Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Jamaica
CapitalKingston
Population2,837,077
GDP$22.7bn
Area10,992 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Europeans first saw Jamaica when Christopher COLUMBUS arrived in 1494, and the Spanish settled the island early in the 16th century. The Native Taino, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced with African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter-million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually increased its independence from Britain. In 1958, it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica withdrew from the Federation in 1961 and gained full independence in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurring violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, corruption, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.
Reference: 1962, 1961, 1958Geography
Location
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total: 10,991 sq km
land: 10,831 sq km
water: 160 sq km
land: 10,831 sq km
water: 160 sq km
Area - comparative
about half the size of New Jersey; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
1,022 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior
Terrain
mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain
Elevation
highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 18 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 18 m
Natural resources
bauxite, alumina, gypsum, limestone
Land use
agricultural land: 38.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 21.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 56.2% (2023 est.)
other: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 21.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 56.2% (2023 est.)
other: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
250 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population distribution
population density is high throughout, but increases in and around Kingston, Montego Bay, and Port Esquivel
Natural hazards
hurricanes (especially July to November)
Geography - note
third largest island in the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola); strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Jamaican(s)
adjective: Jamaican
adjective: Jamaican
Ethnic groups
Black 92.1%, mixed 6.1%, East Indian 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.7% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Languages
English, Jamaican patois
Religions
Protestant 64.8% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 12.0%, Pentecostal 11.0%, Other Church of God 9.2%, New Testament Church of God 7.2%, Baptist 6.7%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of Prophecy 4.5%, Anglican 2.8%, United Church 2.1%, Methodist 1.6%, Revived 1.4%, Brethren 0.9%, and Moravian 0.7%), Roman Catholic 2.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.9%, Rastafarian 1.1%, other 6.5%, none 21.3%, unspecified 2.3% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Age structure
0-14 years: 23.8% (male 342,691/female 329,773)
15-64 years: 65.7% (male 914,364/female 941,816)
65 years and over: 10.4% (2024 est.) (male 140,440/female 154,629)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65.7% (male 914,364/female 941,816)
65 years and over: 10.4% (2024 est.) (male 140,440/female 154,629)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 52.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 36.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 36.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 30.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 30.1 years
female: 31.7 years
Reference: 2024male: 30.1 years
female: 31.7 years
Population growth rate
0.1% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
15.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
7.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population density is high throughout, but increases in and around Kingston, Montego Bay, and Port Esquivel
Major urban areas - population
597,000 KINGSTON (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.2 years (2008 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Reference: 2008note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Maternal mortality ratio
130 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 95.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 85.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 91.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 4.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 14.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8.9% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 85.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 91.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 4.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 14.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8.9% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.46 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 9% (2025 est.)
male: 15.1% (2025 est.)
female: 3.1% (2025 est.)
male: 15.1% (2025 est.)
female: 3.1% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.5% (2018 est.)
Reference: 2018Currently married women (ages 15-49)
32.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2015 est.)
male: 12 years (2015 est.)
female: 14 years (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015male: 12 years (2015 est.)
female: 14 years (2015 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Charles III | — | 2022-09-08 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Andrew Holness | — | — | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Jamaica
etymology: from the Arawak word xaymaca, meaning "Land of Wood and Water" or possibly "Land of Springs"
conventional short form: Jamaica
etymology: from the Arawak word xaymaca, meaning "Land of Wood and Water" or possibly "Land of Springs"
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Parliament) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
name: Kingston
geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is a blend of the words "king's" and "town;" named after the English king at the time of the city's founding in 1692, WILLIAM III
geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is a blend of the words "king's" and "town;" named after the English king at the time of the city's founding in 1692, WILLIAM III
Administrative divisions
14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland
note: note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation
Reference: 1923note: note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation
Legal system
common law system based on the English model
Constitution
history: several previous (pre-independence); latest drafted 1961-62, submitted to British Parliament 24 July 1962, entered into force 6 August 1962 (at independence)
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to "non-entrenched" constitutional sections, such as lowering the voting age, requires majority vote by the Parliament membership; passage of amendments to "entrenched" sections, such as fundamental rights and freedoms, requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament; passage of amendments to "specially entrenched" sections such as the dissolution of Parliament or the executive authority of the monarch requires two-thirds approval by Parliament and approval in a referendum
