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Jamaica (/ dʒ ə ˈ m eɪ k ə / ⓘ jə-MAY-kə; Jamaican Patois: Jumieka [dʒʌˈmie̯ka]) is an island country in the Caribbean Sea and the West Indies. At 10,990 square kilometres (4,240 sq mi), it is the third largest island—after Cuba and Hispaniola —of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean . [11]
- Overview
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- Drainage and soils
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.
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 (limeston...
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).
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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.
Find fun things to do in Jamaica. Experience the vibrant culture, thrilling adventures, breathtaking beaches and irresistible flavors of Jamaican cuisine.
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- Portland and Blue Mountain. Best place for hiking. The Portland parish has Jamaica’s longest coastline, more than 75 caves and an abundance of tropical vegetation as far as the eye can see, including banana, coconut and breadfruit trees.
- Blue Lagoon. Best place for a freshwater dip. Captured in the 1990 movie of the same name, the Blue Lagoon is one of Jamaica's most beautiful locations – a 55m-deep (180ft) extinct volcano surrounded by greenery.
- Reach Falls. Best place to enjoy waterfalls. If you love waterfalls, the eastern part of Port Antonio is a must-see destination on your Jamaica trip – four of them await you here.
- Frenchman's Cove. Best place to enjoy tropical scenery. Located just east of Drapers near Port Antonio, Frenchman's Cove is where water from the Blue Mountains flows into the Caribbean Sea.
Apr 1, 2024 · Jamaica is a dreamy destination with incredible beaches, rich culture, delicious food and friendly locals. Plan your dream visit with great info, travel tips, fun things to do in Jamaica and more.
Jamaica is one of the Caribbean's larger islands. Here are the best ways to travel around it. Read article
Jamaican culture is as vibrant as the people who live here. Learn more about the Jamaican language, music, dance and cuisine that make the island special.
