Jamaica

Quick Facts

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Capital

Kingston

Government

Constitutional Parliamentary Democracy

Nationality

Jamaican

Population

2,696,000

Languages

English, Jamaican Patois

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic), Rastafari, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Obeah

Currency

Jamaican Dollar (JMD)

Calling Code

+1876

Time Zone

UTC-5

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Introduction

under the palms in moBay

© All Rights Reserved natashaes

The birthplace of reggae and Bob Marley, Jamaica is as vibrant as it was in the days of the great Marley. A thriving music scene centred in Kingston is an exterior revelation of the artistic heartbeat underpinning all of Jamaican society.

Even for those less musically inclined, Jamaica is a top contender for the all-time favourite Caribbean destination. Numerous coastal cities make up the bulk of the tourist attraction: travellers' endless fascination with the sparkling Caribbean waters does not seem to have diminished. But for those in search of a little more than the standard Caribbean fare, a trip inland should satisfy the senses: the island boasts the beautiful Blue Mountains (like the coffee), where hiking trails take the traveller along hundreds of rivers and gorgeous waterfalls.

Brief History

Geography

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea, 234 kilometres in length and as much as 80 kilometres in width. A narrow coastal plain surrounds the Blue Mountains inland. It is roughly 620 kilometres northeast of the Central American mainland, 145 kilometres south of Cuba, and 190 kilometres west of the island of Hispaniola, on which Haiti and the Dominican Republic are situated.

Regions

Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes, which are grouped into 3 historic counties.

• Surrey is located in the east and contains the parishes of Kingston (Kingston), Portland (Port Antonio), Saint Thomas (Morant Bay), Saint Andrew (Half Way Tree).
• Middlesex is in the centre of the island and contains the parishes of Clarendon (May Pen), Manchester (Mandeville), Saint Ann (Saint Ann's Bay), Saint Catherine (Spanish Town), Saint Mary (Port Maria).
• Cornwall, in Jamaica's west, contains the parishes of Hanover (Lucea), Saint Elizabeth (Black River), Trelawny (Falmouth), Saint James (Montego Bay), Westmoreland (Savanna-la-Mar).

Cities

• Kingston - The capital
• Montego Bay
• Negril
• Port Esquivel
• Black River
• Ocho Rios
• Savanna-la-Mar
• Spanish Town
• Rocky Point

Sights and Activities

Old Estates

Rose Hall Great House

© All Rights Reserved vilmalotta

Visit some of the amazing old estates left over from colonial times like Greenwood Great House built by Elizabeth Barrett Browning outside of Montego Bay, which used to be a sugar plantation, or the Rose Hall Great House. Many of these "Great Houses" are now open to the public and some have even been converted to museums. These mansions give a glimpse into the luxurious and negative aspects of a previous time that will most likely never happen again. Some people claim that many of the great houses are haunted, so be on the outlook for ghosts.

Dunn River Falls

Dunn River Falls is an amazing cascading falls that spans more then 183 m (600 ft). It is often featured in tourist ads that promote Jamaica making it one of the most popular travel destinations on the island. Another amazing thing is that the Dunn River is one of the few rivers in the world that falls directly into the sea. A popular activity is to climb up the falls and then hang out in one of the several lagoons along the way. Dunn River Falls was featured in the James Bond Movie Dr. No, which included the famous scene of Ursula Andress walking onto the beach. The waterfalls are near the town of Ocho Rios.

Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains

© All Rights Reserved david.byne

The Blue Mountains are a hiker's and camper's paradise, with its highest peak at 2,256 metres (7,402 ft) high. From its summit both the north and south coasts of the island can be seen, and if you're really lucky, on a clear day you might be able to see the coast of Cuba. The mountain is also famous for its coffee, which is cultivated on the lower slopes of the mountains. This coffee is considered some of the best coffee in the world. Part of the mountains are now a national park providing for some natural protection.

