Geography
Jamaica lies 90 miles south of Cuba and 550 miles south of Miami. The island is 146 miles long and is the largest English speaking Caribbean Island and the 3rd largest Caribbean Island. Jamaica has a maritime tropical climate" and a rich cultural heritage. Jamaica has a population of2.5 million people with a population growth rate of 0.8%. Kingston is the capital and the major commercial centre, while Montego Bay is the second city and the major tourist destination.

Currency
The official currency is the Jamaican dollar. However, other international currencies are accepted.

Government
Jamaica is an independent state, a parliamentary democracy and a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Political power lies with parliament which consists of a House of elected members representing sixty constituencies. Elections are held every five years and there are two major political parties the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP). Presently the government is formed by the People's National Party.

The Jamaican Economy
Jamaica operates a market driven open economy with specially designed incentives to encourage global investment. Although tourism has overtaken bauxite as the main foreign exchange earner, the non-traditional sector promises to be at least an equal earner of foreign exchange, with its steady positive growth over the past ten years.

Restructuring of the Financial Sector over the past three years has resulted in a more efficient and strong sector. Currently there are 6 commercial banks, 9 independent merchant banks, 3 finance companies and 5 building societies in operation. These institutions are regulated by the Bank of Jamaica, the country's Central Bank and the Securities Commission.

Inflation
During 1998 the annual inflation rate was 7.9% the lowest in 14 years and in 1999 the rate was reduced further to 6.8%. Inflation remains encouraging for business confidence with the average monthly rate falling within the target of 1% or less.