Location J A M A I C A. By: Nicole Kelly 2/13/2013

Transcription

1 J A M A I C A By: Nicole Kelly Location It is settled in the Caribbean Sea and is 390 miles east of Central America s mainland, 150 kilometers south of Cuba, and 160 kilometers west of Haiti and Dominican Republic. It is located on the continent of South America. 1

2 Geography Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island being 146 miles long making is slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut. It originally a volcanic region, but now the lush island. - Blue Mountain which is 7,402 feet high - Dunn s River Falls which is 900 feet tall - Green Grotto Caves named for the green algae that covers its walls. - Clear seas ring the island Climate 2 types of climate : tropical climate and a semiarid climate The average rainfall is 196 cm. Warm winds for the east and south (mountain area where rainfall is the greatest) bring rainfall. The mountains exceed 500cm of rainfall while the south western part of the island and receives less than 100cm. Temperatures average between 25 C 30 C year round. The island also retrieves an onshore wind during the day and an offshore breeze at night. These are known as the Doctor Breeze and the Undertaker s Breeze. This country is situated on the hurricane belt but doesn't receive direct storm damage. 2

3 Environment Flowers There are three thousands species of plants that grow in Jamaica, 27% growing only here. The vivid red poiciana, the yellow puoi, and the blue lignum vitae are some of the most popular flowers. Coffee is something that is also grown in the Blue Mountains and it s the most famous. Animals Doctor bird, which in a hummingbird, is the national bird. There is also the Jamaican iguana, endemic parrots, and the endangered Swallowtail butterfly. First inhabitants were thetainos. They named the island, Xaymaca. Here is where they farmed, fished, and invented the hammock. Then Spanish came and made them slaves. Marcus Garvey is from Jamaica and he was known for fighting for black nationalism. He travelled around the world and came up with the Back-to- Africa Movement, Universal Negro Improvement Association and Jamaica s first modern political party. On August 6 th, 1962, Jamaica gained independence. Bustamante came first prime minister which brought prosperity tuntil he died in Michael Manley was the 1 st biracial prime minister. Improved relationship with Cuba, improved minimum wage, and helped lower class History British then took over Spanish Town which caused the Spanish to flee to Cuba. Before they fled, they released their slaves and they formed the Maroon in the forest which is still there today. The British soon made more slaves. There were revolts so they made law. Many were outraged and got slaves from India and China Great Depression brought riots. The was a strike that left many killed at West Indies Sugar Company. This strikes leader founded the first trade union and this caused a new party to be created. This spurred their nationalism and led to 1944 election The bauxite industry declined and this caused an economic slump. The party decided to break ties with United States and allying with Cuba. This angered Americans and caused the parties to fight among themselves. This was when the first black prime minister, P.J. Patterson, was elected. Bauxite is now flourishing 3

4 Culture Most popular genre is reggae with both Bob Marley and Shaggy coming from Jamaica. Some popular sports are polo, cricket, soccer, golf and bicycle riding. Mostly English but they used a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese and African. They have the maximum churches per square mile being Roman catholics, Baptists, Anglicans and Jehovah s witnesses. They are very modest and don t show much skin. They wear long robes and matching hats. They eat Sorrel, which is Christmas cake, around Christmas time and fried fish during lent around Easter time. They also celebrate Nine night which is after the death of a loved one. Some famous dishes are ackee and salt fish, which is the national dish. Jerk spice is very common and used to make jerk chicken. Fruits and vegetables are widely used. Jamaican rum and Blue Mountain coffee are common drinks. Government The type that Jamaica has is a constitutional parliamentary democracy. It had independence since August 6, There are three branches: Executive-Governor General (appointed by monarch in England), prime minister (elected by Jamaican people), cabinet. Laws have to pass through all three of these stages, after being talked about in the Legislative, to be made or changed. Legislative-21 appointed senators and 60 elected representatives. Judicial-Court of Appeal and courts of original jurisdiction. Political parties: People's National Party (PNP), Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), National Democratic Movement (NDM), and United Peoples Party (UPP). 4

5 GDP services make up 65%, manufacturing and mining make up 28% and agriculture makes up 7%. Tourism and Services One out of three people work in the tourisn business. In 2000, 1.33 billion dollars was made from visitors coming for vacation. However, after 9/11 tourism declined. Mining and Manufacturing This employs 6000 people in Jamaica. 2/3 of the island is limestone and it has one of the largest exports of bauxite. From , there was over 2 million dollars made in exports to the United States. Agriculture This employs 21% of the population. Sugarcane is still the biggest crop, bananas being the second and pimento (allspice) holding third place. Blue Mountain coffee is another great seller. Other products include corn, mango, tobacco and rum. Winnifred Beach This is a mile from the closed beach where Tom Cruise starred in Cocktail. This is one of the most appealing beaches in Jamaica. Bob Marley Experience and Theatre Here is where people can learn about his life and music while being in the place with the biggest selection of Bob Marley memorabilia. Lovers Leap This is where two slaves in love lept to their death instead of being seperated. Tourism Faith s Pen This is a strip of vendors selling Jamaica s best that winds down a road. You could test out the best Jamaican food here. YS Falls This is a seven tiered waterfall, wading pool and canopy rides with spectacular views. Spanish Town This town dates back to when the Spanish took over and made slaves of the Tainos. There is astonishing architecture and history in this town. 5

6 References Animals In Jamaica." Jamaica Site Build It, Web. 24 Feb < "Background Note : Jamaica." U.S. Department of State. Dec Web. 24 Feb < "Facts About Jamaica." Jamaicans/com. 01 Jun Web. 24 Feb < "Information about Jamaica." About Jamaica FantasyIsle, Web. 24 Feb < "Jamaican Facts." Dhana Car Rentals & Tours. Web. 24 Feb < "Jamaica Climate." ita. 27 Mar 05. Web. 24 Feb < Plants In Jamaica." Jamaica Site Build It, Web. 24 Feb < "Pushing Ahead." Jamaica Guide. segisys, Web. 24 Feb < "The Rivers In Jamaica." Jamaica Site Build It, Web. 24 Feb < "What To Do." Jamaica Web. 24 Feb < 6