Jamaica

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.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Run a marathon in Jamaica

Reggae Marathon

Negril · usually December

A pre-dawn start along Negril's beach road, with reggae playing the whole way round.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jamaica

0 of 2 visited. See every site I've been to.

Blue and John Crow Mountains 2015
Port Royal 2025

My photos from Jamaica

September 2009 Ocho Rios and Moon Palace Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Moon Palace Jamaica

Whole trip gallery

Plan your trip to Jamaica

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Neighbours

Jamaica has no land borders with other countries.