 |
 Login |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Government Type |
constitutional parliamentary democracy |
| Legal System |
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
| Currency |
Jamaican dollar (JMD) |
| Economic Overview |
The economy, which depends heavily on tourism and bauxite, has been stagnant since 1995. After five years of recession, the economy inched ahead, by 0.8% in 2000, 1.7% in 2001, and 0.8% in 2002; the global economic slowdown, particularly in the United States after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, has stunted the economic recovery. Serious problems include: high interest rates; increased foreign competition; a pressured, sometimes sliding, exchange rate; a widening merchandise trade deficit; and a growing internal debt, the result of government bailouts to various ailing sectors of the economy, particularly the financial sector. Depressed economic conditions have led to increased civil unrest, including serious violent crime. Jamaica's medium-term prospects will depend upon encouraging investment and tourism, maintaining a competitive exchange rate, selling off reacquired firms, and implementing proper fiscal and monetary policies. |
| Natural Resources |
bauxite, gypsum, limestone |
| Primary Industries |
tourism, bauxite, textiles, food processing, light manufactures, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products |
| Agricultural Products |
sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, potatoes, vegetables; poultry, goats, milk |
| Import Commodities |
machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, fuel, food, chemicals, fertilizers |
| Export Commodities |
alumina, bauxite; sugar, bananas, rum |
| Export Partners |
US 35.7%, EU (excluding UK) 15.9%, UK 13%, Canada 10.5% (1999) |
| AIRPORTS of Jamaica |
| Kingston - Norman Manley Airport |
Kingston 17km (10miles), Position 17°56´00"N, 076°47´00"W |
Detals |
| Montego Bay - Sangster Airport |
International, Near Montego Bay, Position 18°30´13"N, 077°54´48"W, Elevation 1m (3ft) |
Detals |
|
|
|
