and the Caribbean The Caribbean Sea is a tropical body of water adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and southeast of the Gulf of Mexico. ... 15th century map of Hispaniola Hispaniola (from Spanish, La EspaÃ±ola) is the second-largest island of the Antilles, lying east of Cuba. ...

This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... August 6 is the 218th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (219th in leap years), with 147 days remaining. ... 1962 was a common year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ... The dollar (ISO 4217 code: JMD) is the currency of Jamaica. ... Time zones are areas of the Earth that have adopted the same standard time, usually referred to as the local time. ... Coordinated Universal Time or UTC, also sometimes referred to as Zulu time, is an atomic realization of Universal Time or Greenwich Mean Time, the astronomical basis for civil time. ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that is formally recognized by a countrys government as their states official national song. ... Jamaica, Land We Love is the national anthem of Jamaica. ... A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of an Internet domain name. ... .jm is the Internet country code top-level domain ( ccTLD) for Jamaica. ... List of country calling codes - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ...

History

Main article: History of Jamaica Arawaks from South America had settled in Jamaica at around 1,000AD and called the land Xamayca, meaning land of wood and water. ...

The name of the country derives from the name Xaymaca, meaning land of wood and water, given to it by the original Arawak or Taino people from South America, who first settled there around the year 1000 - 400 BC. The term Arawak (from aru, the Lokono word for cassava flour), was used to designate the friendly Amerindians encountered by the Spanish in the Caribbean. ... The Taíno are the pre-Hispanic Amerindian inhabitants of the Greater Antilles, which includes Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Bahamas. ... For other uses, see number 1000. ... For alternate uses, see Number 400. ...

Jamaica was claimed for Spain after Christopher Columbus first landed there in 1494. Columbus used it as his family's private estate. The English Admiral William Penn (father of William Penn of Pennsylvania) and General Venables seized the island in 1655. During its first 200 years of British rule, Jamaica became the world's largest sugar exporting nation and produced over 77,000 tons of sugar annually between 1820 - 1824, which was achieved through the massive use of imported African slave labor. Christopher Columbus For information about the film director, see the article on Chris Columbus. ... Events January 25 - Alfonso II becomes King of Naples. ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 kmÂ² Population - Total (2001) - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/kmÂ² Ethnicity... Admiral Sir William Penn, 1621–1670 by Sir Peter Lely, painted 1665–1666. ... For the British admiral, see William Penn (admiral). ... Events New Sweden (Delaware) attacked and captured by Dutch forces. ... A sugar is a carbohydrate which is sweet to taste. ... Africa is the worlds second-largest continent in both area and population, after Asia. ... A monument celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834, erected in Victoria Tower Gardens, Millbank, Westminster, London Look up Slavery in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Slavery is a condition of control over a person against their will, enforced by violence or other forms of coercion. ...

By the beginning of the 19th century, Britain's heavy reliance on slavery resulted in blacks outnumbering whites by a ratio of almost 20 to one, leading to constant threat of revolt. Following a series of rebellions, slavery was formally abolished in 1838. 1838 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Jamaica slowly gained increasing independence from the United Kingdom, and in 1958 Jamaica became a province in the Federation of the West Indies, a federation between all the British West Indies. Jamaica attained full independence by leaving the federation in 1962 and is now a completely sovereign nation. Jamaica celebrated the tricentennial of British rule in 1955. 1958 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... National motto: Official language English Capital Chaguaramas Capitals coordinates Largest city {{{largestcity}}} {{{head_of_state}}} {{{current_head_of_state}}} {{{head_of_government}}} {{{current_head_of_government}}} Political system Constitutional monarchy Area - Total - % water Ranked % Population - Total (1960) - Density Ranked approx. ... The British West Indies are those islands in the Caribbean that are or were British colonies. ... 1962 was a common year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ...

Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a drop-off in tourism. This article provides extensive lists of events and significant personalities of the 1970s. ...

