Jamaica

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JAMAICA
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**1. Why is Jamaica an English speaking country?**
Christopher Columbus arrived in Jamaica the 4th of May in 1494, on his second trip to the America, the New World. The island was annexed in the name of his master and mistress, the King and Queen of Spain. Jamaica wasn't really occupied until Juan de Esquivel arrived in 1506, then the island belonged to Spain.

In 1655 Jamaica was seized by the British. Britain now had many colonies around the world, and Jamaica became a stopping post for the British ships that went around the world, where the ships that had been out on the ocean for weeks could refill on what they needed. Brits settled in Jamaica, and took more and more over the island. The original inhabitants of the island, the Arawak-speaking Indians, had no other choice but learning the new language, English, to keep up with the Brits on the island. So; Jamaica getting a new language, was only natural.

! The official language of Jamaica is English, although patois (pronounced //patwah//) is spoken by more people. Patois (pronounced //patwah//) includes words and syntax from English as well as different African languages, European languages, Pre-Columbian Caribbean languages and Asian languages.

2. Jamaica
Motto: «Out of many, one people» Capital city: Kingston Area: 10,991 km2 Highest peak: Blue Mountain, 2256 m Longest river: The Black River Date of independence: 6th of August 1962 (from the Unitet Kingdom) Ethnic groups: African, East Indian, Chinese, White, Mixed and other Religions: Anglican, Baptist, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Rastafaria Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD) National anthem: Jamaica, land we love National flower: Lignum Vitae National bird: Doctor Bird (Trochilus polytmus) National fruit: Ackee (Blighia sapinda) National tree: Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) National dish: Ackee and Saltfish

10 largest cities of Jamaica (by poulation) 1. Kingston 2. New Kingston 3. Spanish Town 4. Portmore 5. Montego Bay 6. Mandeville 7. May Pen 8. Old Harbour 9 Linstead 10. Half Way Tree

**3. Some similarities between Jamaica and Britain:**
Jamaica became an independent nation on August 6, 1962. The island is a parliamentary democracy, and the form of government is that of a constitutional monarchy. The constitution which Jamaica assumed independence in 1962, is based on the British socio-political culture and is modelled on the British system of government. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the state, and she appoints a Governor-General to be her representative in Jamaica. This Governor-General can't have affiliation to any political party.
 * Government**

The education in Jamaica is like the government based on the British model. From 1973, the education was free. The education is divided into 4 levels: __Early childhood__ is a basic, infant and privately operated pre-school. Ages: 2 – 5 years. __Primary schools__ are publicly and privately owned, also called preparatory schools. Ages: 5 – 12 years. __Secondary schools__ are publicly and privately owned. Ages: 12 – 18 years. __Tertiary schools__ are colleges and universities, and are publicly and privatly owned.
 * Education**

Jamaican pupils wear also school uniforms, like they do in Britain.

__Christmas__ Christmas in Jamaica is not much different from around the world. They sing Christmas carols and eats Christmas dinner like pork or roastbeef. Santa Claus and his gifts are an important part of Christmas as it is in many of the nations around the world, but because of the lack of snow on the island, Santa rides a cart and a donkey.
 * Traditions**

__New Year__ People in Jamaica celebrate the new year like we do. There are festive parties and colorful fireworks show all over the island.

__Religion__ Mostly of the islands population are Christians. Other religions in Jamaica are: Bahai, Buddhism, Islam, and some practisers of Spiritism.
 * Culture**

Sources: [|http://www.wikipedia.com] [|http://www.caribcentral.com] http://www.geonames.org/countries/JM/jamaica.html [|http://www.jamaicans.com] http://www.jis.gov.jm/default.asp