- Population:
- 2,816,602
- Official Language:
- English
- Languages:
- 9
- Primary Religion:
- Christianity
Languages:
The official language of Jamaica is English, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. However, Jamaican Patois, also known as Jamaican Creole, is a widely spoken language in the country, particularly in informal settings. Patois is an English-based creole language that has its roots in the African languages and dialects brought to Jamaica by enslaved people. Patois is recognized by the Jamaican government as a national language and has been the subject of efforts to standardize and promote its use. However, English remains the language of instruction in schools, and proficiency in English is necessary for higher education and many professional positions. Religion:
The largest religion in Jamaica is Christianity, with the majority of the population belonging to various Protestant denominations, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Pentecostal Church, and the Church of God. Roman Catholicism is also practiced in Jamaica, but it represents a smaller percentage of the population. Other religions, such as Rastafarianism, which has its roots in Jamaica, and Islam, are also practiced in the country, but their numbers are relatively small. Ethnic Groups:
Black 92.1%, mixed 6.1%, East Indian 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.7% (2011 est.)