CASE STUDY – JAMAICA

Jamaica is a Caribbean island located in the Greater Antilles. It has an area of 10,990 square
kilometers. In 2011, the population of Jamaica was estimated to be 2,709,300.

Map of Jamaica
 

Population Growth in Jamaica

The population of Jamaica increased rapidly in the 1900’s but in recent times, the rate of growth
has decreased. Though the population is still growing, it is not growing as quickly as it was in
past decades. The line graph below shows that population growth in Jamaica has generally been
on the decline for some time. In the early 1980’s the population growth rate was almost two
percent but by 2011, the rate had dropped to about a quarter of one percent.
 
Some of the factors affecting population growth in Jamaica:
The fertility rate has decreased drastically in the last few decades and is now about 2.4.
The birth rate has also decreased. The decrease in the birth and fertility rates has a negative
effect on the rate of population growth. The fertility and birth rates have decreased partly
because more women now pursue careers and thus delay childbearing. Also birth control is more
readily available. The fall in the birth rate has caused a decrease in the rate of natural
increase.
Life expectancy has increased and infant mortality has decreased as a result of improvements in
living conditions and medical care. This will tend to have a positive effect on the rate of
population growth.
There is a significant outflow of migrants to the USA, Canada, Britain and other Caribbean
territories. There is a much smaller number of people moving into Jamaica from other countries.
Since emigration is greater than immigration, this will have a negative effect on population
growth.