Jamaica

Population : 2,652,689

Literacy rate : 85%

Life expectancy at birth : male – 73.26 yrs, female – 77.26 yrs

Infant mortality rate : 14.61 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate : 0.46%

GDP growth rate : -0.5%

GDP per capita : £2,250

Unemployment : 15.5%

Inflation : 9.4%

Climate : tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Time : GMT - 5.

Electricity : 110 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase. American 2-pin plugs are standard, but many hotels offer, in addition, 220 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase, from 3-pin sockets.

Websites : A site covering the island's history and culture www.jamaicans.com

Jamaican government sit www.jis.gov.jm

Of all the Caribbean islands, this one boasts (possibly) the most beautiful natural features. Going from the seacoast with its beaches to the mountains in the interior, this is a wonderful place to explore. Certain areas are unsafe even for Jamaicans, but for white foreigners they are definitely no-go. Take a bus ride through the interior; Jamaican bus drivers make Finnish rally drivers look slow and timid. Try Blue Mountain coffee – one of the world’s great coffees. The tourist industry has spoilt some parts of the island and given rise to an industrious group of people who are always doing something – usually a tourist. The economy is in a state of disarray, stumbling form one crisis to another. In spite of this, Jamaica carries on.

The island exports bananas and other fruit, but there are also bauxite mines (bauxite accounts for half the exports), food processing and light manufacturing. Tourism is an important part of the economy. There is an unemployment problem, which contributes to the crime level. Organised crime (Yardies) is involved in drug dealing on a large scale, though efforts are made to control things. Don’t try to export any of the local greenery, the Customs officers are far too sharp.

Most Jamaicans are warm-hearted welcoming people and a pleasure to be with.

Entry requirements

No entry visa. A work permit is required, but this can be applied for in Jamaica.

Vaccinations

Hepatitis A, Polio, Yellow Fever and Typhoid

Tax and Insurance

Income Tax is 25% and there is a consumption tax of 15%. Health insurance is a good idea.

Gap Year Programmes

Click here to find gap year programmes and placements in Jamaica

<< back to South America countries list

<< back to World Map