Population of Jamaica

Let's talk about the population of Jamaica.

From 1960 to 2022, Jamaica's population experienced a notable increase, rising from 1.63 million to 2.83 million people, indicating a growth of 73.6 percent over the span of 62 years. The most substantial surge occurred in 1982, reaching 1.69 percent, while the most significant decline took place in 2015 at -2.81 percent.

In contrast, the global population surged by 162.2 percent during the same period. The average age in Jamaica also saw an upward shift of 1.90 years from 2012 to 2021, climbing from 27.50 to 29.40 years (median value).

As of 2023, Jamaica's population stands at 2,825,544, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.06% compared to the 2022 population of 2,827,377. In the preceding year, 2022, there was a marginal decline of 0.01% from the 2021 population.

Endogamy, the practice of marrying within a specific social or ethnic group, presents challenges for the Jamaican population. One notable concern is the potential reduction in genetic diversity, as repeated intermarriage within smaller communities may increase the risk of genetic disorders and inherited conditions. This limited genetic variation can have implications for the overall health of the population. Additionally, endogamy might be influenced by cultural or social preferences, contributing to the perpetuation of social stratification and potentially hindering social mobility and integration between different groups.

The population density in Jamaica is currently 261 people per square kilometer (676 people per square mile). The population of Jamaica is growing at a rate of 0.3% per year.

Jamaica's total population approached the 3 million mark, with approximately 1.42 million women and 1.4 million men.

The primary ethnic group in Jamaica consists of Afro-Jamaicans, constituting 76.3% of the population. Other ethnic minorities include Afro-European individuals at 15.1%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian populations at 3.4%, Caucasians at 3.2%, and Chinese at 1.2%. The remaining 0.8% falls into the "Other" category.

White Jamaicans constitute a population of 4,365 individuals, accounting for 0.2% of the total population. Meanwhile, the majority of the population, at 92.1%, is classified as Black.

Jamaica is home to an Indian diaspora of approximately 70,000 people, whose ancestors arrived as indentured laborers between 1845 and 1917. The majority of these individuals trace their roots to regions such as Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Basti, Deoria, and Gorakhpur in India.

The primary Chinese Jamaican community is situated in Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, boasting a history dating back to the mid-19th century. This community's origins trace back to the arrival of Chinese immigrants who came to Jamaica to work on sugar plantations.

Presently, there are approximately 25,000 Chinese Jamaicans residing in Jamaica, with the majority concentrated in Kingston. Over the years, this community has played a vital role in shaping Jamaica's economy, contributing significantly to its culture, and leaving a lasting imprint on the nation's history.

Approximately 5,000 individuals in Jamaica are believed to adhere to the Muslim faith.

Seventy-five percent of the Jamaican population identifies as Christians, encompassing various denominations, including the Mormon Church and Quakers.