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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.
- Overview
- Relief
- 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.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, a romantic escape, vibrant cultural encounters or breathtaking natural wonders, Jamaica has something for everyone. This is your invitation to experience the magic of Jamaica and come back to being your best self again.
- Choose where to stay wisely. Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, so where you decide to stay depends on what you’re into. For beaches and water sports, Negril and the north coast are your best bets.
- Bring a mosquito net (just in case) Jamaican mosquitoes do not carry malaria but there are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. Some of the guesthouses and hotels don’t provide mosquito nets, so bring your own.
- It's possible to visit without hiring a car. The main towns in Jamaica are served by a combination of comfortable, air-conditioned buses, crowded minibuses and route taxis.
- Carry a few Jamaican dollars. In upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants credit cards are almost universally accepted. Elsewhere in Jamaica, cash (Jamaican dollars) is king, though in touristy destinations you can largely get by with US dollars.
Top Things to Do in Jamaica, