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Ever
since Errol Flynn cavorted here with his Hollywood pals in
the 1930s and '40s, travelers have regarded Jamaica as one
of the most alluring of the Caribbean islands. Its beaches,
mountains and carnal red sunsets regularly appear in the world's
tourist brochures, and, unlike other nearby islands, it democratically
caters to all comers: you can choose a private villa with
your own private beach; laugh your vacation away at a party-hearty
resort; throw yourself into the thick of the island's life;
or concentrate on experiencing the three Rs: reggae, reefers
and rum.
But
behind the now familiar clichés of 'tropical' scenery
and 'shimmering' beaches lies a different Jamaica - one whose
character arises from its complex culture, and that aspires
to be African in defiance of both the island's geography and
its colonial history. Jamaicans may have a quick wit and a
ready smile, but this is not the happy-go-lucky island of
Bacardi adverts and Harry Belafonte numbers. The island's
sombre history is rooted in the sugar-plantation economy,
and the slave era still weighs heavily on the national psyche.
Rastafarianism may mean easy skankin' to some, but its confused
expression of love, hope, anger and social discontent encapsulates
modern Jamaica - a densely populated, poverty-ridden country
that is struggling to escape dependency and debt. Come to
Jamaica with an open mind and an interest in exploring these
contradictions and you will truly have 'no problem mon.'
Full
country name: Jamaica
Area: 4411 sq miles (11,425 sq km)
Population: 2,652,689
Capital city: Kingston (population 800,000)
People: 76% African descent, 15% Afro-European descent, 4%
European, 3% East Indian & Middle Eastern, 1% Afro-Chinese
& Chinese
Language: English and patois
Religion: 80% Christian, including revivalist cults such as
Pocomania and Rastafarianism
Government: Independent member of the British Commonwealth
Prime Minister: PJ Patterson
GDP:
US$8.8 billion
GDP per head: US$3,300
Annual growth: -2%
Inflation: 9.9%
Major industries: Tourism, bauxite, sugar, bananas
Major trading partner: USA
Jamaica
Flight from UK
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