Reference: 1962, 1961amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to "non-entrenched" constitutional sections, such as lowering the voting age, requires majority vote by the Parliament membership; passage of amendments to "entrenched" sections, such as fundamental rights and freedoms, requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament; passage of amendments to "specially entrenched" sections such as the dissolution of Parliament or the executive authority of the monarch requires two-thirds approval by Parliament and approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 4 out of the previous 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 4 out of the previous 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Sir Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26 February 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrew HOLNESS (since 3 March 2016)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor general appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives as prime minister
Reference: 2022, 2016, 2009head of government: Prime Minister Andrew HOLNESS (since 3 March 2016)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor general appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives as prime minister
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Representatives
number of seats: 63 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 9/3/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) (35); People's National Party (PNP) (28)
percentage of women in chamber: 30.2%
expected date of next election: August 2030
Reference: 2030, 2025number of seats: 63 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 9/3/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) (35); People's National Party (PNP) (28)
percentage of women in chamber: 30.2%
expected date of next election: August 2030
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 21 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 9/18/2025
percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
expected date of next election: September 2030
Reference: 2030, 2025number of seats: 21 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 9/18/2025
percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
expected date of next election: September 2030
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of president of the court and a minimum of 4 judges); Supreme Court (40 judges organized in specialized divisions)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of the Supreme Court and president of the Court of Appeal appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister; other judges of both courts appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; judges of both courts serve till age 70
subordinate courts: resident magistrate courts, district courts, and petty sessions courts
note: note: appeals beyond Jamaica's highest courts are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) rather than to the Caribbean Court of Justice (the appellate court for member states of the Caribbean Community)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of the Supreme Court and president of the Court of Appeal appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister; other judges of both courts appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; judges of both courts serve till age 70
subordinate courts: resident magistrate courts, district courts, and petty sessions courts
note: note: appeals beyond Jamaica's highest courts are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) rather than to the Caribbean Court of Justice (the appellate court for member states of the Caribbean Community)
Political parties
Jamaica Labor Party or JLP
Jamaica Progressive Party or JPP
People's National Party or PNP
United Independents' Congress or UIC
Jamaica Progressive Party or JPP
People's National Party or PNP
United Independents' Congress or UIC
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Antony B. ANDERSON (since 24 July 2025)
chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660
FAX: [1] (202) 452-0036
email address and website: contactus@jamaicaembassy.org
Jamaican Embassy (embassyofjamaica.org)
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660
FAX: [1] (202) 452-0036
email address and website: contactus@jamaicaembassy.org
Jamaican Embassy (embassyofjamaica.org)
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Scott RENNER (since 13 August 2025)
embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
mailing address: 3210 Kingston Place, Washington DC 20521-3210
telephone: (876) 702-6000
FAX: (876) 702-6348
email address and website: KingstonACS@state.gov
https://jm.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
mailing address: 3210 Kingston Place, Washington DC 20521-3210
telephone: (876) 702-6000
FAX: (876) 702-6348
email address and website: KingstonACS@state.gov
https://jm.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
6 August 1962 (from the UK)
Reference: 1962National holiday
Independence Day, 6 August (1962)
Reference: 1962Flag
description: diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles, two green (top and bottom) and two black (left and right)
meaning: green stands for hope, vegetation, and agriculture; black for hardships overcome and to be faced; and yellow for sunshine and natural resources
meaning: green stands for hope, vegetation, and agriculture; black for hardships overcome and to be faced; and yellow for sunshine and natural resources
National symbol(s)
green-and-black streamertail (bird), guaiacwood (Guiacum officinale)
National color(s)
green, yellow, black
National anthem(s)
title: "Jamaica, Land We Love"
lyrics/music: Hugh Braham SHERLOCK/Robert Charles LIGHTBOURNE
history: adopted 1962
Reference: 1962lyrics/music: Hugh Braham SHERLOCK/Robert Charles LIGHTBOURNE
history: adopted 1962
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 ( 1mixed,1 cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Blue and John Crow Mountains (m); The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Blue and John Crow Mountains (m); The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaica official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Jamaica | — | 84 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper-middle-income Caribbean island economy; key agriculture and tourism sectors; high crime, youth unemployment, and poverty; susceptible to natural disasters and global commodity price shocks; progress in reducing public debt and moderating inflation within target range
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $29.13 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $29.341 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $28.596 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $29.341 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $28.596 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $10,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $10,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $10,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $10,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $10,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 18.3% (2024 est.)
services: 60.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 18.3% (2024 est.)
services: 60.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 76.2% (2019 est.)
government consumption: 13.6% (2019 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2019 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2019 est.)
