Jamaica/Society

Society in Jamaica

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
2.8M(2023)
Population Growth
0%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.36(2023)
Death Rate
8.1 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-10.5K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
71.5 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
19.3 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
130 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
7.8%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
80%(1999)
Primary Enrollment
81%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
86.4%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
26.4(2015)
Education Expenditure
5.7%(2023)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
83.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
97.7%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
91.1%(2022)
Urban Population
1.6M(2023)
Rural Population
1.2M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Jamaica

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Jamaica has an estimated population of 2.8M
    2023
    , with a modest annual growth rate of 0.0%
    2023
    , suggesting a mature demographic transition with stable, but limitated, population increase. The critically low fertility rate of 1.4 births per woman
    2023
    presents severe demographic challenges, including accelerated population aging and contraction, impacting economic and social systems. Net emigration of approximately 11K individuals annually (or 3.7 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 71.5 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (19.3 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (130 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 7.8% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 80%
    1999
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 81% of children
    2018
    , secondary enrollment at 86%
    2023
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 5.7% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2023
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, a still balanced urban-rural distribution (57% urban population
    2023
    ) creates diverse economic opportunities but necessitates coordinated infrastructure development to bridge potential disparities. Furthermore, infrastructure development shows strong progress with 98% electricity access
    2023
    and 83% internet penetration
    2023
    , supporting ongoing modernization efforts and enhancing quality of life.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

The combination of low fertility and net emigration poses significant long-term risks to workforce sustainability and economic vitality.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.