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ABOUT JAMAICA

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Location 

Jamaica is located in the Caribbean and is completely surrounded by the Caribbean sea. Dubbed the ‘Land of Wood and Water’, the island lies 140 km (90 mi) south of Cuba and 190 km (118 mi) west of Haiti. It is comprised of 14 parishes and the population is 2.93 million. The national colours are black, green and gold. Black symbolises the strength of the people; green symbolises the agriculture and natural vegetation of the land and; gold symbolises sunshine.

 

The capital city is Kingston. 

 

Surface area:      10,992 km²

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Climate and Geography: 

Jamaica is a tropical island. The weather is warm all year round, with an average high temperature of around 30°C (86°F) and an average low temperature of around 21°C (69.8°F). Expect plenty of sunshine when in Jamaica but do not be surprised if you also experience some rainfall.

 

The country's name comes from the Taino word 'Xaymaca', which means 'Land of Wood and Water'. The 'Land of Wood and Water' is a fitting title since the country is surrounded by the Caribbean sea and has many rivers and forests. Jamaica is also rich in biodiversity. In fact, it has the highest number of endemic birds and plants of any Caribbean island.

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The highest point on the island is the Blue Mountain Peak (2256 metres). 

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Jamaica is Known for :

 

Fastest men and women in the world , always dominating International track and field events. 

World class music ; Reggae and Dancehall.

Excellent cuisine including jerk chicken, oxtail and rice and peas.


 

Facts 

  • Jamaica has a Bobsled team .

  • Jamaica gained Independence in 1962.

  • There are 2 major cities in Jamaica: Kingston and Montego Bay.

  • Jamaica recognizes 7 individuals as national heroes.

  • Jamaica is the third largest Island in the Caribbean . 

 

Did you know ?

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The Manchester Club Golf Course in the parish of Manchester is thought to be the oldest surviving golf club in the western hemisphere? It was built in 1865 and the golf course is still in use today even though the original clubhouse was demolished and replaced by a new one in the 1990s.

 

Port Royal (a town in Jamaica) was once called "the richest and wickedest city in the world"? Port Royal was given this title because in the 17th century, buccaneers and pirates (including Henry Morgan) brought looted treasure to this port. It was also once the most important trading post in the New World and was home to traders, innkeepers, goldsmiths, taylors and soldiers. Unfortunately, the town was struck by a deadly earthquake in 1692, which caused two-thirds of it to sink. The "sunken city of Port Royal" continues to fascinate people from all over the world as it still appears almost exactly as it would in the 17th century. 

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Things to do in Jamaica :

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  • Bob Marley Museum

  • Dunn's River Falls

  • Dolvin Cove

  • Hiking the Blue Mountains 

  • Rick's café

  • Port Royal

  • Devon House ; enjoy best tasting Ice-cream 

  • White Marl Taino Midden and Museum

  • Rafting (Martha Brae/ Rio Grande)

  • The Blue Lagoon 

  • Blue Hole 

  • Boston Jerk Centre

  • Pelican Bar

  • Lime & Maiden Cay 

  • Strawberry Hill 

 

Popular Cities:

  • Kingston

  • Montego Bay

  • Negril

  • Ocho Rios

  • Runaway Bay

  • Port Antonio

  • Discovery Bay 

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