Jamaica
Jamaica
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.29%
Situated in Caribbean, Jamaica has a population of approximately 2.83 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 10,991 km², translating to a density of 257 people per km². Its capital is Kingston, and official languages include English and Jamaican Patois, while the Jamaican dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
2,825,544
Area
10,991 km²
Density
257/km²
World Rank
#141
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (11.6 per thousand) and death rate (8.1 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 18.7% of residents under 15 and 8.2% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kingston
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- Caribbean
- Continent
- North America
- Languages
- English, Jamaican Patois
- Currencies
- Jamaican dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +1876
- Top-Level Domain
- .jm
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-05:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,825,544
- Land Area
- 10,991 km²
- Population Density
- 257 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.29%
- Annual Growth
- +8,194 people
- Daily Growth
- +22 people
- World Population Share
- 0.03%
- Coordinates
- 18.25°, -77.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $7.8k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 39.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
71.5 years
GDP per Capita
$7,754
Birth Rate
11.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
58.9%
Fertility Rate
1.36 births/woman
Infant Mortality
18.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.3%
Literacy Rate
79.9%
Internet Users
89.5%
Under 15
18.7%
Over 65
8.2%
Health Spending
7.6% GDP
Gini Index
39.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
528K
15-64 years
2.1M
65+ years
232K
Urbanization
About 58.9% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Kingston serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 11053.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.7M
58.9%
1.2M
41.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 71.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 18.3 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 79.9% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Jamaica
Jamaica has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Jamaica is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.4 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Jamaica participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,825,544 |
| 2030 | 2,862,697 |
| 2035 | 2,918,600 |
| 2040 | 2,984,240 |
| 2045 | 3,058,963 |
| 2050 | 3,142,267 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Jamaica.
Largest Cities in Jamaica
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Jamaica by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Jamaica?
The population of Jamaica is approximately 2.8 million as of 2026, making it #141 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Jamaica?
The capital of Jamaica is Kingston.
What languages are spoken in Jamaica?
The main languages spoken in Jamaica are English, Jamaican Patois.
How big is Jamaica?
Jamaica covers an area of 10,991 km² with a population density of 257 people per km².
Is Jamaica growing or shrinking?
Jamaica is growing at a rate of 0.29% per year, adding approximately 8,194 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Jamaica?
The average life expectancy in Jamaica is 71.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Jamaica?
The GDP per capita of Jamaica is $7,754.