This article is written for those who, having heard about the place where summer always lives, still asks the following question: “Is Jamaica a city or a country?” This is an amazing state, which is located on the other side of the Earth, attracting a large number of tourists. Our compatriots also love to visit this country. However, they are not even afraid of the fact that between Jamaica and Moscow there is a decent distance of 9800 km, and the flight time is almost 14 hours. And this is with a free air corridor and favorable weather.
World Map Location
Where is Jamaica located? On a world map it can be found in the Caribbean Sea, in its western part. This state is located in the West Indies. Together with Haiti, Puerto Rico and Cuba, it is part of the Greater Antilles.
You can find Jamaica between the 18th and 20th degrees of north latitude and the 75th and 78th degrees of west longitude. What neighboring countries does Jamaica have? From this third archipelago island in its territory, it’s only 144 km to Cuba in a southerly direction, as well as 162-186 km to Haiti, if you go west. In the east, at a distance of 290 km, are the Cayman Islands. The closest point on earth is Cape Gracias a Lews. This territory of Nicaragua is located in the southwest at a distance of 629 km.
The country of Jamaica is located on an island with an area of ​​10,990 square kilometers. The length of its territory from west to east is 224 km, and from north to south - 36-81 km. The coastline of the island is 1022 km.
Near Jamaica, a coral reef is located in a southwestern direction. Its area is 8021 square kilometers. The height of this reef in the water column is 102 meters. To the east of this coral cluster is the four islands of Pedro Keys. It is also the territory of the country of Jamaica. Officially, the most remote of these islands is considered the southernmost point of an exotic state. The territory of the state of Jamaica is also considered the Morant Keys archipelago.
Geography
Are you interested in North America? Jamaica is one of them. The name of this state means “land of rivers and forests”. The island has many waterfalls and gorges, green meadows, beaches and mysterious dense thickets. In its northern part, Jamaica has rocky shores. But in the center of the coast are beaches. This narrow strip is called the Jamaican Riviera.
Most of the island is a limestone plateau with a hilly relief. In the east, it ends with the Blue Mountains (Blue Mountains). The height of their peaks reaches 2256 m.
One hundred and twenty rivers originate in the mountains of the island. You can see here a huge number of waterfalls. The largest river is the Rio Grande. Its length is 100 km.
Most of the island is composed of limestone rocks. This explains the fact that in Jamaica there are a large number of coastal reefs and caves. These rocks are great filters for water. Clean and fresh ponds can also be found everywhere.
The coast of the southern and western parts of the island is a wide lowland plain. The island of Jamaica is quite high in seismic activity. Some thrill-seekers are trying to visit the country in this regard. This is because earthquakes are not a rare occurrence here, but in general they are insignificant and do not pose a threat to life.
Nature
The country of Jamaica delights tourists with its harmonious combination of the beauty of tropical forests, picturesque mountains, snow-white beaches and delightful waterfalls.
Mangroves and lowlands of the island are home to bloodthirsty crocodiles. And frogs, lizards and non-poisonous snakes are found here almost everywhere.
The only “native” mammal on the island is the Jamaican rabbit. Outwardly, it resembles a Guinean pig.
The island is inhabited by mongooses and goats, as well as some species of cattle. All of them were once brought to Jamaica by travelers.
The island is famous for its rich variety of birds. There are 256 species here. Interestingly, many of them live only in Jamaica. These are 25 species, as well as 21 subspecies.
Climate
For those whose destination is Jamaica, country information is crucial. The weather is especially interesting for travelers. In this regard, they should know that the climate in the territory where this country is located is tropical, monsoon. In this regard, in summer and winter, the air temperature is practically within the same boundaries. On the coast, its average value is 24-35 degrees, and in the mountains - 17-27 degrees. Tourists who are not accustomed to the heat, save the breezes blowing from the sea. They help to easily tolerate high temperatures.
Those who are interested in the country of Jamaica as a place of travel are also interested in knowing about the temperature of sea water. It warms up to 24-26 degrees.
From May to October, the rainy season continues on the island. In addition, travelers should be aware that the island is located in the "belt of hurricanes" that go to it from the Atlantic Ocean. In this regard, the country sometimes suffers from devastating storms. They arise, as a rule, precisely in this period. Therefore, those who are interested in the country of Jamaica should choose a winter period for their trip.
Government structure
In the state there is a constitutional monarchy. And about this it is also interesting to know someone who is interested in Jamaica. The characteristic of the country is peculiar politically. The head of state is the monarch of Great Britain. He appoints the governor-general to govern the island. In turn, this representative of the monarch appoints not only the prime minister, but all the ministers of Jamaica.
The island is ruled by a bicameral parliament. It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The main political parties in Jamaica are two. This is the People’s National as well as Labor.
According to its administrative structure, Jamaica is divided into fourteen parishes. The description of the country allows us to clarify that historically there are three districts.
Are you truly interested in Jamaica? Interesting facts about the country relate to various aspects of its life. There is unusual information in matters of its political structure. So, until August 6, 1962, the country was part of Great Britain. Today, Jamaica is a free island. However, despite political independence, the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, remains the head of state.
The flag of Jamaica has an image of an oblique cross painted in yellow or gold. This part divides the canvas into two sectors. One of them symbolizes strength, and the second - the work of the local population. These sectors are black. There are symbols of hope for the future and agricultural diversity on the flag. They are located in green sectors.
The image of the cross is also on the coat of arms of Jamaica. This is the cross of St. George, which is decorated with pineapples and figures of the Arawak Indians, representing the indigenous population of the country.
