Jamaica is located in which continent: Jamaica | History, Population, Flag, Map, Capital, & Facts – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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February 26, 2023
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Jamaica is located in which continent: Jamaica | History, Population, Flag, Map, Capital, & Facts

Jamaica | History, Population, Flag, Map, Capital, & Facts

flag of Jamaica

Audio File:
National anthem of Jamaica

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Head Of Government:: Prime Minister: Andrew Holness

Capital:: Kingston

Population:: (2022 est.) 2,744,000

Head Of State:: British Monarch: King Charles III, represented by Governor-General: Sir Patrick Linton Allen

Form Of Government:: constitutional monarchy with two legislative houses (Senate [21¹]; House of Representatives [63])

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Summary

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Jamaica, island country of the West Indies. It is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea, after Cuba and Hispaniola. Jamaica is about 146 miles (235 km) long and varies from 22 to 51 miles (35 to 82 km) wide. It is situated some 100 miles (160 km) west of Haiti, 90 miles (150 km) south of Cuba, and 390 miles (630 km) northeast of the nearest point on the mainland, Cape Gracias a Dios, on the Caribbean coast of Central America. The national capital is Kingston.

Christopher Columbus, who first sighted the island in 1494, called it Santiago, but the original indigenous name of Jamaica, or Xaymaca, has persisted. Columbus considered it to be “the fairest isle that eyes have beheld,” and many travelers still regard it as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The island’s various Spanish, French, and English place-names are remnants of its colonial history. The great majority of its people are of African ancestry, the descendants of slaves brought by European colonists. Jamaica became independent from the United Kingdom in 1962 but remains a member of the Commonwealth.

Land

Relief

Interior mountains and plateaus cover much of Jamaica’s length, and nearly half of the island’s surface is more than 1,000 feet (300 metres) above sea level. The most rugged topography and highest elevations are in the east, where the Blue Mountains rise to 7,402 feet (2,256 metres) at Blue Mountain Peak, the island’s highest point. Karst (limestone) landscapes with ridges, depressions, and sinkholes (“cockpits”) characterize the hills and plateaus of the John Crow Mountains, the Dry Harbour Mountains, and Cockpit Country, a region covering 500 square miles (1,300 square km) in western Jamaica. The Don Figuerero, Santa Cruz, and May Day mountains are major landforms in the southwest. Coastal plains largely encircle the island, and the largest alluvial plains are located in the south.

Drainage and soils

Numerous rivers and streams issue from the central highlands, but many disappear intermittently into karst sinkholes and caves. Few rivers are navigable for any great distance, because of their rapid descent from the mountains. The Rio Minho in central Jamaica is the longest river, flowing for some 60 miles (100 km) from the Dry Harbour Mountains to Carlisle Bay. The Black River in the west and the Rio Cobre near Kingston are each longer than 30 miles (50 km).

Britannica Quiz

Which Country Is Larger By Area? Quiz

This quiz will show you two countries. Pick the one that’s bigger, as measured by total area.

More than half of the island’s surface is covered with white limestone, beneath which are yellow limestone, older metamorphic rocks (compact rocks formed by heat and pressure), and igneous rocks (formed by the cooling of molten material). The shallow soils of many upland areas are particularly susceptible to erosion. Alluvial soils on the coastal plains chiefly consist of deep loam and clay, and residual clays cover the valley floors.

Jamaica | History, Population, Flag, Map, Capital, & Facts

flag of Jamaica

Audio File:
National anthem of Jamaica

See all media

Head Of Government:: Prime Minister: Andrew Holness

Capital:: Kingston

Population:: (2022 est. ) 2,744,000

Head Of State:: British Monarch: King Charles III, represented by Governor-General: Sir Patrick Linton Allen

Form Of Government:: constitutional monarchy with two legislative houses (Senate [21¹]; House of Representatives [63])

See all facts & stats →

Summary

Read a brief summary of this topic

Land

Relief

Drainage and soils

Britannica Quiz

Match the Country with Its Hemisphere Quiz

This quiz will present you with the name of a country. You have to decide whether it’s in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere. (There will be no trickery with countries that touch the Equator.)

Jamaica – detailed information and characteristics of the country

The population of the country is about 2.5 million people, and the average population density is 215 people / sq. km. km.

The official language is English. Currency: Jamaican dollar.

The territory consists mainly of mountainous regions and vast upland plateaus. Only along the coast are the coastal plain belts. The highest altitude in the country reaches the Blue Mountains – 2256 m above sea level.

