Place details
Place nameJamaica
Other namesJamaïque, Jamaika, Giamaica, JAM, JM, ISO388, JM00, Xaimaca, Jamaican
Latitude18.25
Longitude-77.5
SourceThesaurus of Geographic Names
Overview
Comprises island of the same name and surround islets; originally inhabited by Arawaks, who migrated from other islands ca. 700 CE; Spanish colonized 16th century, brought West Africans as slaves for sugar plantations 17th century; British acquired area 1670; Maroons (organized runaway slaves) rebelled 17th-18th centuries; official language is English, though a Jamaican English creole, Spanish, French and African languages are also spoken.
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Location