Full country name: Jamaica
Capital: Kingston
Area: 10,991 km2
Population: Approximately 2.8 million
Major Industries: Coffee, Tobacco, Bananas, Sugar Cane, Metals and Oil Products. Jamaica is a traditional producer of pepper. The cement industry has also been developed, along with fertilizers and textiles.

LOCATION
630 km from the Central American continent, 150 km south of Cuba y and 180 km west of La Española island, where Haiti and the Dominican Republic are located.

CLIMATE
Weather in Jamaica is tropical, it is usually warm and humid but it can be cooler in the mountain areas. Despite its location, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, it is not often affected by hurricanes like its neighbor islands. This is due to the wind originated in the Jamaican mountains which deviates hurricanes.

GOVERNMENT
Jamaica’s government consists of a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy with a general governor that represents the British Monarchy. The prime ministry is named by the general governor between the members of the Chamber of Representatives that are elected by the people for a five year period.

CURRENCY
The local currency is Jamaican Dollar; it uses the same symbol as the US Dollar. The exchange rate has been stable but it is advised to check on it day by day.

BANKING
The banking system in Jamaica is diversified and competitive, offering a wide range of services to business clients. Foreign currencies can be bought and sold at commercial banks and through other authorized dealers. Jamaica is not, however, an international financial center and does not have legislation permitting offshore banking. The Bank of Jamaica is responsible for the execution of monetary and regulatory policy. It has the responsibility of supervising all commercial banks, financial institutions, building societies and Industrial and Provident Societies. There are several well established commercial banks in Jamaica. Each bank offers full service banking and foreign investors can borrow money from local commercial banks for investments in Jamaica.

Banking hours are usually Mon-Thurs 09:00am-2:00pm; Fri 09:00am-12:00pm and 2:30-5:00pm, with 24-hour ATMs in major cities and resort areas.

LANGUAGES
The official language is English.

RELIGION
Protestants 61.3%, Catholics 4%, Others 34.7%

SHOPPING
The key to shopping in Jamaica is being prepared to bargain. The island's vendors sell many items, from local hand-made crafts to imported designer watches and perfumes, all at prices that can be negotiated upon purchase. Certain shopping areas, such as City Center, Half Moon Shopping Village and Holiday Village Shopping Center (all in Montego Bay), are 'fixed price' areas, where rates are fixed and no haggling is allowed. Prices may be slightly higher than marketplace rates, but this policy saves the hassle of bargaining with vendors. Items available at duty-free savings are in abundance in the duty-free shops in Jamaica. U.S. visitors can save 25% to 30% on popular items such as brand name crystal and china, watches and perfumes, and leather products. Another important thing to remember is that in order for shopping items to be considered "duty-free," they must be paid for in foreign currency. American dollars will be accepted almost everywhere, and many locations accept major credit cards.

CULTURE
Jamaica is the land where reggae was born, and the musical rhythms of this island nation define its people. But music isn't all there is to regional culture. The island's literature, dance, and other arts are infused with something unique – something distinctly Jamaican. Island leaders have brought the work of local artists to the attention of the international arts community.

RESTAURANTS
Jamaican food includes a mixture of cooking techniques, flavors, spices and influences from the Spanish, British, African, Indians, and Chinese who live on the island. A wide variety of seafood, tropical fruits and meats are also available. Some Jamaican cuisine dishes are variations on the cuisines and cooking styles brought to the island from elsewhere. Popular Jamaican foods include curry goat, fried dumplings, ackee and salt fish (cod) which is Jamaica’s national dish, fried plantain, steamed cabbage, and rice and peas. However the most popular and commonly known is the “jerk” spice used on chicken and pork. Jamaican patties and various pastries and breads are also popular as well as fruit beverages and Jamaican rum.

ENTERTAINMENT
Another way to catch a glimpse of Jamaica's culture is to see it on film. Whether you're catching the latest Hollywood blockbuster shot in Jamaica or a movie set in the streets of Kingston, there are many different ways to see Jamaica on the big – or small – screen. The National Theater Company is just one popular way to see some of the island’s best. But those looking for the latest popular dance styles can look in Kingston's dance halls. Jamaica's dances have become some of the island's most popular exports. Theater is equally as important as dance, and many small theater companies have sprung up around the island. For more family-oriented entertainment in Jamaica, there is the Center stage Theatre, a local cast that puts on musical comedies in native tongues. Although you may not understand what's being spoken, it's a great experience to see the culture of the island performed live. The theatre is cozy and comfortable without being too small.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Tourist board: 1-888-991-9999 / 991-4400
Air-Sea Rescue: 119
Ambulance: 110
Fire: 110
Police:  119
Hurricane Update: 116
Missing Persons: 119 / 927-7681-2
Time: 117
Long Distance International: 
872, 873 or 875 (USA)
876 (Canada)
874 (UK)
International Operator: 113 o 888 922 2170

SCHOOLS
Education is free from early childhood to secondary levels. Many schools follow the traditional English grammar school model and the students are also taught in primary school. About 40-45% of Jamaicans know some form of Spanish. There are also opportunities for people who can’t afford further education in the vocational area through the Human Employment and Resource Training-National Training Agency (HEART Trust-NTA) program people who can’t afford to further their education have the opportunity to do so with their help along with various scholarship networks. 

The following are some schools that are available in Kingston:
· American International School of Kingston: www.aisk.com
· Hillel Academy: www.hilleljm.com
· Belair School: www.belairschool.com

IMMIGRATION PROCESS
In order to start the process of elaborating the documentation necessary to request residency and Work Permit the following information is necessary:
1. Full name
2. Passport number
3. Nationality
4. Profession
5. Position
6. Brief role description
7. Curriculum vitae
8. Full name of spouse and/or children
9. Passport No. of spouse and/or children
10. Police Clearance Report
11. Visa (depending on country of origin)
12. Full Medical Exam (HIV included)

Time frames and additional documents vary according to:
1. Nationality
2. Type of visa requested
3. Estimated time of residence
4. Job position to be filled in hiring company
5. Type of hiring company or organization

This may take between 1 to 3 months after documentation submission, depending on each applicant´s specific qualifications. Please note that business visa is also needed to enter the country. Local consulates can provide the information on requirements. Work permit is usually given for 1 year and should be renewed for extensions. This may vary according to specific qualifications.

Important Immigration Links:
· American Consulate: www.kingston.usembassy.gov
· Local Police: www.jcf.gov.jm

HOUSING

The cost of rent depends of the size of the house and the area.
Monthly rents vary from $1,600 for an apartment to $3,800 for house. Rents also vary depending on how many rooms the apartment or house has.

Jamaica is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in the world, its diversity and exoticism has captivated many. Tourism is very well developed and it has the widest range of accommodations in the Caribbean, with something for every taste and budget. The physical beauty and vibrant culture of Jamaica are its greatest assets.

HOLIDAYS
New Year: Jan 1st
Bob Marley day: February 6th
Ash Wednesday: March/April
Good Friday: March/April
Easter Monday: March/April
Labor Day: May 26th
Emancipation Day: August 1st
Independence Day: August 6th
National Heroes Day: October 19th
Christmas Day: December 25th
Boxing Day: December 26th

Technical Information:
VOLTAGE: 110 volts (like USA and Canada)
PLUGS: Standard, American.
TELEVISION SYSTEMS: 10 local channels, cable service and DirecTV.
TRANSPORTATION: 2 international airports, Kingston and Montego Bay.
TELECOMUNICATIONS: Jamaica has fully automated, digital telephone system. Cellular coverage is available only in specific areas. Jamaica`s country code is (876).