Independent Publishers Group - Jamaica - Culture Smart!

Jamaica suffers from a PR problem, created largely by tabloid headlines written thousands of miles away. The reality is more complex and more fascinating. Despite its small size, Jamaica punches above its weight. It is one of the few countries to have its own soundtrack— mento, ska, and reggae are popular around the world. In the English-speaking Caribbean they have a reputation for being brash, but the Jamaicans have a warmth that is unmatched. They are unafraid to talk to strangers, they'll laugh at nearly anything, they'll discuss and debate with passion, and they'll let you know it straight. Despite real economic and social problems, this beautiful and invigorating country regularly ranks among the top five happiest nations in the world in the annual Happy Planet Index. Culture Smart! Jamaica takes you beyond the clichés with a fresh, uniquely well-informed look at of one of the most intriguing countries in the region.