exports of goods and services: 38% (2019 est.)
imports of goods and services: -52.1% (2019 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2019government consumption: 13.6% (2019 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2019 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2019 est.)
exports of goods and services: 38% (2019 est.)
imports of goods and services: -52.1% (2019 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, goat milk, yams, chicken, oranges, coconuts, bananas, plantains, pumpkins/squash, pineapples (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
agriculture, mining, manufacture, construction, financial and insurance services, tourism, telecommunications
Industrial production growth rate
-1.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
1.57 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 14.5% (2024 est.)
male: 12.9% (2024 est.)
female: 16.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 12.9% (2024 est.)
female: 16.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
16.7% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 39.9 (2021 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2021note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.2% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 29.6% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2021highest 10%: 29.6% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 17.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 18.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 21.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 18.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 21.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $4.041 billion (2020 est.)
expenditures: $4.466 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2020expenditures: $4.466 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2020: 106.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
25.7% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $678.808 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $568.932 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$136.401 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $568.932 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$136.401 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $7.124 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $7.275 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $6.424 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $7.275 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $6.424 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 37%, Russia 7%, Latvia 7%, Iceland 7%, UK 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
aluminum oxide, refined petroleum, natural gas, liquor, processed fruits and nuts (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $9.524 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $9.866 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $9.726 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $9.866 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $9.726 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 39%, China 11%, Brazil 4%, Colombia 4%, Japan 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, crude petroleum, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.869 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.52 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $4.838 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.52 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $4.838 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $9.636 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Jamaican dollars (JMD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 156.44 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 154.159 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 153.427 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 150.79 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 142.403 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 156.44 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 154.159 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 153.427 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 150.79 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 142.403 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $678.808 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $568.932 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$136.401 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $568.932 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$136.401 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $7.124 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $7.275 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $6.424 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $7.275 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $6.424 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 37%, Russia 7%, Latvia 7%, Iceland 7%, UK 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
aluminum oxide, refined petroleum, natural gas, liquor, processed fruits and nuts (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $9.524 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $9.866 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $9.726 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $9.866 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $9.726 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 39%, China 11%, Brazil 4%, Colombia 4%, Japan 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, crude petroleum, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 1.242 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.301 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.181 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 3.301 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.181 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 87.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 106,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 100 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 105,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022exports: 100 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 105,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 41,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023refined petroleum consumption: 41,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas
consumption: 822.549 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 822.549 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 822.549 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 42.095 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 459,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
130 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.46 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 9% (2025 est.)
male: 15.1% (2025 est.)
female: 3.1% (2025 est.)
male: 15.1% (2025 est.)
female: 3.1% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2015 est.)
male: 12 years (2015 est.)
female: 14 years (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015male: 12 years (2015 est.)
female: 14 years (2015 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
common law system based on the English model
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of president of the court and a minimum of 4 judges); Supreme Court (40 judges organized in specialized divisions)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of the Supreme Court and president of the Court of Appeal appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister; other judges of both courts appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; judges of both courts serve till age 70
subordinate courts: resident magistrate courts, district courts, and petty sessions courts
note: note: appeals beyond Jamaica's highest courts are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) rather than to the Caribbean Court of Justice (the appellate court for member states of the Caribbean Community)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of the Supreme Court and president of the Court of Appeal appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister; other judges of both courts appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; judges of both courts serve till age 70
subordinate courts: resident magistrate courts, district courts, and petty sessions courts
note: note: appeals beyond Jamaica's highest courts are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) rather than to the Caribbean Court of Justice (the appellate court for member states of the Caribbean Community)
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Jamaica Defense Force (JDF): Jamaica Regiment (Land Force), Maritime, Air, and Cyber Command (MACC), Support Brigade, Caribbean Military Academy, Jamaica National Reserve (2025)
note: note: the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is the country’s police force; it has primary responsibility for internal security and has units for community policing, special response, intelligence gathering, and internal affairs; both it and the JDF are under the Ministry of National Security
note: note: the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is the country’s police force; it has primary responsibility for internal security and has units for community policing, special response, intelligence gathering, and internal affairs; both it and the JDF are under the Ministry of National Security
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 4,000 active Jamaica Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the JDF is lightly armed with a limited inventory featuring equipment mostly from Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-23 for voluntary military service (17 with parental consent) for men and women; 18-28 for the reserves; no conscription; since 2017, the JDF's standard mode of recruitment is to enroll recruits ages 18-23 through the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC), which has a service requirement of 12 months (2025)
note: note 1: the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF), a youth organization under the Ministry of Security, also provides a recruitment pool for the JDF, as well as other government agencies
