Jamaica Population 2026: 3.0M People, High Density

Jamaica is more densely populated than most countries in Caribbean: 3.0M people across 10,990 km², giving a density of 273/km².

GDP per capita stands at $5,500: below the global average, reflecting a developing economy. The capital, Kingston, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.

📊 Population at a Glance

👥
Total Population
3.0M
estimated
🏙️
Population Density
273/km²
per km²
📐
Total Area
10,990 km²
land coverage
🏛️
Capital City
Kingston
main city
💰
GDP
$16.5B
total output
💵
GDP Per Capita
$5,500
per person

About Jamaica's Population

With a population of 3.0M, Jamaica is home to a significant number of people within its 10,990 km² of territory. The population density of 273/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a relatively high density, indicating an urbanised or geographically small country.

The capital city, Kingston, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Jamaica. Jamaica has a coastline of 1,022 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.

In economic terms, Jamaica has a total GDP of $16.5B, translating to $5,500 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Dollar (JMD).

Jamaica gained independence in 1962 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is English, making it straightforward for international visitors and businesses to communicate.

Within the Caribbean region, Jamaica sits alongside Cuba (11.1M), Antigua and Barbuda (93K), Bahamas (393K). This regional context helps illustrate how Jamaica's population size compares to its neighbours.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jamaica's Population

What is the population of Jamaica in 2026?

The population of Jamaica is approximately 3.0M people as of 2026.

What is the capital city of Jamaica?

The capital city of Jamaica is Kingston, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.

How densely populated is Jamaica?

Jamaica has a population density of 273/km². This is considered high, one of the more densely populated countries in its region.

What is the GDP per capita of Jamaica?

Jamaica has a GDP per capita of $5,500, with a total GDP of $16.5B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.

What language do people speak in Jamaica?

The official language of Jamaica is English.

How big is Jamaica?

Jamaica covers a total area of 10,990 km². With a population of 3.0M, that gives a density of 273/km².

When did Jamaica gain independence?

Jamaica gained independence in 1962.

What currency is used in Jamaica?

The official currency of Jamaica is the Dollar (JMD).

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