JAMAICA PRACTICALITIES

Key Facts and Figure

Area: 10,830 sq km/4,181 sq miles

Population: 2,780,132

Capital: Kingston

Passport/Visa requirements

Passports need to be valid for at least six months. Also Bristish citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 6 months as a tourist.

Geography

Jamaica lies 145 kilometers south of Cuba and 160 kilometers west of Haiti. At its greatest extent, Jamaica is 235 kilometers long, and it varies between 35 and 82 kilometers wide. With an area of over 10,000 square kilometers, Jamaica is the largest island of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Climate

The average temperature in Jamaica is 82 ° F and remains consistent throughout the year. Daytime highs are a bit hotter. The northeast trade winds keep you from feeling overwhelmed despite the high humidly levels. Rainfall varies with the seasons; however, on average the island receives 78 inches per year, the bulk of which is in the Blue Mountains. Short heavy downpours are common on the coasts.

Language

The official language is English but Patois, a dialect, is widely spoken across the island

Money

he money in Jamaica is called Jamaican Dollars (JMD). Bank notes are issued for the following amounts $50, $100, $500, $1000. The heads of famous Jamaican people appear on the notes. There are 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents 1 dollar, 10 dollar and 20-dollar coins. The heads of famous Jamaican people also appear on the back of the coins.

Religion

The majority of Jamaicans are Christian. Children learn about God and the bible at public school. They also have public prayer in school.

Time

GMT -5 hours

Electricity

Electrical current is 110 volts, 50Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are in use.

Brief History

Discovered by Columbus in 1494 and first settled by Spaniards, Jamaica was captured by England in 1655; formal cession was in 1670. A large African slave population worked sugar plantations in the 18th century when Jamaica was a leading sugar producer. The decline of sugar after the abolition (1838) of slavery created economic hardship, civil unrest, and British suppression (1865-84) of local autonomy. Rioting, sparked by poverty and British racial policies, recurred periodically, reaching a peak in 1938. In 1944 universal adult suffrage was introduced.

After a brief period (1958-62) as part of the West Indies Federation, in 1962 Jamaica became an independent member of the Commonwealth. After 1972 a move toward socialism under Prime Minister Michael Manley led to violence between extremist factions and produced an economic crisis. Edward Seaga, a moderate, took office in 1980 and restored some measure of economic stability. In 1989 Manley's party returned to power with a more conservative program. Manley resigned in 1992, due to ill health, and was succeeded by P.J. Patterson, who subsequently won his own electoral mandate in 1993.

Special Events

The following events are some of the highlights of the Jamaican calendar. Please note some of these dates may vay.

1 January New years day

February 28 Ash Wednesday

April 13 Good Friday

April 16 Easter Monday

Music

Jamaica is not only the birthplace of reggae but many other popular musical genres, including ska and dub music. Jamaica's music culture is a fusion of elements from the United States of America with its R&B, rock and roll, soul, Africa and neighbouring Caribbean islands such as Trinidad with its calypso.

Health

Visitors to Guatemala are typically advised to make sure they are up to date with their Hepititis A, and Tetnus vaccines. Also and immunisation against Diphtheria maybe required depending on the season and region visited.

Communications

The international access code for Jamaica is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 876. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom)

British High Commission

P.O. Box 575 Trafalgar Road

Kingston

10

Tel: + (1) (809) 926 9050 - 4 + 1) (876) 926 1022/3 (Visa enquiries)

Fax: + (1) (809) 929 7869 + () (876) 960 3287 (Visa enquiries)

Tipping

Outside the all-inclusive resorts, where tips are part of the package, visitors should tip 10-15% for taxis, personal services, room service and restaurants where a service charge is not already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and porters also expect a tip; US$1 per bag/drink is customary

Food and Drink

Jamaica's local dishes are fragrant and spicy and centre around fresh fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables. The national dish is Ackee (a local fruit resembling scrambled egg) with Saltfish and Johnny cakes (savoury dumplings). Jamaican meat or vegetable patties are delicious as is the spicy jerked pork or chicken. Many local rums, white and dark, are consumed with or without fruit juices, and Red Strips is the beer of choice for many locals.

What to take

Pack light, casual, comfortable clothes. Shorts, T-shirts, skirts, sundresses and a swimsuit are must-haves. Also rember those essential for the beach such as a hat, sunglasses, sunblock and a swimsuit cover-up. The latter is important, as swimsuits are acceptable only at the beach or by the pool. Bring sandals, flip-flops and a pair of walking shoes for taking in the sites.

Take simple evening attire. Women will impress in a nice cotton dress, while men may opt for long shorts and a button-down short-sleeved shirt. Pack a few sweaters for layering, especially in the fall and winter. An umbrella is also good in fall and winter, as brief showers are likely.