Where is Jamaica Located?

Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean and is a part of the North America Continent. It is about 381 miles (630 km) northeast of the Central America mainland. Its neighbors are Haiti (east) and Cuba (north). It is about 600 miles (965 km) south of Miami, Florida.

What is Jamaica Known For?

Jamaica is known for Reggae, Rastafarian, amazing runners (including Usain Bolt), Blue Mountain Coffee, beautiful beaches, jerk chicken, spicy food, Jamaican Rum, its bobsled team of 1988, and its history of pirates.

What Religion are Jamaicans?

Most Jamaicans are Protestants, with the largest denominations being Seventh-day Adventist and Pentecostal. There is a small group of Rastafarians, which originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. There are also small communities of Hindus, Muslims, and other faiths.

What's the Capital of Jamaica?

Kingston is both the capital of and the largest city in Jamaica

Is Jamaica a Country or an Island?

Jamaica is both a country and an island.

Is Jamaica in the Caribbean?

Yes. Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean.

What Type of Government Does Jamaica Have?

Jamaica is a parliamentary democracy modeled after the British Westminster model and is a member of the British Commonwealth. The Head of State is the British Monarch, who is represented by the Governor-General of Jamaica.

What Is the Main Religion in Jamaica?

Approximately 69% of Jamaicans are Christians of various denominations, and 21% stated they had no religion.

What Type of Economy Does Jamaica Have?

Jamaica has a mixed economic system. This means it includes a variety of private freedoms combined with centralized economic regulation. Jamaica is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Even though its economy is considered "moderately free," Jamaica still struggles with its colonial past, with foreign investors controlling most of the country's resources.

What Is Jamaican Culture?

Jamaican culture is a mix of European and African influences. It also includes Taino, Indian, and Chinese elements. A central part of its culture is Reggae, which was made famous by bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. Jamaican cuisine is influenced by African, Indian, and European food traditions and is colorful and spicy with dishes such as jerk chicken, ackee and starfish, rice, and peas. In Jamaica, cricket is a very popular sport, as is track and field. Figures who have influenced Jamaican culture include Marcus Garvey (activist), Usain Bolt (athlete), and Bob Marley (musician). In short, Jamaican culture is an eclectic mix of European and African influences.

What are Jamaica's Bordering Countries?

Jamaica is an island, so it doesn't have any bordering countries. The closest countries are Cuba to the north, Hispaniola to the east, and the Cayman Islands to the northwest.

23 Enchanting Jamaica Facts

By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer

Published June 9, 2023Updated July 18, 2024

Jamaica is only 51 miles (82 km) at its widest point. It would take less than a day to drive the entire island._[7]
The Jamaican flag features four triangles. The top and bottom green triangles represent vegetation, agriculture, and hope. The black triangles represent past and future challenges. the yellow cross represents Jamaica's raw materials and sun._[7]
In Jamaica, over 90% of the population is of African descent. Other people come from China, India, Germany, and Syria._[8]
Religious groups in Jamaica include Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and Rastafarians. Approximately 69% of the population is Christian of various denominations, while 21% said they have no religion._[8]
Jamaica produces some of the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world at the Blue Mountain Coffee plantation._[4]

The Homerus butterfly has been described as "gigantic and magnificent" and is named in honor the Greek poet Homer

Jamaica is home to the largest endangered butterfly in the Western Hemisphere, the Homerus swallowtail. Its wingspan is 6 inches (25 cm)._[8]
Jamaica is home to the world's second smallest bird, the vervain. It is only 2.5 inches (8 cm) long._[8]
Jamaica is more mountainous than most Caribbean countries, with almost half the country sitting at over 1,000 feet (305 m) above sea level._[7]
The Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica and are named for the blueish mist that covers them. The mountains' unique humid climate makes it an ideal location for growing coffee._[5]
The original people who lived in Jamaica were the Taino. They named the island "Xaymaca," meaning "of wood and water."_[7]
In 1509, Jamaica became a colony of Spain. The British claimed it in 1655._[7]
Jamaica was the first tropical country to enter a Winter Olympic event: bobsledding._[12]
Jamaica was the first country in the Western world to commercially produce bananas._[7]

Jamaica's first banana export trade began in 1866

Jamaica has more rum bars per square mile than any other country and is famous for its unique-tasting rum._[3]
Both the largest and the smallest butterflies live in Jamaica: the Homerus (giant) swallowtail and the pygmy blue._[7]
Jamaican inventions include chocolate milk, Canasol eye drops, and the orantique (a cross between an orange and tangerine)._[1]
Jamaica became independent in 1962, the first country in the Caribbean to do so._[7]
English is the official language of Jamaica, although the majority of people speak Patois (Patwa), or Jamaican Creole._[7]
One of Jamaica's most famous homegrown industries is ganja or marijuana (or herb to Rastafarians). In 2015, the Jamaican government decriminalized the possession of marijuana up to 2 ounces for personal use. Additionally, each household is allowed to cultivate 5 marijuana plants. While possession in small amounts is allowed, however, there are still strict legal stipulations._[6]

Bob Marley is one of the most famous Jamaicans

Famous people from Jamaica include Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, Patrick Ewing, and Grace Jones._[9]
Author Ian Fleming wrote James Bond in Jamaica and the country inspired several movie locations. Jamaica is considered to be Bond's "spiritual home."_[2]
Port Royal, Jamaica, was called the "wickedest city on earth" because it was a hub for pirates, prostitutes, and slavers. When an earthquake destroyed it in 1692, it was hailed as divine punishment._[11]
Port Antonio, Jamaica is home to the famous Blue Lagoon, which is known for its stunning water. The 1980 controversial movie "Blue Lagoon" starring Brooke Shields was filmed there._[10]