Official Name:	Jamaica
Capital City:	Kingston
Size:	4,411 square miles. Slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut in the U.S.
Length:	146 miles
Width:	22-51 miles
Population:	2,605,800 (July 2000 estimate).
Population of a few selected cities:	Kingston, 800,000; Montego Bay, 82,000; Mandeville, 13,681; Port Antonio, 10,426; Ocho Rios, 5,851; Negril, 1,166.
Annual population growth rate:	0.46%
Average Temperature:	82� F
Climate:	Tropical. Hot, Humid, Temperate interior.
Average Rainfall:	78 inches annually
Population:	2.6 million (July 2000 estimate).

It is said that "Health is Wealth" and the Medical Profession is the noblest profession in the world. The core values attributed to maintaining the medical profession constitutes the quality of health professionals generated and their healthcare delivery in the community. AAIMS strongly believes through its mission and vision it will maintain these core values.

The population of Jamaica was 2.9 million in 2009 (estimated), with an average annual rate of growth of 1.1% from 1980 to 1990. Approximately 45% of people are 19 years or under, and a little less than 8% are above 65.

The people of Jamaica have emerged from a historical process in which peoples of all the continents were brought together within a well-defined social hierarchy. "Out of Many, One People" is the National Motto.

The vast majority is of African descent, but there are well established, but small, Indian, Chinese, Arab, and European communities as well. Jamaican culture is a particular synthesis of all these cultures.

Popular culture is heavily influenced by the African heritage, while formal behavior is unmistakably British in style. While it is arguable that the popular speech of Jamaicans (Patois) is a distinct language from English, it was derived largely from English which has been the official language for over 300 years. The influence of the USA is evident, reflecting the closer ties with that society.

The island - discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee.

The abolition of slavery in 1938 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958, it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Significant criminal activity, and poverty pose real challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.

The parish of St. Elizabeth has always been known for its sense of community and friendly people. Traditionally, the people in the area have been farmers and fishermen, but are now venturing into tourism. St. Elizabeth is unique in that many of the families in the area have lived there for many generations and have a deep sense of tradition and belonging. The area is poised to develop community tourism. This type of tourism appeals to the sophisticated traveler who wishes to experience the culture of Jamaica, learn about our history, appreciates value for money and is seeking privacy in a restful and angst free environment.