Spain occupied the island in 1510, wiping out the indigenous Arawak population. Britain seized it in 1655.

• 1958–1961 West Indies Federation.
• 1962 Independence under JLP.
• 1972 PNP elected. Reforms fail; street violence begins.
• 1980 Unpopular IMF austerity measures lead to JLP election win.
• 1989–2002 PNP wins elections and austerity continues.
• 1999 Violent protests over fuel tax increases.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004