Table of Contents
Jamaica Today 5
1 Geography
Once upon a time
Three regions
Climate
Flora
Fauna
Jamaican towns 11
2 History
Columbus's mistake
No gold
The British take over
Sugar and slaves
Troubled times
Independence 25
3 Government
Parliamentary democracy
Seesaw politics
Political violence
Gang violence and human rights
Recent political leaders 37
4 Economy
Mining
Tourism
Sugar
The economic outlook 45
5 Environment
Industrial pollution
Deforestation
Endangered wildlife
Nature's havens
Environmental protection 53
6 Jamaicans
From slaves to citizens
Maroons
Ethnic minorities 61
7 Lifestyle
Family life
Growing up and working
Marriage
Funerals
Rural life
Urban ghettos
Life in Kingston
Education 71
8 Religion
Christianity in Jamaica
Animism
Pocomania and Revival Zion
Rastafarianism 83
9 Language
Jamaican English
Pride in their language
Three languages? 91
10 Arts
Dance and music
Reggae
Literature
Dub poetry
Art 97
11 Storytelling
Folksongs
Soccer
Cricket 107
12 Independence Day and "Festival!"
Carnival
Christmas
Miss Jamaica
Reggae festivals 115
13 Food
Food heritage
Favorite dishes
Drinks
Rum 123
Map of Jamaica 132
About the Economy 135
About the Culture 137
Timeline 138
Glossary 140
For Further Information 141
Bibliography 142
Index 143