note 2: as of 2022, women made up about 20% of the JDF's uniformed personnel
Reference: 2025, 2022, 2017note: note 1: the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF), a youth organization under the Ministry of Security, also provides a recruitment pool for the JDF, as well as other government agencies
note 2: as of 2022, women made up about 20% of the JDF's uniformed personnel
Military - note
in addition to its responsibility of defending against external aggression, the Jamaican Defense Force's (JDF) primary missions are border, cyber, internal, and maritime security; other missions include search and rescue, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping; it has arrest authority and partners with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), particularly in support of combating crime and violence; both the JDF and JCF are under the Ministry of National Security, which directs policy for the security forces; the JDF participates in bilateral and multinational training exercises, including with the armed forces of Canada, the UK, the US, and other Caribbean nations
while Jamaica had a militia force as early as the 1660s, the JDF was constituted in 1962 from the West India Regiment (WIR), a British colonial regiment which dates back to 1795 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1962while Jamaica had a militia force as early as the 1660s, the JDF was constituted in 1962 from the West India Regiment (WIR), a British colonial regiment which dates back to 1795 (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Antony B. ANDERSON (since 24 July 2025)
chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660
FAX: [1] (202) 452-0036
email address and website: contactus@jamaicaembassy.org
Jamaican Embassy (embassyofjamaica.org)
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660
FAX: [1] (202) 452-0036
email address and website: contactus@jamaicaembassy.org
Jamaican Embassy (embassyofjamaica.org)
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Scott RENNER (since 13 August 2025)
embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
mailing address: 3210 Kingston Place, Washington DC 20521-3210
telephone: (876) 702-6000
FAX: (876) 702-6348
email address and website: KingstonACS@state.gov
https://jm.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
mailing address: 3210 Kingston Place, Washington DC 20521-3210
telephone: (876) 702-6000
FAX: (876) 702-6348
email address and website: KingstonACS@state.gov
https://jm.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1978-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1962-09-18 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
6Y
Airports
20 (2025)
Heliports
2 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 40 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 11, oil tanker 1, other 27
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 11, oil tanker 1, other 27
Ports
total ports: 11 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 2
very small: 8
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Falmouth, Kingston, Lucea, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, Rio Bueno, Rocky Point, Savannah la Mar
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 1
small: 2
very small: 8
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Falmouth, Kingston, Lucea, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, Rio Bueno, Rocky Point, Savannah la Mar
Environment
Environmental issues
heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston from vehicle emissions; land erosion
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior
Land use
agricultural land: 38.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 21.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 56.2% (2023 est.)
other: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 21.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 56.2% (2023 est.)
other: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 57.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 7.89 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 239,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 6.04 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 1.611 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 239,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 6.04 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 1.611 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
14.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.052 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 339.867 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 43.989 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 78.972 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 43.989 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 78.972 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
10.823 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 459,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
3 free-to-air TV stations, subscription cable services, and roughly 30 radio stations (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.jm
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,809,915 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 2,815,764 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 2,820,097 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 2,823,271 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 2,830,739 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 2,837,682 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 2,839,144 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 2,839,786 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,839,175 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 2,837,077 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $14,898,999,754 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $15,783,583,237 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $16,855,447,986 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $17,026,269,263 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $15,000,214,216 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $15,963,885,376 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $18,813,516,805 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $21,418,797,833 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $22,014,429,051 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $22,704,903,218 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 23,629 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 24,007 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 611,422 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 811,937 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 833,377 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 895,828 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,005,109 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,084,528 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,175,941 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,248,512 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -10,335 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -10,335 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -10,335 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -10,335 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -4,665 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -10,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -10,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -10,506 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -11,053 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,837,077 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 2,833,404 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 2,697,983 | 2011 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 24,007 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,248,512 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -11,053 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 13 | 2018 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 21 | 2018 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 2,642 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 7,541 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.919 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 2.161 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.585 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.427 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.952 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.364 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.204 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Male illegal since 1864; Penalty: 10 years and/or hard labor (Not enforced). Legalization proposed; Yes Female always legal. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2011 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $22,704,903,218 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $8,003 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 0.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 71.6 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 59.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 90.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 79.9% | 1999 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 84.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 97.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,205 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 10.5% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 16.4 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 56.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 117.7 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 16.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 192 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 17.9927° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -76.7920° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 18.1800° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -77.4000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | America/Jamaica | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:16