Demographics

The majority of the city's population is of African descent. The city is also home to sizeable minority ethnic groups such as the East Indians and Chinese, who came to the country as indentured servants in the mid to late 19th century. The Chinese especially occupy important roles in the city's economy especially in retail where Downtown Montego Bay is home to many shops and supermarkets owned by Chinese immigrants. The city's East Indians population also play a key role as they operate many gift and jewelry shops in the city which are mostly geared to tourists.
There is also a minority of Europeans, some descending from immigrants from Germany (the city is a 1 1/2 hour drive from German settlements such as German Town in Westmoreland) and Great Britain (who own most of the land in the city from as far back as the days of the slave trade).
The city is also home to many immigrants from Hispanic countries such as Mexico, Cuba and Spain as well as many French, Russians and Italians (who mostly own homes or beachfront properties in the area).
Due to the heavy influence of Tourism and BPO, the city is also home to many Americans and Canadians, who either work in Tourism or BPO.