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Central America and the Caribbean: Jamaica
Jamaica's warm climate, beaches, and mountainous terrain (more than four-fifths of the topography is covered by mountains) makes this Caribbean island a popular tourist destination. In fact, tourism accounts for a large percentage of the country's economy, followed by bauxite, sugar and bananas.
The indigenous population of Jamaica is the same as its close neighbor, Cuba, with whom it has periodically shared political ideals as well.
Jamaica's most recognized cultural contributions to the world include calypso and reggae music, made popular by the late Bob Marley.
Over half of Jamaican society is urbanized, much of it centered around the capital city of Kingston, a vibrant cultural center since the country's independence in 1962.
Like many Caribbean nations, Jamaica's culture has been strongly influenced by the influx of Africa slaves, brought to the country by Spanish colonizers. However, slavery continued under British colonial rule, and numerous slave revolts finally resulted in the abolition of slavery in the mid-19th century.
When the parliamentary democracy began to lead toward democratic socialism in the 1970s, inflation roared to 50%, along with unemployment and societal polarization.
The United States looked askance at the country's socialist leanings and increased friendliness toward Cuba, which resulted in a decline in Jamaica's important tourist economy. Years of economic hardship led to the return of less leftist politics and a resurgence in the tourism trade. Jamaica's first black prime minister was elected to office in 1993.
While English is the official spoken language, most Jamaicans speak a patois that evolved from Creole English with strong elements of African, Portuguese, Spanish, and Rastafarian terminology.
Jamaica's religious maps is also influenced by its African heritage. Spiritist elements are woven throughout the so-called Christian denominations; Rastafarianism and its related reggae music scene have their origins in Jamaica.
ABWE personnel are needed to help train national pastors, to strengthen the existing evangelical congregations who are struggling for survival, and to help Jamaican pastors plant local Baptist churches.
Jamaica Information
Date Entered: 1999
Major Ministries: Church planting, theological education, youth and children's ministries.
Country Statistics: For up-to-date country statistics please visit the website(s) listed below.
World Factbook - Jamaica