III.

People

Jamaica is a multiracial society, with a population primarily of African or mixed African-European origin. Many people are descended from slaves brought to the island between the 17th and 19th centuries. Among the established minorities are East Indians, Europeans, and Chinese.

The population of Jamaica (2007 estimate) was 2,780,132, giving the country an overall population density of 257 persons per sq km (665 per sq mi). The annual rate of population increase, formerly high, declined to 0.78 percent by 2007. Emigration, primarily to the United States, Britain, and Latin America, has been substantial.

A.

Political Divisions and Principal Cities

Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes. Of these, 12 parishes are administered by popularly elected councils, and the remaining parishes are administered by elected commissions.

The population of greater Kingston in 2001 was 577,623 and the population of Spanish Town was 131,060. In 2005, 52 percent of the population lived in urban areas.

B.

Language and Religion

English is the official language, although many Jamaicans speak a local dialect of English that incorporates African, Spanish, and French elements. Among the Christian majority, the Church of God, Baptists, Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists, Pentecostalists, and Roman Catholics predominate. Several well-established Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities exist. A number of popular sects, such as Pocomania and Rastafarianism, are a significant and famous feature of the national religious life.

C.

Education

School attendance by children between the ages of 6 and 11 is nearly universal, and 84 percent of all 12- to 18-year-olds attend secondary institutions. In 2000 the enrollment in primary schools was 328,500.

A major institution of higher learning for the entire Caribbean region is the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (1948), located at Kingston. Jamaica also has a number of vocational and technical schools, teacher-training colleges, and a college of arts, science, and technology.

D.

Culture

The position of Jamaica as a dependency of Britain for more than 300 years is reflected in both language and customs. However, Jamaica also has a rich tradition of Africa-derived popular culture. This tradition appears strongly in music and dance. Reggae, a distinct style of Jamaican music, much of it highly political, is popular throughout the island. This music and its well-known performers, especially the late singer Bob Marley, have achieved enormous international success. Calypso and soca (soul-calypso) music, both also of Caribbean origin, are popular as well. See also Caribbean Literature.