The history of Jamaica is closely linked to colonial times, when many coffee and sugar plantations were found on the island. The British brought slave labor from Africa to produce these crops, and much of the island’s diverse population today is the offspring of these slaves. Many different cultures on the island have merged together, creating a unique community and culture.

Jamaica is especially known for its stunning coral beaches, reggae music and rum. A small part of the island’s population professes the Rastafarian religion.

The most popular tourist areas on the island are Montego Bay and Negril.

Jamaica first gained independence about half a century ago, and the Jamaican flag symbolizes past and present. The black color represents the hardships that have befallen the country quite a few. Green stands for fertile land and hope, indicating plantations that are now free from slavery. The golden color symbolizes wealth and sunshine, which is why hordes of tourists still come to the island.

Climate

Jamaica is located in a hot and humid subtropical climate zone. The average air temperature is +27 degrees and changes little throughout the year. The amount of precipitation is high and reaches 800 – 900 mm per year. The warmest is spring and winter, and the most popular tourist season is from December to April.

Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year in the northern parts of the island, while in the south it is drier. On average, the most rain falls on the ground in May-June and October-November. The hurricane season in Jamaica lasts from June to November. Several tropical storms can hit the island during the hurricane season.

Currency

The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. As of March 2019, $1 is equal to 125 Jamaican dollars. Bills from 1 to 5000 dollars are used.

You can exchange American currency for Jamaican in numerous exchange offices, common in almost all settlements, and banks. In exchange offices, a commission of 1% is charged for foreign exchange transactions.

American dollars are readily accepted by residents of the island and in shops, but you will have to pay 1.5-2 times more. Banks on the island open from 9until 14, and on Fridays until 16:00. Banks are closed on weekends. Most banks have 24-hour ATMs that usually dispense the local currency.

Beaches and reggae

Long white sandy beaches and shimmering blue seas are an amazing sight for vacationers. Many consider Jamaica’s palm-fringed beaches to be among the best in the world. The best sands of the island can be found in Negril, where you can enjoy a particularly relaxed beach life.

Negril is often full of people, sound and life, especially during the hottest tourist season. There are also many activities on the beach.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach holiday, you’ll find beautiful beaches in Jamaica almost next door. For example, in the resort of Ocho Rios there are many small beach coves.

In terms of music, Jamaica offers everything you would expect from Bob Marley’s home island. With fresh reggae music, it’s easy to kick off your sandals, lounge on the sand and enjoy life.

How to Pass as a Canadian: About Pronunciation

The most famous and often ridiculed feature of the Canadian accent is the pronunciation of words like about

,
house
,
south
etc. Instead of
[ əˈb Aʊ T]
Canadian will say
‘AB OO T’
. Learn more about this feature in the video.

Sound [ð]

can be pronounced like
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is replaced by
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But otherwise the pronunciation is very similar to American.

Learn more about American pronunciation in this video.

Montego Bay

The second largest city in Jamaica, with many kilometers of beautiful white sandy beaches.

Montego Bay is the essence of a complete resort with flowering trees, smooth meadows and palm-covered hills overlooking the turquoise sea and its white beaches. Montego Bay, commonly referred to as MoBay. It is the capital of Saint James Parish, one of the 14 parishes in Jamaica.

Christopher Columbus called Montego Bay “the bay of good weather”, as the Spaniards called it Bahia de Manteca. Montego Bay became a major shipping port for sugar and bananas.

The world famous Doctor’s Cave Beach offers a unique view of the sunset and the Caribbean Sea. This is an atmospheric place full of entertainment and bars where reggae plays day and night. At the turn of the last century, visitors came from far and wide to sample the waters of Doctor’s Cave Beach, which is said to cure almost any ailment. Today, the beach is as popular as ever, and Montego Bay has grown into the country’s top tourist destination and the second largest city in Jamaica.

Montego Bay is home to the annual reggae festival held in August and is the heart of the “Jamaican Riviera”, with more hotel rooms than any other part of Jamaica, from five-star luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts to charming small hotels, with guest houses and some of the most luxurious private villas in the Caribbean.

Montego Bay has some of the best golf courses in the world, with four 18-hole golf courses including the renowned Tryall Golf, Tennis and Beach Club.

Westmoreland

The resort is located in the west of the island. The first settlement here was formed 2500 years ago by the Arawak tribes. The gentle sea, snow-white beaches, the silence of a sparsely populated city without industrial enterprises attract families with small children here. The beaches are equipped with comfortable children’s, sports grounds, golf courses.