Other Sights and Activities

• Beaches. Visit wonderful beaches in towns like Negril. These long sandy beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world and famous for bright sunsets. Most tourists come to Jamaica in order to enjoy the beach.
• Maroon Indian Village. Visit one of the few native villages like Accompong. These natives fought for their independence from the British and won it in the 17th century.
• Music. Go and listen to live reggae where it all started: on the streets of Kingston.

Events and Festivals

• Pineapple Cup. A yacht race in February that starts in Miami and finishes in Montego Bay.
• Carnival. The week after Easter in March/April.
• Kingston Test Match. April sees the West Indies cricket team take on an international challenger.
• Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, held in June.
• Reggae Sunsplash, held in August.
• Reggae Sumfest, held in July in Montego Bay.
• Jonkanoo. A traditional Christmas celebration.

Weather

Jamaica's climate is tropical, with hot and humid weather in summer months. Winter days are usually warm with mild nights. Higher inland regions have a more temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are relatively dry rain-shadow areas, while it can rain for days on end in the eastern parish of Portland. The rainy season is from May to November, peaking in May and June and in October and November. Rainfall is usually for short periods in the late afternoon and it is still quite possible to enjoy the sun on a visit during these months.

Fairly consistent temperatures are experienced throughout the year. In the lowlands, it averages around 25 °C to 30 °C. However, temperature will drop below 20 °C at higher elevations.

Getting There

By Plane

There are two international airports in Jamaica, the Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston and the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay.

Air Jamaica is based in Kingston and serves many destinations in the Caribbean and North America, among which Grenada, Havana and Miami.

MBJ is the busier of the two with many more connections from cities further away. Destinations include Amsterdam, Toronto, Frankfurt, London and Vienna. Many air charters fly in here for holidays on the northern coast of Jamaica.

By Boat

Currently there are no regular public ferry services for travellers. Only yachts and cruise ships are available, or cargo ships for the more adventurous.

Getting Around

By Plane

Air Jamaica flies between Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios on a daily basis.
International Air Link operates chartered flights between Montego Bay and Negril, while Tim Air flies from Montego Bay to Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio.

By Train

The only train you will see are cargo trains on a few lines. Maybe you'll be lucky and can get an adventurous ride!

By Car

Renting a car is a good way to cover a lot of Jamaica, and although not all roads are in a good condition, the main ones are. Still, another hazard are the Jamaicans who you'll share the road with. Just stay calm no matter what happens. There are numerous rental agencies at the airports, bigger cities and resort areas, both of the international and local type. Go for the better - albeit more expensive - international ones that have better insurances. You might need it.

Note that you have to be 25 years of age to rent a car and driving is on the left side of the road. An (inter)national driver's license will suffice.

By Bus

The bus system in Jamaica is rather chaotic, but it's a cheap way to get around and meet the locals. Buses go to almost all cities, towns and even small villages throughout the island. You can flag them down or get of when you want and timetables don't exist, or if they do are not really cared about.

Kingston to Montego Bay is probably the best, most comfortable and reliable link. Taxis are available as well and, although metered, it is best to agree a price before leaving.

By Boat

There are a few notable services. One option is to board a ferry from the capital Kingston to Port Royal. There is also a ferry between Port Antonio and Navy Island, only just over 5 minutes away from the mainland.

Other than that, you will probably be on a tour when out on the sea.

Red Tape

Money

The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollars (JMD) and the currency sign is $. Banknotes come in the denominations of $50, $100, $500 and $1000 while coins come in 1 cent, 10 cents, 25 cents, $1, $5, $10 and $20.

As of 12 April 2008, the exchange rates of JMD against major world currencies are approximately USD1 = JMD70, EUR1 = JMD112, GBP1 = JMD139, CAD1 = JMD39.

Work

Study

Language

English is the official language of Jamaica. Informally Jamaican Creole, or patois, is commonly spoken by a majority of the population.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

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