Former capitals of Jamaica include Port Royal, where the pirate Governor Morgan held sway, and which was destroyed by a storm and earthquake, and Spanish Town, in St. Catherine parish, the site of the old Spanish colonial capital and the English capital during the 18th and 19th century. This article is about the former capital city of Jamaica. ... Sir Henry Morgan (c. ... A 1774 engraving of Spanish Towns colonial offices Spanish Town is the former Spanish and English capital of Jamaica, during the 16th through 19th centuries, and is a World Heritage Site. ...

Politics

Main article: Politics of Jamaica The Queen of Jamaica The 1962 Constitution established a parliamentary system based on the United Kingdom model. ...

Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch's representative in Jamaica is the Governor-General, who is chosen by the prime minister and fills the role of approving bills, and other state functions. For the most part, the monarch (through her representative, the Governor-General) is a figurehead, and what little real power she has is reserved for times of crisis. The present government favours turning Jamaica into a republic within the Commonwealth, in which the Queen and Governor-General would be replaced by a President. A constitutional monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges a hereditary or elected monarch as head of state. ... A parliamentary system, or parliamentarism, is distinguished by the executive branch of government being dependent on the direct or indirect support of the parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. ... Though a term originally coined for Republican presidents, a head of state or chief of state is now universally known as the chief public representative of a nation-state, federation or commonwealth, whose role generally includes personifying the continuity and legitimacy of the state and exercising the political powers, functions... Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor), styled HM The Queen (born 21 April 1926) is the Queen regnant and head of state of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent... Governor-General (or Governor General) is a term used both historically and currently to designate the appointed representative of a head of state or their government for a particular territory, historically in a colonial context, but no longer necessarily in that form. ... In a broad definition a republic is a state or country that is led by people who do not base their political power on any principle beyond the control of the people living in that state or country. ... Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations The Commonwealth of Nations is an association of independent sovereign states, most of which are former colonies once governed by the United Kingdom as part of the British Empire. ...

The Jamaica Constitution, 1962 was drafted by a bipartisan joint committee of the Jamaican legislature in 1961-62, approved in the United Kingdom and included as the Second Schedule of the Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council, 1962 under the West Indies Act, 1962. It came into force with the Jamaica Independence Act, 1962 of the United Kingdom Parliament, which gave Jamaica political independence.

The Jamaican Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of the House (known as 'Members of Parliament' or MPs) are directly elected, and the leader of the majority party in the House becomes the Prime Minister. Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister, and the parliamentary Leader of the Opposition. The debating chamber or hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels. ... In government, bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers. ... House of Representatives is a name used for legislative bodies in many countries. ... A coq is a deliberative body, often the upper house or chamber of a legislature. ... The Prime Minister of Jamaica is Jamaicas head of government, currently Percival Patterson. ... The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the largest opposition party in a Westminster System of parliamentary government. ...

The current Prime Minister of Jamaica is P. J. Patterson who has held office since the 1992 resignation of Michael Manley. He has been since re-elected three times, the last being in 2002. Jamaica's constitution requires the Prime Minister to call the next general election by October 2007. The Right Honourable Percival Noel James Patterson (born April 10, 1935) is the current Prime Minister of Jamaica (since 1992) and is the leader of the Jamaican Peoples National Party. ... Michael Norman Manley (December 10, 1924 â€“ March 6, 1997) was the fifth Prime Minister of Jamaica (1972 - 1980, 1989 - 1992). ... 2002 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Jamaica has traditionally had a two party system, with power often alternating between the People's National Party and Jamaican Labour Party. A two-party system is a type of party system where only two political parties have a realistic chance of winning an election. ... For other uses, see Peoples National Party (disambiguation). ... The Jamaica Labour Party is a right-wing political party in Jamaica. ...

Jamaica is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Caribbean Community and Common Market or CARICOM was established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas [1] which came into effect on August 1, 1973. ...

Defence

The Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) is the small, but professional military force of Jamaica. The JDF is based upon the British military model with organisation, training, weapons and traditions closely aligned with Commonwealth Realm Countries. Once chosen officer candidates are sent to one of several British or Canadian basic officer courses depending upon which arm of service they are slated for. Enlisted soldiers are given basic training at JDF Training Depot Newcastle. As on the British model NCOs are given several levels of professional training as they rise up the ranks. Additional military schools are available for specialty training in Canada, the U.S., and Britain.

