Jamaica

Overview

Try coffee from the Blue Mountains, ice-cream from Devon hose and rum from Appleton. This is just a selection of famous food from a country that has also popularized reggae. Raft through forests at Martha Brae, dive off cliffs, swim with the residents at dolphin cave or relax in the Blue Lagoon and the visitor will still not have nearly exhausted the varied experiences that exist in Jamaica. The Caribbean island holds the inevitable beaches with names that evoke another world, one free from troubles, perfect for relaxing at Doctor's Cove and Seven Mile.

However all is not idyllic on the island and care must be taken due to the reliance on tourism. Avoid getting flustered if approached by many hair braiders or unlicensed taxi drivers. Take in a round of golf after some rafting on the Rio Grande, enjoy the seclusion of Reach falls or the city of Port Antonia for the spectacular Dunn's River Falls and do not neglect to visit Nine Mile, the birthplace of Bob Marley. Finally enjoy the tropical vegetation of Fern gulley, the gardens of Ochos Rios and either side of the Black River as it is being navigated by boat.

History

Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in 1962, having become a colony in the early 1600's. It became a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations. A Prime Minister leads the party with the most number of seats in the Parliament in Kingston. Queen Elizabeth II remains head of state represented by the Governor General. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a drop off in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office. Political violence marred elections during the 1990s.