Capital
What is the main administrative center of Jamaica? A description of the country is impossible without mentioning its capital, which is the city of Kingston. It is located in the southern part of the island, in the depths of a large bay.
What features does the capital of the country have? Jamaica, together with the nearby small towns and cities, as well as the nearby city of St. Andrew, is a large agglomeration. This administrative district is the residence of almost a quarter of the total population of the island. In the capital itself, today there are 600 thousand inhabitants.
Kingston is the country's most important transport and trade center. Its port serves to move almost all of the island's exports and imports. Not far from the capital is Paliseidos International Airport.
In addition, Kingston is a major cultural center. The city is home to the University of the West Indies. Students who come from all the islands in the Caribbean are trained in it.
Kingston Attractions
Anyone who came to this small but very beautiful city should definitely visit the Bob Marley Museum. This man is a demigod for the Jamaicans, and for all others - the founder of rasta culture.
Further, the travelers' path lies in William Grant Park. This is nothing but the main square of the city. At first glance, it is similar to an ordinary park, but its main highlight is the so-called parades located around the perimeter. These are the streets on which some of the most interesting buildings of the capital are located. Among them are old churches, the Bard Theater, houses with original architecture.
Tourists are also interested in the historic center of the capital of Jamaica - Downtown. It houses Gordon House and the Headquarters House. When moving north, travelers enter the National Heroes Park.
There are interesting places for those who are interested in painting. Such tourists are invited to visit the National Gallery of Jamaica. A little further from it is located Ocean Boulevard, which operates a souvenir market. Here you can buy various trinkets, which upon arrival home will remind you of this exotic country.
There are several very beautiful churches in the city. They are of interest to almost all tourists. And for relaxing in silence, Hoop Garden - the Royal Botanic Gardens is perfect.
Cities of the country and its resorts
In addition to the capital in Jamaica, there are another fourteen large settlements. The largest of these are cities such as Montego Bay, Manchester and St. Andrew, as well as St. James.
In the northwestern part of the country is a popular beach area for tourists. This resort, the center of which is the second largest city in the state - Montego Bay. On this territory there is another international airport and almost half of all the luxury hotels of the island, intended for tourist holidays.
In addition to the amazing sandy beaches, the resort offers its guests wonderful opportunities for water and land sports. This place is perfect for diving and golf lovers.
In the western part of the island is the territory of another popular resort - Negril. Its real decoration is an eleven-kilometer white sand beach - Calico Jack.
Along the northern coast of the island lies the no less beloved by travelers resort of Ocho Rios. It is surrounded by delightful tropical vegetation. In the vicinity of the resort there are many beautiful waterfalls and coffee plantations.
Port Antonio resort invites lovers of a relaxing holiday. It is located in the north-eastern part of the country. It is interesting that many filmmakers have chosen the surroundings of this resort area for their filming. This once again confirms the fact that the area is amazingly picturesque.
Tongue
The official language of the country is English. However, in the vocabulary of residents there are many borrowed words. They came to Jamaica from Africa. But what about the indigenous people of Jamaica? The language of the country is not purely English. In the speech of the Indians there is a local Creole dialect - Papua. Its sound is similar to melodic English. However, papua has a simplified grammar and is full of special slang words. This language originated among African slaves who were brought to Jamaica and were in close contact with the British.
Currency
The country's national currency is the Jamaican dollar. Tourists are often interested in coins of the country. They have the shape of a heptagon, on which are images of fish, birds and animals. In shops and in most tourist centers, travelers can pay with traveler's checks.
Culture
In the formation of this sphere of society, Taino Indians, Europeans, Africans, Indians and Chinese had a great influence. This bright mixture of different directions and led to the creation of a single modern Jamaican culture.
It was in this country that a new musical style was born - reggae. It is distinguished by a slow rhythm and a melodious chant, to which the performer and listeners can shake their heads with pleasure. A similar style arose under the influence of rock and roll and blues, superimposed on the Caribbean rhythms. At the heart of the reggae lyrics is the philosophy of protest movements and Rastafarianism.
Interestingly, thanks to this style, many others appeared on the planet. This is the jungle and dubstep, trip hop and others. The largest reggae music festivals in the world are held annually in Jamaica. The most famous of them is Reggae SumFest. Musicians and tourists gather at it in July.
In general, the country is known for its many festivals and carnivals. The most ambitious show in Jamaica takes place in Kingston in January-February. Other popular local festivals are the Caribbean Rum, the Dzhonkanu Christmas Festival and the Wine and Food Festival.
Kitchen
Jamaican food preferences were formed due to the influence of the traditions of local Indians, Chinese, English, Indians and Spaniards. The main foods used in national cuisine are potatoes and corn, beans and rice, fish and various seafood, meat and vegetables, yucca and peas. Seasonings for dishes are often nutmeg, ginger and allspice.
The national fruit of Jamaica is considered Akka. It is often cooked with vegetables, lard and cod. This dish is served for breakfast with tortillas. Other popular local fruits include bananas and mangoes, coconuts and guava, papaya and pineapple.
As for dishes from chicken, fish and pork, most often they are seasoned with seasoning, which contains cinnamon and allspice, onions and green onions, thyme and nutmeg. The name of this mixture is jerk.
Tourists will also be interested in local bammy cakes. They are fried from the cassava root, which is pre-crushed and soaked in coconut oil. Eat such cakes with fish or serve them as a snack.
The traditional non-alcoholic drinks of Jamaica are fruit juices and coffee, coke water, as well as “Irish moss”. The last of them is prepared from algae carrageenan with the addition of milk, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg.
The traditional alcoholic drink is Jamaican rum. It is made from sugar cane.