The JDF is directly descended from the British West Indies Regiment formed during the colonial era. The West Indies Regiment was used extensively by the British Empire in policing the empire from 1795 to 1926. Other units in the JDF heritage include the early colonial Jamaica Militia, the Kingston Infantry Volunteers of WWI and reorganised into the Jamaican Infantry Volunteers in WWII. The West Indies Regiment was reformed in 1958 as part of the West Indies Federation. The dissolution of the Federation resulted in the establishment of the JDF.

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) comprises an infantry Regiment and Reserve Corps, an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and a supporting Engineering Unit. The infantry regiment contains the 1st, 2nd and 3rd (National Reserve) battalions. The JDF Air Wing is divided into three flight units, a training unit, a support unit and the JDF Air Wing (National Reserve). The Coast Guard element is divided between sea-going crews and support crews. It conducts maritime safety and maritime law enforcement as well as defence-related operations. The support battalion contains a Military Police platoon as well as vehicle, armourers and supply units. The 1st Engineer Regiment provides military engineering support to the JDF. The Headquarters JDF contains the JDF commander, command staff as well as intelligence, judge advocate office, administrative and procurement sections.

In recent years the JDF has been called upon to assist the nation's police, the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) in fighting drug smuggling and a rising crime rate which includes one of the highest murder rates in the world. JDF units actively conduct armed patrols with the JCF in high-crime areas and known gang neighbourhoods. There has been vocal controversy as well as support of this JDF role. In early 2005, an opposition leader, Edward Seaga, called for the merger of the JDF and JCF. This move has not garnered support in either organisation nor among the majority of citizens.

Parishes

Main article: Parishes of Jamaica Jamaica is divided into fourteen parishes (capitals in parentheses)- Clarendon Parish (May Pen) Hanover Parish (Lucea) Kingston Parish (Kingston) Manchester Parish (Mandeville) Portland Parish (Port Antonio) Saint Andrew Parish (Half Way Tree) Saint Ann Parish (Saint Anns Bay) Saint Catherine Parish (Spanish Town) Saint Elizabeth Parish (Black River) Saint...

Clarendon is said to be the third largest parish in Jamaica. ... Location of Kingston Kingston (population 600,000) is the capital of Jamaica. ... It is located at the center of Jamica and is usually considered the third city. ... Portland is located in the north near St. ... Saint Ann, Jamaica (2001 population 168,726), is a parish located in the northern part of Jamaica and is north west of Kingston. ... St. ... St. ... St. ... Saint Mary, Jamaica, is a parish located in the north, north eastern part of Jamaica. ... Saint Thomas is a parish situated in the East of Jamaica. ... Trelawny (Capital - Falmouth) Trelawny is located on the north western end of Jamaica. ... Parish Westmoreland, is one of the smallest Parishes in Jamaica that shares a friendly neighborly way of living. ...

Geography

Main article: Geography of Jamaica Map Of Jamaica This article describes the geography of Jamaica. ...

The island of Jamaica has mountainous inlands surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. For this reason, all major cities are located on the coast. Chief towns include the capital Kingston and Montego Bay. More [satellite maps] which allow zoom in and zoom out are available from Google's map server. A live webcam atop the Gleaner Newspaper building on 7 North Street in Kingston is available. Location of Kingston Kingston (population 600,000) is the capital of Jamaica. ... Montego Bay is a city in Jamaica. ...

The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although inland regions have a more temperate climate.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Jamaica Jamaica has natural resources, primarily bauxite, and an ideal climate conducive to agriculture and tourism. ...

Jamaica operates as a mixed, free market economy with state enterprises as well as private sector businesses. Major sectors of the Jamaican economy include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and financial and insurance services. Tourism and mining are the leading foreign exchange earners.

