Ever since Errol Flynn cavorted here with his Hollywood pals in the 1930s and '40s, travelers have regarded Jamaica as one of the most alluring of the Caribbean islands. Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest of the English-speaking Caribbean islands. Its beaches, mountains and carnal red sunsets regularly appear in the world's tourist brochures, and, unlike other nearby islands, it democratically caters to all comers: you can choose a private villa with your own private beach; laugh your vacation away at a party-hearty resort; throw yourself into the thick of the island's life; or concentrate on experiencing the three Rs: reggae, reefers and rum.

On August 6, 1962, after more than 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became an independent country. Today, Jamaica remains a part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

But behind the now familiar clichés of 'tropical' scenery and 'shimmering' beaches lies a different Jamaica - one whose character arises from its complex culture, and that aspires to be African in defiance of both the island's geography and its colonial history. Jamaicans may have a quick wit and a ready smile, but this is not the happy-go-lucky island of Bacardi adverts and Harry Belafonte numbers. The island's sombre history is rooted in the sugar-plantation economy, and the slave era still weighs heavily on the national psyche. Rastafarianism may mean easy skankin' to some, but its confused expression of love, hope, anger and social discontent encapsulates modern Jamaica - a densely populated, poverty-ridden country that is struggling to escape dependency and debt. Come to Jamaica with an open mind and an interest in exploring these contradictions and you will truly have 'no problem mon.'

The country is very mountainous, with the highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, reaching 7,402 feet (2,256 m). The average annual rainfall is 78 inches (198 cm), and the average temperature is 82 degrees F (27 degrees C).

Full country name: Jamaica
Area: 4411 sq miles (11,425 sq km)
Population: 2,652,689
Capital city: Kingston (population 800,000)
People: 76% African descent, 15% Afro-European descent, 4% European, 3% East Indian & Middle Eastern, 1% Afro-Chinese & Chinese
Language: English and patois
Religion: 80% Christian, including revivalist cults such as Pocomania and Rastafarianism
Government: Independent member of the British Commonwealth
Prime Minister: PJ Patterson

GDP: US$8.8 billion
GDP per head: US$3,300
Annual growth: -2%
Inflation: 9.9%
Major industries: Tourism, bauxite, sugar, bananas
Major trading partner: USA

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