Places / North & Central America
Jamaica
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Caribbean
- Capital
- Kingston
- Population
- 2.8 million (2024)
- Area
- 10,991 km²
- Languages
- English, Jamaican Patois
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +1 876
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
Jamaica is an island located in the Caribbean Sea.
The country recorded a population of 2.935 million in 2018 and covers an area of 10,992 km2.
Its capital, which is also the largest city, is Kingston.
Its landmarks include the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo. Other urban centres include the Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios and Spanish Town.
Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios.
History
Jamaica was colonised by the British in 1655. Prior to 1655, it was under the Spanish empire.
It became an independent state within the British Commonwealth in 1962.
Food & culture
The country’s culture comprises of values, norms, religion and lifestyle. It is grounded on the Taino people and the Spaniards.
The main crops grown in the country include yams, rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, manioc, and marijuana.
The most popular dishes are ackee and saltfish, bammy, breadfruit, calabaza, callaloo, cassava, coco bread and cornbread.
Wildlife
Common wildlife animals include Jamaican Boa, iguana, Jamaican Hutia, moths, fruit bats, mongoose and manatees.
Festivals & events
The common events in the country are Reggae Sumfest, Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Jamaica’s carnival, Accompong Maroon Festival, culture calendar for Jamaica and Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash.
Things to see
Dunn’s River Falls and Park is a famous waterfall in Ocho Rios where tourists visit.
Rose Hall Great House is a Jamaican Georgian plantation house that today is used as a house museum situated in Montego Bay.
Bob Marley Museum is located in Kingston that was built in dedication to the reggae musician Bob Marley.
Other must-visit sites are Rick’s Café, Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios and Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club.
Interesting facts
Jamaica is the birthplace of Reggae music in 1960 and it is the dominant music in the country.
It is also the home of the world’s fastest sprinter called Usain Bolt.
The country produces the most music per capita in the entire world.
Cities & towns I’ve visited
Neighbours
Jamaica has no land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Jamaica
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.