Supported by multilateral financial institutions, Jamaica has, since the early 1980's, sought to implement structural reforms aimed at fostering private sector activity and increasing the role of market forces in resource allocation. Since 1991, the Government has followed a program of economic liberalization and stabilization by removing exchange controls, floating the exchange rate, cutting tariffs, stabilizing the Jamaican currency, reducing inflation and removing restrictions on foreign investment. Emphasis has been placed on maintaining strict fiscal discipline, greater openness to trade and financial flows, market liberalization and reduction in the size of government. During this period, a large share of the economy was returned to private sector ownership through divestment and privatization programs.

The macroeconomic stabilization program introduced in 1991, which focused on tight fiscal and monetary policies, has contributed to a controlled reduction in the rate of inflation. The annual inflation rate has decreased from a high of 80.2% in 1991 to 7.9% in 1998. inflation for FY1998/99 was 6.2% compared to 7.2% in the corresponding period in FY1997/98. The Government remains committed to lowering inflation, with a long-term objective of bringing it in line with that of its major trading partners.

After a period of steady growth from 1985 to 1995, real GDP decreased by 1.8% and 2.4% in 1996 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in GDP in 1996 and 1997 was largely due to significant problems in the financial sector and, in 1997, a severe island-wide drought (the worst in 70 years) that drastically reduced agricultural production. In 1997, nominal GDP was approximately J$220,556.2 million (US$6,198.9 million based on the average annual exchange rate of the period).

The economy in 1997 was marked by low levels of import growth, high levels of private capital inflows and relative stability in the foreign exchange market. Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 806 KB)A schoolchild walks past a row of fishing boats on the beach near Alligator Pond, Jamaica. ... Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 806 KB)A schoolchild walks past a row of fishing boats on the beach near Alligator Pond, Jamaica. ...

Recent economic performance shows the Jamaican economy is recovering. Agricultural production, an important engine of growth increased 15.3% in third quarter of 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997, signaling the first positive growth rate in the sector since January 1997. Bauxite and alumina production increased 5.5% from January to December, 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997. January's bauxite production recorded a 7.1% increase relative to January 1998. Tourism, which is the largest foreign exchange earner, showed improvement as well. Growth in tourist arrivals accelerated in the third quarter of 1998 and tourism earnings, increased 8.5% from January to December 31, 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997. Bauxite Bauxite is a naturally occurring, heterogeneous material composed primarily of one or more aluminium hydroxide minerals, plus various mixtures of silica, iron oxide, titania, aluminosilicate, and other impurities in minor or trace amounts. ... Aluminium oxide (or aluminum oxide) (Al2O3) is a chemical compound of aluminium and oxygen. ... A tourist boat travels the River Seine in Paris, France Tourism can be defined as the act of travel for the purpose of recreation, and the provision of services for this act. ...

Demographics

Jamaica is mainly a blend of African and Anglo-Irish 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 mixed race, of Black, Indian, Chinese and British, Irish and other European heritage. People of single race compose a tiny minority, although many members of minority groups (particularly Hindustani and Chinese) have managed to remain unmixed. Unmixed Indians comprise 1.7% of the population and unmixed Chinese are 1.3%. Mixed Indians are about 0.6%. This ethnic diversity is what led to the composition of Jamaica's motto: "Out of Many One People". World map showing location of Africa A satellite composite image of Africa Africa is the worlds second_largest continent in both area and population, after Asia. ... The term Anglo-Irish means British-Irish and is used frequently to describe formal contacts, negotiations or treaties between both states. ... The Taíno are the pre-Hispanic Amerindian inhabitants of the Greater Antilles, which includes Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Bahamas. ... This article is about the continent. ...

The official language is English, although the patois form Jamaican Creole is widely spoken. There are also small amounts of people that speak Hindustani, Chinese, Hebrew, and Arabic. About three-quarter of the Jamaicans practice Christianity, spread over a large number of denominations. The remaining quarter adheres to various other religions, including local faiths such as the Rastafari movement. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Jamaican English or Jamaican Standard English is a dialect of English encompassing in a very unique way, parts and mergers of both American English and British English dialects. ... Jamaican Creole, also known as Patois/(Patwa) or simply Jamaican, is an English/African-based language --not to be confused with Jamaican English nor with the Rastafari use of English-- used primarily on the island of Jamaica. ... Haile Selassie I Rasta, or the Rastafari movement of Jah people, is a religious movement that reveres Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia, as King of Kings, Lord of Lords and the Lion of Judah. ...

