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JAMAICA - ABOUT JAMAICA |
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Click the map to see a larger image
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Official Name: |
Jamaica |
Capital: |
Kingston |
Independence Day: |
August 6, 1962 |
Nationality: |
Jamaican |
Official Language: |
English |
Total Population: |
2.6 million |
National Flower: |
Lignum Vitae (Wood of Life) |
National Tree: |
Hibiscus elatus (Blue Mahoe) |
National Bird: |
Trochilus polytmus (Doctor Bird) |
National Dish: |
Ackee and saltfish |
Currency: |
$J (Jamaican Dollar) |
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Jamaican ICONS
The ackee, The Doctor Bird, The Blue Mahoe are some of the wonderful icons native to Jamaica..... more...
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Historical Overview of Jamaica and its People
Jamaica’s history is simultaneously colorful, intriguing and dark. It is full of stories about pirates, European dominators, Africans and native inhabitants.
The country was first populated by Arawak Indians (which quickly became extinct after the arrival of the Spanish. Today, some 3,000 or so Arawaks exist only on the island of Dominica). more...
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"Pieces of the Past", Jamaican History
Like many cultures, the first Jamaicans, the Taino Indians, used the barter system trading commodities for other commodities. Although there was some gold on the island, the Tainos used it for decorative purposes. When the Spanish arrived in the 1490s and began to trade with the Tainos, they tended to use glass beads and other trinkets. By the early 1500s coins were in use on the island. They were very thin and light, made from copper and called maravedis. more...
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