Various types of sports equipment are available for rent. It is proposed to see the underwater world, rush through the waves of the Caribbean Sea on a yacht, catamaran, water skiing, take part in interesting trips around the city. Fans of extreme recreation will go skydiving, paragliding. During a quiet conversation in a cozy cafe, pub, you can learn about the main secrets of local fishermen.

Taste delicious local seafood dishes or the famous Jerk (Jamaican BBQ) invented by runaway slaves. Life in the nightclubs of the city amazes with fun and music. Every year the city hosts New Year celebrations and celebrations in honor of Easter events. On January 6, there is fun in honor of the freedom fighters on the island (Maroon Day). In July, a reggae festival takes place near the city. Tourists will not be bored.

See prices for tours to Westmoreland

Negril

The popular beach resort of Negril is located on the west side of Jamaica. The beaches of Negril are the most popular and active on the island, and there are many hotels worth visiting.

The famous city of Jamaica stretches along the sea for about 16 km. Some luxury hotels in Negril, which are beautifully located on the northern tip of Long Bay, offer their guests special buses to the center. You can also travel around the city by taxi, motorcycle, bicycle and car.

Location

Jamaica is located in Central America on the island of the same name. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and its neighbors are Cuba and Haiti. Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles Archipelago.

The total area of the state is 10,991 sq. km. The length of the island from east to west is 225 km, from south to north – from 35 km at its narrowest point to 82 km at its widest. The coastline stretches for 1022 km.

Kingston Capital of Jamaica

Kingston is the capital, largest city and main port of Jamaica. 652 thousand people population. It is a Caribbean deep water port located on the southeastern edge of the island of Jamaica, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. The port is protected from the south by the Palisados spit, one of the main ports of the Caribbean, with a large number of tourists and goods. Export: sugar, coffee, rum, molasses, bananas.

Jamaica’s rugged capital of Kingston offers the opposite of relaxed beaches. There is a lot to see in the city in the southeast of the island. A popular place, for example, is the Bob Marley Museum. While on holiday in Kingston, you will experience everything from the affluent neighborhoods to the slums. The city gives you an authentic insight into Jamaica’s diverse past that you won’t see in the resorts along the beach and in the countryside.

Start by visiting Halfway Tree, Kingston’s premier area when it comes to shopping, food and a true cosmopolitan vibe. Then head to Bull Bay, also known as Nine Mile, to interact with one of the island’s largest racial communities.

The Bob Marley Museum gives you a glimpse of life in the 70s, which were the heaviest days of Kingston. The famous Bob Marley spent his adult years here, and before that he lived as a young man in one of the poorest areas, Trenchtown. He made his people proud by becoming the most influential reggae musician of all time, and his songs dealt with the politics, social issues, and religious culture of Jamaican Africans.

Marley’s humble roots are closely linked to the wealth of another historical figure, millionaire George Stiebel. Take a trip to his 19th century home with beautiful lawns and Victorian antiques. For other stunning gardens, take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or visit the Public Botanic Gardens of Castleton.

At Palisado Harbor you can travel back in time to the infamous 17th century pirate harbor. The historic district of Port Royal was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692, but you can still see the ruins and cannons at Fort Rocky, as well as the ruins of St. Peter’s Church. From Port Royal Head, you can take a boat to the white sandy beaches of Lime Cay.

Getting around the city is easy thanks to the bus system, minibuses and taxis. Don’t forget to think twice about what you do when you go to poor places.

Economy

Description of Jamaica is often accompanied by references to the poverty of the local population. Indeed, about 20% of families live here below the poverty level, and unemployment reaches 16%. Tourism is the main source of income for the country. In total, 6 economic zones can be distinguished:

In the West, hemp is grown in mountainous areas, from which marijuana is then made. There are coffee plantations in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
In the central regions of Plata and in its western part, bauxite is mined, livestock is bred, vegetables and fruits are planted.
The north coast is a tourist zone.
Cane and banana plantations are planted in the south, raw sugar is produced here.
In the interior of the plateau, they are actively trying to revive agriculture.
Liguania, Kingston area – the industrial center of Jamaica, where 25% of the total population lives.

What to visit in Jamaica?

Jamaica is especially popular with travelers from all over the world. It is not surprising that the island is special for its nature, exoticism, and color.

Be sure to make time for Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. If you are not indifferent to music, visit the Bob Marley Museum and get acquainted with the biography of this legendary musician, facts from life. Also in the capital, visit the National Gallery of Art, Devon Palace, built in 1889year, where you will have the opportunity to see many paintings and antiques.

Needless to say, the vegetation of the island is impressive and truly exotic. So we recommend visiting at least one botanical garden in Jamaica. And if you are traveling with children, do not miss the zoo.

