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Most churches in Jamaica dont have anything to do with the poorest people of the country. |
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out how to get involved by prayer, giving, or volunteering to go to Jamaica
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Jamaica's warm climate, beaches, and mountainous terrain (more than four-fifths
of the topography is covered by mountains) makes this Caribbean island a
popular tourist destination. In fact, tourism accounts for a large percentage
of the country's economy, followed by bauxite, sugar and bananas.
The indigenous population of Jamaica is the same as its close neighbor,
Cuba, with whom it has periodically shared political ideals as well. Jamaica's
most recognized cultural contributions to the world include calypso and
reggae music, made popular by the late Bob Marley.
Over half of Jamaican society is urbanized, much of it centered around the
capital city of Kingston, a vibrant cultural center since the country's
independence in 1962. Like many Caribbean nations, Jamaica's culture has
been strongly influenced by the influx of African slaves, brought to the
country by Spanish colonizers. However, slavery continued under British
colonial rule, and numerous slave revolts finally resulted in the abolition
of slavery in the mid-19th century.
The United States looked askance at the country's socialist leanings and
increased friendliness toward Cuba, which resulted in a decline in Jamaica's
important tourist economy. Years of economic hardship led to the return
of less leftist politics and a resurgence in the tourism trade. Jamaica's
first black prime minister was elected to office in 1993.
While English is the official spoken language, most Jamaicans speak a patois
that evolved from Creole English with strong elements of African, Portuguese,
Spanish, and Rastafarian terminology.
Jamaica's religious maps is also influenced by its African heritage. Spiritist
elements are woven throughout the so-called Christian denominations; Rastafarianism
and its related reggae music scene have their origins in Jamaica.
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