Caribbean - Jamaica

Cities in Caribbean - Jamaica

Name: Jamaika · Jamaique · Giamaica
Location: Caribbean
Initials: JA
International country code: 1 876
International access code: 011
Language: English
Area: 10,991 km² / 4,243 sq mi.
Currency: 1 Jamaican Dollar (J$) = 100 Cents
Population: 2,655,000
Capital: Kingston
Religions: 56% Protestant, 5% Catholic
Climate: Tropical climate, hot and humid. The interior is more moderate. Peak tourist season is from Dec-Apr.

The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) has been campaigning since 1998 to overturn Jamaica's harsh sodomy laws, which outlaw homosexuality, which is punishable with up to 10 years hard labour. According to paragraphs 76-79 of the Jamaican penal code homosexuality is prohibited. Violence against lesbians and gays is commonplace and is given free reign by the government's refusal to tackle this situation. Queer-bashing is also fuelled by Jamaican popular music which glorifies the murder of gays. In September 2009 the British Honorary Consul, John Terry was murdered. A homophobic motive for this murder has been denied by the local police officials. Jamaica continues to be the worlds most homophobic country in the western Hemisphere!