Jamaica
Demographics
About 97% of the population is of partial or total African descent. This population is comprised of blacks, mulattos, and black-East Indians or black-Chinese. Other ethnic groups include East Indians, Chinese, and Europeans.
Culture
Political
Famous historical event
In 1494 Christopher Columbus discovered the land.
Famous people
Bob Marley (singer), Usain Bolt (runner), OMI (singer)
Tourist attraction (Bob Marley Museum)
The museum is situated on the site of the legendary musician’s home, which he purchased in 1975. This house was Marley’s home until his death in 1981. It was converted into a museum six years later by his wife. The main museum displays Marley’s personal treasures.
Overview
Jamaica has a rich cultural legacy which has been shaped over the centuries by the island’s unique historical heritage and by the intermingling of peoples of African, European, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern descent. The vibrant Jamaican culture is reflected in the nation’s traditional and popular music, and is the driving force of the country’s cuisine, art and craft, dance, drama and fashion. Jamaicans speak their own language called patois, which combines English words and a Jamaican accent with grammatical features common to the languages of West Africa.