HISTORY & DEMOGRAPHICS

Although Jamaica was only found in 1494 there were people living there for nearly 1000 years before them. The Arawak people, also known as the Tainos, were the first inhabitants of Jamaica. They migrated to the island from South America around 600 AD. The Crown Colony of Jamaica and Dependencies was a British colony from 1655, when it was captured by the English Protectorate from the Spanish Empire. Jamaica became a British colony from 1707 and a Crown colony in 1866. Jamaica was a British colony for almost 300 years. Jamaica gained independence from Britain on August 6, 1962, after a period of political agitation by Jamaican activists and trade union leaders, which led to the granting of a new constitution and eventual self-governance, culminating in the UK Parliament passing the Jamaica Independence Act in 1962, making Alexander Bustamante the first Prime Minister of the independent nation. Post-independence, Jamaica navigated Cold War politics, aligning with both Western and socialist nations. Economic challenges persisted, with efforts to diversify the economy through tourism and bauxite mining. Political violence and economic difficulties marked the 1970s and 1980s, leading to shifts in governance between the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). In recent decades, Jamaica has focused on economic stabilization, infrastructure development, and cultural promotion, while grappling with issues such as crime and economic inequality. The country remains a vibrant cultural hub, known for its contributions to music, particularly reggae, and athletics, highlighted by figures like Usain Bolt.