In Kingston, you can also visit the National Historic Site, the Archaeological Museum, the National Dance Theater and many other great places to experience the country’s cultural heritage.

The capital of Jamaica will also appeal to those who love night parties and have fun – pay attention to nightclubs, bars and discos of the island until dawn.

Those who want peace, privacy and a minimum of natural touch are advised to choose the beautiful Port Antonio as their holiday destination. Shoppers should head to Ocho Rios, where Jamaica’s best markets and other shopping centers are located.

If you want to soak up the sun in Jamaica’s most popular resorts, Montego Bay is the place to go. In addition to the beautiful beach, there are breathtaking coral reefs for divers. Considered the best beach, Negril Beach is also a great choice.

Political system

Officially, Jamaica is a kingdom with a constitutional monarchy. Although it became an independent country, the British Queen Elizabeth II remains its head. This point is written into the constitution. She is represented on the island by the governor-general, who has the same rights in the absence of the queen. He signs all legislative acts and appoints the prime minister. The latter must belong to the party that won the election. The Privy Council of 6 people is called upon to advise the Governor-General.

Legislation is made by the Parliament, which consists of two chambers. People in the Senate are appointed by the governor-general, listening to the recommendations of the prime minister. Members of the House of Representatives are elected by the inhabitants of the island once every 5 years. There were two main parties in 2021: Labor and People’s National.

Tourism

Traveling to Jamaica is absolutely magical because it is one of the most exotic places in the world. You will get acquainted with the Jamaican culture, everyday life, enjoy the vegetation, music and grass. The two most interesting and visited destinations are Negril and the capital, Kingston.

Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles, the third largest island in the Caribbean. The length of the sandy beach is about 120 km, six islands, several mountain ranges, several waterfalls, lush vegetation, various categories in content and capacity decorate this island.

Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica during his second voyage in search of the New World (May 4, 1494). The culture of this island is a rich mixture of cultures that have developed on it. The original settlers were conquerors, then the Spanish, and then the English, who contributed to the culture of the island. Known as the birthplace of Bob Marley, Jamaica still carries its unique music into the hearts of the people. In the capital, Kingston, there is the Bob Marley Museum, and the exhibits of the museum are the personal belongings of the musician. Hollywood actors often came here, led by Erol Flynn back in 1930s.

Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels here at the Goldeneye Villa, which has been turned into a tourist attraction. The famous singer Harry Belafonte was also born here. Today Jamaica is an independent state and a member of the British Commonwealth.

Features of nature

Jamaica on the world map is the largest island in the inland Caribbean Sea. Most of the territory of Jamaica is occupied by a limestone plateau, located slightly below a kilometer height. Above the plateau, up to 2256 m (the highest point of the island), the Grand Ridge and Blue Mountains rise.

The island has deposits of bauxite, the reserves of which Jamaica ranks first.

Some of the flora and fauna native to Jamaica has been preserved in the Blue Mountains, including hibiscus trees, dalbergias, brillas and the giant dovetail butterfly. Basically, the exotic flora of the island was replaced by species brought during colonization, such as coconuts, coffee trees, Caribbean pine, eucalyptus. There are 200 species of orchids and 3,000 species of other flowers blooming in Jamaica.

Crocodiles, iguanas and 20 species of bats remain from the local fauna. Of the aquatic mammals, manatees are rare species. Instead of indigenous animals, mongooses and Indian starlings thrive on the island. The symbol of Jamaica is the pennant-tailed hummingbird.

Excursions to the mountains

Montego Bay is the most popular and diverse tourist area of the island nation, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

Since Montego Bay is built with many hotels and the city is full of tourists most of the year, you should look elsewhere for the authentic Jamaican way of life. Good excursion destinations can be found, for example, in the southern part of the island, where Treasure Beach is located.

The mountains of Jamaica are also worth a visit. The famous coffee plantations can be visited both by tours and hikes. However, you should only explore the mountains with a trusted tour operator.

Population

Jamaica is on the 33rd place on the world map in terms of population density. Most of the inhabitants settle down in numerous cities and towns on the coast of the island. The central highlands of Jamaica are sparsely populated.

The total population reaches almost 3 million inhabitants. The official language of the country is English. In addition to it, Patois (Jamaican), Arabic and Portuguese are common on the island. Christianity is followed by about 70% of the population, mostly Protestantism. The racial composition of the island’s population is about 6% mulattoes, the rest are Africans, and 2 -3% other races.

