Date of independence, or formation date: 1962
Date when current borders were established: 1962
National day: Aug 5
Vehicle country identifying code: JA
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): -5
International telephone dialling code: +1876
Internet country identifying code: .jm

First colonized by the Spanish and then, from 1655, by the English, Jamaica is located in the Caribbean, 145 km (90 miles) south of Cuba. It was the first of the Caribbean island countries to become independent in the postwar years, and remains an active force in Caribbean politics. Jamaica is also influential on the world music scene: reggae, ska, and ragga (or dancehall) developed in the tough conditions of Kingston's poor districts.

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