Like any other country in the world, there are both private and public business ventures that fuel the economy. A country refers to a geographical entity that has its own government. Jamaica, island country of the West Indies. By Ferdinand Bada on December 6 2018 in World Facts. Youth Unemployment Worldwide. Today, the country is a popular tourist destination and it has a native population of 2.8 million people. Prior to colonization, indigenous peoples known as the Arawak and Taíno inhabited the island. It is south of Cuba and for comparison, it is just under the size of Connecticut. While rain is adequate in Jamaica, some parts of the dry rain-shadow regions endure spells of aridity, such as the Pedro Plains and Liguanea Plain. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? Half of the income from the services sector is earned by tourism. Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy, which has Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state, as well as a parliamentary democracy. Omissions? Karst (limestone) landscapes with ridges, depressions, and sinkholes (“cockpits”) characterize the hills and plateaus of the John Crow Mountains, the Dry Harbour Mountains, and Cockpit Country, a region covering 500 square miles (1,300 square km) in western Jamaica. It is about 1,143 km south of the United States. The UN recognizes 195 countries, including 193 full members and two observers (Palestine and the Holy See). The Black River in the west and the Rio Cobre near Kingston are each longer than 30 miles (50 km). Jamaica is a poor, but wonderful country with a very special Rasta culture. Is Chewing Gum Against the Law in Singapore? Jamaica is a country located in the Caribbean region of North America. Jamaica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea and is a part of the Greater Antilles region. The national capital is Kingston. The 103rd Precinct is located at 168-02 91st Avenue and serves downtown Jamaica and Hollis, while the 113th Precinct is located at 167-02 Baisley Boulevard and serves St. Albans and South Jamaica. Learn more about Jamaica in this article. Jamaica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea and is a part of the Greater Antilles region. The tropical climate and sandy beaches also attract visitors. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Jamaica is its own country located in the Caribbean Sea. With an area of 10,911 km 2 (4,213 sq mi), Jamaica is the largest island of the Commonwealth Caribbean and the third largest of the Greater Antilles, after Cuba. The shallow soils of many upland areas are particularly susceptible to erosion. Professor Emeritus of History, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. Tourist attractions include sites such as the YS Falls in St. Elizabeth and Dunn's River Falls in St. Ann. It is located in the west-central Caribbean, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The major sectors of the economy include tourism, financial and insurance services, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Jamaica became independent from the United Kingdom in 1962 but remains a member of the Commonwealth. The most rugged topography and highest elevations are in the east, where the Blue Mountains rise to 7,402 feet (2,256 metres) at Blue Mountain Peak, the island’s highest point. Few rivers are navigable for any great distance, because of their rapid descent from the mountains. Jamaica, island country of the West Indies. Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. Jamaica is located directly beneath Cuba. Located within the Atlantic Ocean’s hurricane belt, storms are not uncommon occurrences in Jamaica. Other major hurricanes include hurricanes Ivan, Gustav, and Dean. Latest by WorldAtlas. For example, the devastating hurricanes Charlie and Gilbert of 1951 and 1988, respectively, caused a significant number of deaths and property damage. What Happened To Germanwings Flight 4U9525?