[20060203]RS22372_牙买加：政治和经济状况与美国关系.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22372February 3, 2006Jamaica: Political and Economic Conditionsand U.S. Relationsname redactedSpecialist in Latin American AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryAlthough Jamaica has a stable parliamentary democracy and is a middle-incomedeveloping country, the government of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson faces severalsignificant challenges. These include a violent crime wave fueled by gangs and drugtrafficking; high external debt, estimated at 135% of gross domestic product, that couldconstrain the governments social expenditures; and an adult HIV/AIDS infection rateof over 1%. U.S. relations with Jamaica are close and characterized by significanteconomic linkages and cooperation on such bilateral issues as anti-drug traffickingmeasures, hurricane reconstruction support, and efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic.Overall U.S. foreign aid to Jamaica amounted to about $41 million in FY2005 (with $18million for hurricane assistance) and an estimated $19 million in overall aid for FY2006.This report will not be updated. For further information, see CRS R