Background Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a dropoff in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office. Subsequent governments have been open market oriented. Political violence marred elections during the 1990s.

NOTE: The information regarding Jamaica on this page is re-published from the 2002 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Jamaica Introduction 2002 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Jamaica Introduction 2002 should be addressed to the CIA.