Since the independence from Great Britain was gained in 1962, Jamaica is a sovereign state, a parliamentary democracy and a member of the British Commonwealth. The system of government is based on the Westminster model. At present, The Queen of England is also the Queen of Jamaica and is represented on the island by a Governor General whose duties like those of the British monarch are largely ceremonial.
Legislative power is vested in the bicameral Parliament. It is composed of an appointed Senate and an elected House of Representatives. The 60 members of the House of Representatives are elected by popular vote for a five-year term. Thirteen Senators are nominated on the advice of the prime minister and eight on the advice of the leader of the opposition. Executive power is vested in the cabinet, led by the prime minister. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party and is appointed from the House of Representatives by the governor-general. Jamaica's legal system is based on the English common law and practice.
The British divided the island into parishes for administrative purposes and this system has endured. There are 13 parishes, each with elected Parish Council. Originally these councils were composed of prominent local citizens but nowadays elections are fought on political party lines. The capital of Jamaica is Kingston. |
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Name: Jamaica |
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Area: 11,425 sq km |
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Capital City: Kingston |
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Population: 3 million |
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Language: English, Creole |
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Currency: Jamaica Dollar |
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Time Zone: GMT - 5 hrs |
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Religion: 80% Christian |
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