Emigration

Over the past several decades, hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans have emigrated, especially to the United States but also to Canada and the United Kingdom. This emigration appears to have been tapering off somewhat in recent years, however, as the great number of Jamaicans living abroad has become known as the "Jamaican diaspora". Emigration is the action and the phenomenon of leaving ones native country to settle abroad. ...

Concentrations of expatriate Jamaicans are large in the South Florida metro area of Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles in the United States; Toronto in Canada; and London in the United Kingdom. The city of Lauderhill, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, claims the highest concentration of Jamaican-born elected officials anywhere outside of Jamaica. An expatriate (in abbreviated form expat) is someone temporarily or permanently in a country and culture other than that of their upbringing and/or legal residence. ... Location of metropolitan area in the state of Florida Major cities Miami, Florida Fort Lauderdale, Florida West Palm Beach, Florida Area - Total - Water 15,896 km² (6,137 mi²) 2,621 km² (1,011 mi²) 16. ... This article is about the city in Florida. ... Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, is a city located in Broward County, Florida, United States. ... The Atlanta skyline as seen from Buckhead. ... Midtown Manhattan, looking north from the Empire State Building, 2005 New York City (officially named the City of New York and abbreviated NYC) is the most populous city in the United States, and is at the center of international finance, politics, communications, music, fashion, and culture. ... This article is about the largest city in California. ... }|135px|City of Toronto, Ontario Official Flag]]|Coat Image=[[Image:{{{Coat Image}}}|135px|City of Toronto, Ontario Coat of Arms]]}} {{Canadian City/Disable Field={{{Disable Motto Link}}}}} Motto: Diversity Our Strength {{Canadian City/Location Image is:{{{Location Image Type}}}|[[Image:{{{Location Image}}}|thumbnail|250px|City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Location. ... St Stevens Tower - The Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster which contains Big Ben London (see also different names) is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. ... Lauderhill is a city located in Broward County, Florida. ... Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, is a city located in Broward County, Florida. ...

Education

The emancipation of the slaves heralded in the establishment of Jamaican Education System for the masses. Prior to emancipation there were some elite schools for the plantocracy. Others sent their children off to England to access quality education.

After emancipation the West Indian Commission granted a sum of money to establish Elementary Schools, now known as All Age Schools, for the children of the freed slaves. Most of these schools were established by the churches. This was the genesis of the stratified system of education that is still currently embedded in the policies of the 21st Century.

Early Childhood – Basic, Infant and privately operated pre- school. Age cohort – 4 – 6 years.

Tertiary - Community Colleges, Teachers’ College, Vocational Training Centres and Universities.

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Jamaica, Music of Jamaica As the original Arawak Indians all died, Jamaican culture represents a rich blend of cultures that have since inhabited the island. ... Jamaica is known as the birthplace of many popular musical genres including raggamuffin, ska, reggae and dub. ...

Though a small nation, Jamaica is rich in culture, and has a strong global presence.

The musical genres reggae, ska, and, more recently, dancehall originated in Jamaica. Bob Marley, perhaps the best known reggae musician, was born in Jamaica, and is very respected. Reggae is a style of music developed in Jamaica and is closely linked to the Rastafari movement, though not universally popular among Rastafarians. ... This page is about ska, the musical style. ... Dancehall is a type of Jamaican reggae which developed around 1979, with artists such as Barrington Levy and others who went on to become the Roots Radics. ... Bob Marley Robert Nesta Marley (February 6, 1945 Nine Miles, Saint Ann, Jamaica â€“ May 11, 1981 Miami, Florida) better known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaican singer, guitarist, and songwriter. ...

