2. Introduction The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of Jamaica and Jamaican culture.
3. Geography The country of Jamaica is a West Indian island located near the center of the Caribbean Sea. It is among the group of islands that comprise the Greater Antilles (the others are Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico) and is the largest of the English–speaking islands in the region. Jamaica is 90 miles south of Cuba and 100 miles west of Haiti. 3
4. Geography Approximately the size of Connecticut, Jamaica has an area of 4,411 square miles and is 146 miles long. The breadth of the island varies from 22 miles at its narrowest point to 51 miles at the widest. Rugged chains of mountains extend from east to west. The Blue Mountains include the highest point on the island, a summit of 7,402 feet. Low elevations form a costal belt around the island but approximately two thirds of the landmass lies 1000 feet above sea level. 4
6. History Early settlers were the Arawaks In 1494 Columbus claimed the island for Spain In 1665, the British drove out the Spaniards and the island was ceded under the Treaty of Madrid. In 1834, slavery was abolished Independence from British rule August 6, 1962
7. Flag of Jamaica The Jamaican flag is made up of 3 colors: Green, Black, Gold. Black symbolizes hardships. Gold for the golden sunshine and green for the lush vegetation of the island.
8. Jamaican Government Executive Branch Queen Elizabeth II Governor General Legislative Branch Senate House of Representatives Judicial Branch Supreme Court Court of Appeals Political Parties Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) National Democratic Movement (NDM) People’s National Party (PNP) Prime Minister Bruce Golding
9. Jamaican people The vast majority are of African descent, but there are well established, but small, Indian, Chinese, Arab, and European communities as well. Jamaican culture is a particular synthesis of all these cultures. Ethnic groups: Black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, white 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%, mixed 7.3%, other 0.1%
10. Emigration Many Jamaicans have emigrated to other countries, especially to the United Kingdom, the United States, and to Canada.
11. Crime in Jamaica Jamaica has the 3rdhighest murder rate in the world. Jamaica Crime Statistics for the Year 2010:
12. Life Expectancy & Infant Mortality Rate Male Life Expectancy 72 Years Female Life Expectancy 77 Years Infant Mortality Rate 15.6 per 1,000 live births
14. RELIGION Jamaicans are predominately Christian with small numbers of Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai and Afro-Caribbean religious groups. Rastafarians constitute one of the most famous religious groups. The Guinness Book of World Records determined Jamaica to have the most churches persquaremile of any place on the planet.
15. Language The official language of Jamaica is English. Jamaicans primarily speak an English-African Creole language known as Jamaican Patois/Patwa, which has become known widely through the spread of Reggae music. Jamaican Patois had formed from West African, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Native American words mixed in with English, as well as other influences such as from the Irish. Table 1. Difference of Spellings in British Creole and Standard English
16. Weather In winter, the average temperature is 75 degrees; in summer it's about 80. Year-round, temperatures are usually five to 10 degrees cooler in the mountain. The rainiest months are generally May/June and October-December. Jamaica is in the hurricane belt with hurricane season being June through November. The most active months are typically August and September.
17. Education in Jamaica Literacy rate is 87.9% for general population Males’ literacy rate is 84.1 Females’ literacy rate is 91.6 Educational System—based on British system Level of education for individuals with disabilities 75% Primary level as highest level of education 10% Secondary education 0.4% University education (based on 2004 statistics from World Fact Book-Jamaica) Total number of individuals with disability 111,114 They are taught Spanish in school from primary school, about 40–45% of educated people in Jamaica knows some form of Spanish.
18. Jamaican Music The music of Jamaica includes Jamaican folk music and many popular genres, such as mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub music, dancehall.
19. Sports in Jamaica Jamaican sports have always been a strong part of Jamaican culture. The most popular sport in Jamaica Soccer/Football.
20. Jamaican cuisine Jamaican cuisine includes a mixture of cooking techniques, flavors, spices and influences from the indigenous people on the island, and the Spanish, British, Africans, Indians, and Chinese who have inhabited the island. It is also influenced by the crops introduced into the island from tropical Southeast Asia. Jerk chicken Ackee and saltfish Oxtail and rice and peas Curry goat and rice and peas Jamaican patty
21. Popular Jamaican Drinks Red Stripe Carrot Juice D&G CREAM SODA 12 OZ.(Pepsi) Jamaican Rum Punch Bigga Irish Moss
22. FAMOUS TOWNS AND CITIES OF JAMAICA MONTEGO BAY (MoBay) NEGRIL KINGSTON (capital) OCHO RIOS (Ochee)
23. Famous tourist attractions and things to do in Jamaica Bob Marley museum Rose Hall Great House Horseback Riding River rafting Dunn's River Falls Zip-line
25. National symbols National Tree National Bird National Motto Red-billed Streamer tail Blue Mahoe National Flower National Fruit Out of Many, One People Lignum vitae Ackee
26. National Holidays Independence Day is the most celebrated event (August 6, 1962) National Heroes Day (October 17) Christmas New Years Easter Labor Day 26
27. Jamaican Culture And Jamaican Traditions Jamaican culture is defined as the origin of its entire population. The Jamaican culture is mixed as most of the society is ethnically diverse. There are several nations and peoples, the majority are African, then Indian and Chinese, then the minority being European. There is a North American contingent but they did not contribute to the origin and main stream Jamaican society.
28. Conclusion Jamaica is a well known island for vacationing for many reasons. Its beautiful beaches, colorful people and the relaxed way of life are just a few of the reasons to keep you coming back.
