Jamaica

Country in Americas

In brief

Public spending on education, share of GDP: 5.5% (2024). World rank 34 of 184; in Americas, 5 of 41. Nurses and midwives per 1,000 people: 1.6 (2023). World rank 148 of 192 (1 = best); in Americas, 32 of 36. HIV prevalence, ages 15–49: 1.1% (2024). World rank 118 of 153 (1 = best); in Americas, 23 of 30. From 2014 to 2024: primary school enrolment 94% → 97.3%, secondary school enrolment 86.4% → 84.5%, and public spending on education 6% → 5.5% (share of GDP).

Education

Adult literacy: 79.9% 1999
Primary school enrolment: 97.3% 2024
Secondary school enrolment: 84.5% 2024
Higher education enrolment: 26.2% 2015
Public spending on education, share of GDP: 5.5% 2024

Healthcare

Health spending, share of GDP: 7.6% 2023
Health spending per person: $520 2023
Out-of-pocket health spending, share of total: 20.3% 2023
Doctors per 1,000 people: 0.5 2023
Nurses and midwives per 1,000 people: 1.6 2023
Hospital beds per 1,000 people: 1.7 2023
Children vaccinated against measles: 94% 2024

Public health

Infant deaths per 1,000 births: 16.4 2024
Deaths under age 5 per 1,000 births: 17.8 2024
Maternal deaths per 100,000 births: 130 2023
HIV prevalence, ages 15–49: 1.1% 2024
Diabetes prevalence, ages 20–79: 12.5% 2024
Overweight adults: 61.1% 2022
Adults who use tobacco: 11.5% 2024

Living conditions

Access to safe drinking water: 87.6% 2024
Access to basic sanitation: 91.6% 2024
Access to clean cooking fuels: 93% 2024