"Jamaica" Jamaica by suraphona

Jamaica Travel Guide: 2,967 reviews and 4,800 photos

<BLOCKQUOTE>Jamaica is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. After enjoying full internal self-government for a number of years Jamaica achieved independence in August of 1962. Queen Elizabeth II however, is still Queen of Jamaica by tradition and the titular head of state is her representative on the island—the Governor General. It is similar to Canada. 

Democracy is complete, with an elected Parliament, a Prime Minister, an elected House of Representatives and a Senate. It works on similar lines to the British parliament. The constitution embodies absolute safeguards to personal liberties and democratic rule of law. 

Parliament sits at Gordon House on Kingston's Duke Street and visitors can watch proceedings from the visitors gallery. 

Population standing at 2,509,800 at the end of 1994 is made up of the following approximate ethnic groups: <BLOCKQUOTE>African 76.3%, Afro-European 15. 1%, European 0.8%, Chinese and Afro-Chinese 1.2I%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian 3.4% and others 3.4%.</BLOCKQUOTE> 
Arawak Indians were the original inhabitants exterminated by the Spanish after Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1492. The Spanish were defeated by the British in 1655. 

Currency- Jamaica's currency is the Jamaican dollar,
not to be confused with the U.S. dollar. The value of the Jamaican dollar fluctuates but in Dec 1992 it was approximately JA$25 to US$1<center>As at 6 Feb 2003 JA$50=USD 1</center></BLOCKQUOTE>

Last visit to Jamaica: Dec 1992
Intro Updated Feb 6, 2003
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Reviews (24)

Port Antonio Off The Beaten Path (8)

Founded in 1723, Port Antonio was Jamaica’s most important center for banana growth and export in the late... more travel advice

Island Hopping Off The Beaten Path (8)

Under Construction more travel advice

Negril Off The Beaten Path (8)

Negril is probably the best place for visitors to meet Jamaicans on their own turf. While it's certainly a resort... more travel advice

Ocho Rios Off The Beaten Path (8)

Ocho Rios offers the island's best shopping, varied nightlife and fairly good (though often crowded) beaches. It sits... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 31, 2002

1 photo

Ochos Rios

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Comments (10)

Sininen May 12, 2006 at 9:34 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your Jamaica page! Loved it there, great place. Happy birthday from Finland!
spellis Apr 2, 2003 at 11:33 AM Report Abuse

Great informaion. Wonderful photos
cn0000 Mar 21, 2003 at 2:48 PM Report Abuse

Wow... great information! Thanks
asgottl Mar 11, 2003 at 7:48 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful page and gorgeous photos!!!
CandS Feb 22, 2003 at 8:34 PM Report Abuse

Good page! I love the sunset shot!
Ken_Weaver Feb 22, 2003 at 7:14 PM Report Abuse

I will leave the high diving to unsupervised children! Nice page!
tomwilliams Feb 18, 2003 at 10:43 AM Report Abuse

nice photos. good work
accomtt Feb 9, 2003 at 9:18 AM Report Abuse

With Rum Punch, Reggae and Catamaran aroun the island, I like it.
seratonin Jan 19, 2003 at 11:30 PM Report Abuse

Another great page! Scaring Stingrays... :-(
Kristina1701 Jan 19, 2003 at 10:22 AM Report Abuse

interesting page