Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in 1962
Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a drop off in tourism.
Jamaican is slightly smaller than Connecticut
Jamaica's irrigated land is 250 sq km (1998 est.)
Jamaica is an island in the West Indies, 90 mi (145 km) south of Cuba and 100 mi (161 km) west of Haiti
Jamaica was inhabited by Arawak Indians when Columbus explored it in 1494 and named it St. Iago
Buccaneers operated from Port Royal, also the capital, until it fell into the sea in an earthquake in 1692.
Buccaneers operated from Port Royal, also the capital, until it fell into the sea in an earthquake in 1692.
Abolition of the slave trade (1807), emancipation of the slaves (1833), and a drop in sugar prices eventually led to a depression that resulted in an uprising in 1865
On May 5, 1953, Jamaica gained internal autonomy, and, in 1958, it led in organizing the West Indies Federation
After a referendum, Jamaica became independent on Aug. 6, 1962
