Country Profile: Jamaica

Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba, known for its lush mountainous terrain and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 2.8 million, the country has a rich history influenced by its Indigenous Taino, Spanish, and British colonial past. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture and tourism, though it faces challenges such as high crime rates, youth unemployment, and susceptibility to natural disasters. Jamaica operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, having gained independence from the UK in 1962.

Geography

Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, characterized by a tropical climate, mountainous terrain, and a coastline of 1,022 km. The island is strategically located between the Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, critical sea lanes for the Panama Canal.

Total Area: 10,991 sq km
Highest Point: 2,256 m at Blue Mountain Peak
Forest Coverage: 55.8% of land area (2022)
Agricultural Land: 38.5% (2022)
Coastline Length: 1,022 km
Natural Resources: Bauxite, alumina, gypsum, limestone

People and Society

Jamaica has an estimated population of 2,823,713 as of 2024, with a high density in urban areas like Kingston and Montego Bay. The society is predominantly Black, with a rich cultural heritage influencing language, religion, and social structures.

Urban Population: 57.4% (2023)
Median Age: 30.9 years (2024)
Life Expectancy: 76.3 years (2024)
Birth Rate: 15.6 births/1,000 population (2024)
Languages: English and Jamaican Patois
Religious Composition: 64.8% Protestant (2011)

Economy

Jamaica's economy is categorized as upper-middle-income, relying heavily on agriculture and tourism while grappling with high levels of crime and poverty. The GDP in purchasing power parity is projected at $29.13 billion for 2024, with significant contributions from the services sector.

Real GDP per Capita: $10,300 (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 4.9% (2024)
Inflation Rate: 5.4% (2024)
Exports: $7.124 billion (2024)
Imports: $9.524 billion (2024)
Poverty Rate: 16.7% (2021)

Government

Jamaica operates as a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The Prime Minister and Governor-General lead the governmental institutions, and the legislative framework is bicameral.

Independence Date: 6 August 1962
Capital: Kingston
Administrative Divisions: 14 parishes
Voting Age: 18 years
Next Election Expected: September 2025

Military and Security

The Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) is primarily responsible for national defense, complemented by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for internal security.

Active Personnel: Approximately 4,000 (2025)
Military Expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2024)
Military Service Age: 18-23 for voluntary service
Primary Responsibilities: Defense, internal security, border patrol

Energy

Jamaica has achieved 100% electrification of its population and relies predominantly on fossil fuels for energy generation.

Installed Generating Capacity: 1.242 million kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 3.301 billion kWh (2023)
Natural Gas Consumption: 822.549 million cubic meters (2023)

Environment

Jamaica faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution. The country is committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at safeguarding its natural resources.

Forest Cover: 55.8% (2022)
Polluted Coastal Waters: A major environmental concern
Waste Generation: 1,051,695 tons of municipal solid waste annually (2016)

Transportation

Jamaica has a network of roads and ports facilitating transport and trade, with numerous airports supporting air travel.

Airports: 20 (2025)
Ports: 11 (2024)
Merchant Marine: 40 vessels (2023)

Communications

Jamaica boasts a well-connected communication framework, with high mobile and internet penetration.

Mobile Subscriptions: 3.27 million (2023)
Internet Users: 83% of the population (2023)
Telephones - Fixed Lines: 459,000 subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,823,713 (2024 est.)
Area	10,991 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$29.13 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.9% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	15.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.3 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)
Exports	$7.124 billion (2024 est.)
Imports	$9.524 billion (2024 est.)