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'''Jamaica''' is an island nation in the [[Caribbean Sea]] just 95 miles south of [[Cuba]].  Jamaica has successfully resisted international pressure to repeal its laws against [[homosexual]] conduct and [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20150523/ja-pressed-gay-rights-same-sex-marriage</ref>

'''Jamaica''' is an island nation in the [[Caribbean Sea]] just 95 miles south of [[Cuba]].  Jamaica has successfully resisted international pressure to repeal its laws against [[homosexual]] conduct and [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20150523/ja-pressed-gay-rights-same-sex-marriage</ref>

Jamaica has a total area of 10,990 sq km (4,243 sq mi) and extends, at maximum, 235 km (146 mi) N–S and 82 km (51 mi) E–W. Comparatively, the area occupied by Jamaica is slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut. The total coastline is 1,022 km (634 mi). The country is divided into fourteen regions called parishes and the capital of Jamaica is Kingston.     

Jamaica has a total area of 10,990 sq km (4,243 sq mi) and extends, at maximum, 235&nbsp;km (146&nbsp;mi) N–S and 82&nbsp;km (51&nbsp;mi) E–W. Comparatively, the area occupied by Jamaica is slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut. The total coastline is 1,022&nbsp;km (634&nbsp;mi). The country is divided into fourteen regions called parishes and the capital of Jamaica is Kingston.     

The government of Jamaica is a Constitutional parliamentary democracy, which is based on the model of the United Kingdom . The Chief of State is [[Queen Elizabeth II]], who is represented by a Governor General. The head of government is the Prime Minister.  The official language of Jamaica is [[English]].

The government of Jamaica is a Constitutional parliamentary democracy, which is based on the model of the United Kingdom . The Chief of State is [[Queen Elizabeth II]], who is represented by a Governor General. The head of government is the Prime Minister.  The official language of Jamaica is [[English]].

==Rastafarians==

==Rastafarians==

The [[Rastafarianism | Rastafari movement]] was founded in Jamaica. This movement believes that [[Haile Selassie]] of [[Ethiopia]] is God incarnate, the returned messiah, come to take the lost Twelve Tribes of Israel back to live with him in Holy Mount [[Zion]] in a world of perfect peace, love and harmony. The movement's name comes from the [[Amharic]] title ''Ras'' ("head") and Haile Selassie's given name, Tafari. Bob Marley, a convert to the faith, spread the message of Rastafari to the world. There are now estimated to be more than a million Rastafarians throughout the world. Due to the influence of Rastafarianism, [[marijuana]] has been cultivated throughout the island. Indians first brought seeds of the plant from Asia and its use spread rapidly among plantation workers. Though it was outlawed, it is still used by some Rastafarians during meditation and prayer. it is commonly referred to as "wisdom weed".

The [[Rastafarianism|Rastafari movement]] was founded in Jamaica. This movement believes that [[Haile Selassie]] of [[Ethiopia]] is God incarnate, the returned messiah, come to take the lost Twelve Tribes of Israel back to live with him in Holy Mount [[Zion]] in a world of perfect peace, love and harmony. The movement's name comes from the [[Amharic]] title ''Ras'' ("head") and Haile Selassie's given name, Tafari. Bob Marley, a convert to the faith, spread the message of Rastafari to the world. There are now estimated to be more than a million Rastafarians throughout the world. Due to the influence of Rastafarianism, [[marijuana]] has been cultivated throughout the island. Indians first brought seeds of the plant from Asia and its use spread rapidly among plantation workers. Though it was outlawed, it is still used by some Rastafarians during meditation and prayer. it is commonly referred to as "wisdom weed".

==Culture==

==Culture==

Jamaica is known for its [[reggae]] and dub music, which has gained a wide audience due to internationally renowned artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh and [[Bob Marley]].  

Jamaica is known for its [[reggae]] and dub music, which has gained a wide audience due to internationally renowned artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh and [[Bob Marley]].  

==See Also==

==See also==

* [[Rastafarianism]]

* [[Rastafarianism]]

* [[dreadlocks]]

* [[dreadlocks]]

* [[marijuana]]

* [[marijuana]]

[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]

[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Christian-Majority Countries]]

[[Category:Christian-Majority Countries]]