Jamaica- the island of churches

In Jamaica religion has a high priority. The majority of the population is Christian. Jamaica is in the Guinness Book of Records with the most churches in one country (area/population). There are more than 1500 churches. Due to the very rural character there are many small churches but also very large old impressive buildings. About 70% of the population are Protestants Only about 2% are Catholic. This is due to the minting by the English crown. There are various Protestant denominations such as the “Church of God”, the “Seventh-day Adventists”, the “Pentecostal Movement” and some others. Bedwardism is also present on the island. There are also Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus and various African religions such as Obeah, Myal or Kumina.


The Rastafarian movement which originated on the island in the 1930s is of course widespread. In 2011 a count showed about 30,000 members. The Rastafarian movement is attributed to Christianity where it has its roots. However it is very Afrocentric in nature. Rastafari can now be found all over the world especially in countries with large black or African populations.