Due to the extensive development of the tourism business, which is one of the main sources of GDP replenishment, the attitude towards tourists is positive, and, according to many visitors to the island, politely impudent. Petty theft flourishes in medium-sized hotels and on the street.

Delicious food and the best coffee in the world

Jamaican cuisine deserves its own place among the cuisines of the world – only because of its coffee.

Don’t leave the island without trying local delicacies: coffee grown in the mountains and rum mixed with sweet drinks. Rum is an integral part of the island’s culture, and the local Blue Mountain coffee is often described as the best in the world.

On the other hand, Jamaican cuisine is a mixture of different food cultures. The restaurants use guaranteed fresh products, and the fish caught this morning ends up on the tourist’s plate with interesting spices.

Cuisine

Jamaican cuisine is a conglomerate of Arawak Indian, Spanish, African, Middle Eastern, Chinese and British traditions.

The most common dish in Jamaica is “jerk”, a word that refers to the process of marinating meat and then roasting it over the coals of capsicum wood.

In Jamaica, akki is a fruit growing on a tree that tastes like scrambled eggs. In the afternoon, they usually snack on a well-seasoned meat or vegetable pie. During the main meal, goat or pork is served, usually with a curry seasoning and a side dish of rice and beans. Also popular are seafood marinated and fried with peppers and onions.

Jamaican tea is any hot, brewed drink, and it can be herbal with rum, milk, spices, and even fish. Coffee in Jamaica is also a source of national pride. Its best variety, Blue Mountain, is widely exported to other countries. Coffee is usually brewed very strong, sometimes flavored with rum or cardamom, and consumed in large quantities and at any time of the day. Skyjuice is a favorite refreshing drink of the locals, which is made from crushed ice and syrup.

Security

While Jamaica is a popular and well-known beach destination, safety is also worth remembering when going on vacation. In popular hotel areas, a traveler can feel comfortable and safe, but not in all parts of the island.

In the capital of Jamaica, Kingston, crime can be considered a serious problem. In Montego Bay, you should also be careful outside the tourist areas.

Therefore, the tourist must keep his eyes open and avoid areas that are considered dangerous. Up-to-date information about the security situation in the different area, such as information about the safety of various tourist destinations, can be obtained from hotels.

−15

with Severo-Kurilsk
−16

with Kamchatka
−17

includes buses and public transport in Jamaica

It is beneficial to navigate them, but safety can still be in question. In particular, in Kingston it is not recommended to use public transport due to poor security. Renting your own car is also not recommended due to the driving culture.

Fuzzy taxis should also be avoided. The smart traveler in Jamaica will only use taxis from the Jamaica Travelers Association, authorized by the Jamaica Tourism Board. The most reliable way to get a taxi is to book through the hotel. It is good to agree on the price of the trip in advance.

What abOOt Canada, Eh?

Canadian English is very similar to American English (particularly in pronunciation), but there is also much from the British version: for example, in the words colo U R, Valo U R

is the letter
U,
letter
Z
is called
‘ZED’, ‘ZED’, 9005 ‘and not
and not ‘
. Another influence on English is the second official language (French) and indigenous Indian languages: Ojibwa, Cree, etc.

For those who like to read in English, I recommend the articles: “Why is Canadian English unique?” and “Canadian English Differences: 12 Weird Quirks That Make Our English Unique”.

Spanish Town

A small town located in the interior of the island. For a long time it was the capital of Jamaica. The waves of the Caribbean Sea do not rustle here, there are no its amazing snow-white beaches. But the number of tourists in the city is growing every year. The town was not subjected to devastating natural disasters. It has preserved the architectural heritage of the Victorian, early colonial cultures.

Among them are St. Catherine’s Cathedral, the Rodney memorial, the three-hundred-year-old dam, the Belvedere estate. An excellent holiday can be organized on the banks of the river Martra-Bray. Sail along it on a bamboo raft (built in the traditions of the ancient masters). Get acquainted with the amazing variety of flora and fauna of the island. Many species of amphibians, reptiles, unusual fish are found only in these places.

During city tours, it is offered to learn the painful details of the events taking place in the largest prison on the island. Modern hotels have been built in the city (of which you can sign up for an excursion to any direction of the island), many restaurants, souvenir shops, and markets. Here you can try exotic dishes, fruits such as breadfruit, oraniku (a hybrid of orange and tangerine), ugli (tangerine with grapefruit), the famous Jamaican rum.

What is the continent of Jamaica?

Jamaica is located on the continent of North America. Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea about 90 miles south of Cuba. Jamaica is the fifth largest island country in the Caribbean with an area of 4,240 square miles.

Jamaica has been independent from the United Kingdom since 1962.