Jamaica Population Overview
Jamaica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. It is the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola.
According to the UN World Population Prospects, the population of Jamaica in 2026 is estimated at 2,823,199, or approximately 2.8 million people.
Jamaica Quick Facts & Demographics (2026)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2026 est.) | 2,823,199 |
| Caribbean Rank (by population) | 5 |
| Sovereignty | Independent |
| Land Area | 10,831 sq. km (4,182 sq. mi) |
| Area Rank (Global) | 160 |
| Population Density | 273 people per sq. km |
| Capital City | Kingston |
Source: United Nations World Population Prospects
Jamaican Population Abroad
Jamaica has a notable diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, contributing to significant overseas communities.
Also read about the Jamaican population in the United States.
Religion in Jamaica
Jamaica is home to a diverse range of faiths, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage. Christianity is the majority religion, followed by about 69% of the population.
Among Christians, Protestantism is the most prevalent, representing 64.8% of the population. Roman Catholics account for 2.2%, while Jehovah’s Witnesses make up 1.9%.
Jamaican Protestantism includes several denominations: 24% Church of God, 11% Seventh-day Adventist, 10% Pentecostal, 7% Baptist, 4% Anglican, 2% United Church, 2% Methodist, 1% Moravian, and 1% Brethren Christian.
Rastafari and Afro-Caribbean Religions
The Rastafari movement, or Rasta, arose in Jamaica in the 1930s and is followed by approximately 1.1% of the population. Various African-derived faiths and traditional practices—including Kumina, Convince, Myal, and Obeah—are also practiced on the island.
Other Religions and Non-Religious
Jamaica has small communities of Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of the Baháʼí Faith.
Approximately 21.3% of Jamaicans are non-religious, while 2% of the population did not specify a religion.
Religion Percentage in Jamaica
| Religion / Affiliation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Christianity (Total) | 69% |
| – Protestant | 64.8% |
| – Roman Catholic | 2.2% |
| – Jehovah’s Witness | 1.9% |
| Rastafari | 1.1% |
| Other Religions | 6.5% |
| No Religion | 21.3% |
| Unspecified | 2% |
Ethnicity and Race in Jamaica
Jamaica is a diverse-ethnic nation, with most of the population being of African or partial African descent, primarily tracing their ancestry to West African countries such as Ghana and Nigeria. Other ancestral roots include Europe, South Asia, and East Asia.
Racial Composition
| Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Black or Black Mixed | 92.1% |
| Mixed non-Black | 6.1% |
| Indo-Jamaican | 0.8% |
| Others | 0.4% |
| Unspecified | 0.7% |
Black or Afro-Jamaicans
Afro-Jamaicans are the largest ethnic group in the country, consisting of individuals of predominantly or partial Sub-Saharan African descent. A 2020 study showed that among Afro-Jamaicans:
76.3% are of African descent
15.1% are Afro-European
3.4% are East Indian or Afro-East Indian
3.2% are Caucasian
1.2% are Chinese
0.8% belong to other groups
Asians
Asians in Jamaica include Indo-Jamaicans and Chinese Jamaicans, mostly descended from indentured workers brought by the British colonial government after the abolition of slavery in 1838. The southwestern parish of Westmoreland has a notable Indo-Jamaican population.
Europeans
The majority of European ancestry comes from English settlers. Other significant European groups include Germans, Irish, Portuguese, Poles, and Scots. Jamaica also has a small European Jewish community.
Other Groups
Jamaica has around 20,000 people of Lebanese and Syrian ancestry. Recent immigration has increased from China, Haiti, Cuba, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, adding to the island’s multicultural heritage.
Largest Cities in Jamaica by Population
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kingston | 661,862 |
| 2 | Portmore | 182,153 |
| 3 | Spanish Town | 147,152 |
| 4 | Montego Bay | 110,115 |
| 5 | May Pen | 61,548 |
| 6 | Mandeville | 49,695 |
| 7 | Old Harbour | 28,912 |
| 8 | Savanna-la-Mar | 22,633 |
| 9 | Ocho Rios | 16,671 |
| 10 | Linstead | 15,231 |
Note: City populations are estimates and may vary based on administrative boundaries.
Jamaica Population FAQs
What is the population of Jamaica in 2026?
Jamaica’s population in 2026 is estimated at 2.82 million, according to the UN World Population Prospects.
Is Jamaica the largest Caribbean island by population?
No. Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles but ranks fifth by population in the Caribbean.
What is the main religion in Jamaica?
Christianity is the majority religion, followed by about 69% of the population, with Protestantism being the largest denomination.
What percentage of Jamaicans are non-religious?
Approximately 21.3% of Jamaicans are non-religious, while 2% did not specify a religion.
What is the Rastafari movement?
The Rastafari movement is a religious and cultural movement that began in Jamaica in the 1930s and is followed by about 1.1% of the population.
What is the ethnic composition of Jamaica?
About 92% of Jamaicans are Black or Black Mixed, 6.1% are mixed non-Black, 0.8% are Indo-Jamaican, and 0.4% belong to other ethnic groups.
What is the largest city in Jamaica?
Kingston is the largest city, with a population of over 661,000 people.
Where do most Jamaicans live outside the country?
Many Jamaicans live abroad, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, forming a significant diaspora.
Are Afro-Caribbean religions practiced in Jamaica?
Yes. Kumina, Convince, Myal, and Obeah are among the African-derived religious practices observed alongside Christianity.
What languages are spoken in Jamaica?
The official language is English, and Jamaican Patois is widely spoken across the island.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch