Facts about Jamaica
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Six hundred miles off the southern coast of the United States and ninety miles south of Cuba, the island of Jamaica is the largest English speaking nation in the Caribbean. The Size of Jamaica
Jamaica is 146 miles long and ranges from 22 to 51 miles in width. The total land area of the island is close to 4500 square miles.
...and the Geography of Jamaica?
The island of Jamaica has a varied terrain with peaks in the Blue Mountains of up to 7400 feet. The mountainous central region tapers to rolling hills and coastal plain, the north side of which is graced by stretches of white sand beach. Limestone cliffs edge the western tip of Jamaica and the island has several natural bays including the most well known, Montego Bay.
The lush rain forest and abundant springs of the central mountains produce more than 120 rivers that flow to the sea. The fast flowing northern Black River, Martha Brae, Rio Cobre, Rio Grande and Milk River provide agricultural irrigation, transport and hydroelectric power.
Jamaica’s south coast is semi arid with darker sand beaches and vegetation reminiscent of an African savanna. Sandy coves, bluffs, caves and a string of cays stretch along the waters edge and fishing villages are the predominant settlements.
Jamaican Government and Trade
After gaining independence from Britain in 1962 Jamaica adopted a parliamentary government based in the capital city of Kingston and retains a strong British influence throughout the three counties of Cornwall, Sussex and Middlesex.
The island’s proximity to the United States combined with its stunning natural beauty make Jamaica a leader in Caribbean tourism and Jamaica’s economy relies heavily on the more than two million visitors that come each year.
Exports of bauxite, sugar, bananas, pimento, citrus fruits, rum, and coffee, along with tourism, support the island’s population of 2.65 million.
The Caribbean region in general is considered by experts to be one of most ecologically varied on the planet and Jamaica’s Lower Morass, a 14,000 acre swamp at the mouth of the Black River is the largest environment of its kind with the greatest biodiversity in the entire Caribbean.
Other interesting Jamaican Facts
Among other interesting facts about Jamaica is the existence of over 252 species of birds, 27 of which are found exclusively in Jamaica. Consistent temperatures in the 80’s and fertile soils grow papaya, mango, passion fruit, guava and the island supplies most of the world’s demand for pimento. Fruits have been naturalized to the island from elsewhere including the national dish ackee, which brought from Africa, now grows in abundance throughout the island. Ackee, most often served with salt fish, is poisonous until dried and has a texture and flavor similar to scrambled eggs.
Jamaica is a predominantly Christian country and although notorious for the “anything goes” attitude of Negril, Jamaicans are conservative in dress and behavior.
The national motto is “Out of many, one people,” which speaks to the friendly tolerance exhibited by Jamaicans towards the many visitors who double the country’s population each winter season.
Some little known facts about Jamaica are that Jamaican art is regarded as some of the best to come out of the Caribbean and artists like Edna Manley and Ronald Moody are exhibited and collected all over the world.
Music is an integral part of Jamaican life and the visitor is hard pressed to find a spot on the island where music isn’t playing somewhere. Through the talent of musicians Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, the genre of reggae has captivated the world marking the island of Jamaica as a creative musical force. Ska, dub and dance hall are all forms based on the foundation of African drumbeat music mingled with European influence and are played in clubs and on radio throughout Jamaica.
Jamaicans celebrate flavor and their cuisine reflects the lush, tropical environment. A culinary fact about Jamaica is the prevalence of jerk cooking, brought to the island by African slaves. Jerk is the process of slow cooking spice rubbed meats in deep pits. The searing hot scotch bonnet pepper is combined with thyme, allspice, paprika and other spices to make a paste that is used today to jerk chicken, pork and goat. Jerk is sold all over the island in outdoor kitchens and gourmet restaurants alongside Johnnycakes, Meat Patties, Callaloo and Rice and Peas.
Some facts about Jamaica are more obvious than others: Spicy food, good music, stunning scenery and friendly people combine to make the island of Jamaica a place that once visited, is never forgotten.
Some Important Jamaica Links
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The Jamaica Tourist Board:
http:www.visitjamaica.com
The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.jamaicachamber.org.jm
The Jamaican Yellow Pages:
http://www.jamaicanservices.com
The Jamaica Flag Information:
http://www.Jamaica-beaches-lovers.com/jamaica-flag.html
Make your own Jamaica Food:
http://www.Jamaica-beaches-lovers.com/food-from-jamaica.html
...and if you have any interesting facts about Jamaica why not send them to us using the Q & A page found in the Navigation Bar to your left.
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