The Rastafarian religion was founded in, and is associated with, Jamaica. This Back to Africa movement believes that Haile Selassie of Ethiopia is God incarnate, the returned black messiah, come to take the lost Twelve Tribes of Israel back to live with him in Holy Mount Zion in a world of perfect peace, love and harmony. Bob Marley, a convert to the faith, spread the message of Rastafari to the world. There are now estimated to be more than a million Rastafarians throughout the world. Afrocentrism is a worldview or perspective that is centered on Africa and blacks. ... Haile Selassie Emperor Haile Selassie I (Power of Trinity) (born Lij Tafari Makonnen, July 23, 1892 – August 27, 1975), styled His Imperial Majesty (or HIM), was the Emperor (1930–1936; 1941–1974) of Ethiopia, and is the religious symbol for God incarnate among the Rastafari movement. ... The term God is used to designate a Supreme Being; however, there are other definitions of God. ... Incarnation, which literally means enfleshment, refers to the DNA-encoding, conception, and live birth of a sentient creature (generally human) who is the material manifestation of an entity or force whose original nature is immaterial. ... In Judaism, the Messiah (×žÖ¸×©×Ö´×™×—Ö· Anointed one, Standard Hebrew MaÅ¡Ãaá¸¥, Tiberian Hebrew MÄÅ¡Ã®Âªá¸¥) is a human descendant of King David who will rebuild the nation of Israel and bring world peace by restoring the Davidic Kingdom. ... An Israelite is a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of the Biblical patriarch Jacob who was renamed Israel by God in the book of Genesis, 32:28 The Israelites were a group of Hebrews, as described in the Bible. ... Zion or Tzion (צִיּוֹן Height, Standard Hebrew Ẓiyyon, Tiberian Hebrew Ṣiyyôn; Arabic صهيون Ṣuhyūn) originally was the specific name given to a Jebusite fortress near modern-day Jerusalem that was conquered by David. ...

The Streamertail Hummingbird or Doctor Bird, Trochilus polytmus is a long-tailed hummingbird. ... Binomial name Guaiacum officinale L. Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum officinale) is a tropical American evergreen tree of the genus Guaiacum. ... Guaiacum is a genus of the plant family Zygophyllaceae that includes the lignum vitae tree, . Categories: Plant stubs | Zygophyllales ... Species See text Hibiscus or Rosemallow is a large genus of about 200-220 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. ...

Miscellaneous topics

Telephones - main lines in use: 353,000 (1996) Telephones - mobile cellular: 54,640 (1996) Telephone system: fully automatic domestic telephone network domestic: NA international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); 3 coaxial submarine cables Radio broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 1. ... Jamaica has diplomatic relations with most nations and is a member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States. ... Map Of Jamaica This article describes the geography of Jamaica. ... The following is a list of people from Jamaica: // Artists and writers Pamela Colman Smith, artist and writer Thomas Duffus Hardy, historian Marcus Garvey, political activist Stuart Hall, cultural theorist Edna Manley, sculptor Claude McKay, communist author Robert Wedderburn, political activist Hope Wheeler artist Musicians Buju Banton, reggae singer Bounty... Marcus Garvey (far right) in parade Marcus Mosiah Garvey (August 17, 1887 â€“ June 10, 1940) was a publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, crusader for black nationalism and founder of the UNIA-ACL. He was born in Jamaica. ... Military branches: Jamaican Defence Forces (includes Ground Forces, Coast Guard, and Air Wing), Jamaica Constabulary Force Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 747,043 (2002 est. ... Public Holidays in Jamaica In addition to Christian holidays, Jamaica celebrates Labour Day (May 23)Independence Day (6 August), Emancipation Day (1 August) and National Heroes Day Categories: Festival stubs ... Since the late 1990s, the Jamaican government has set an agenda to push the development of technology in Jamaica. ... Railways: total: 370 km standard gauge: 370 km 1. ...

External links

Categories: Caribbean countries | Caribbean islands | CARICOM member states | Island nations | Jamaica | Monarchies The Caribbean Community and Common Market or CARICOM was established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas [1] which came into effect on August 1, 1973. ... The Caribbean Community and Common Market or CARICOM was established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas [1] which came into effect on August 1, 1973. ... General info: Large flag of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community and Common Market) Dimensions: 453x302 pixels Source: public domain License: Originally public domain, modifications under GFDL Most of the flags have had their colours improved and many have been resized to the proper ratios. ...

Contents

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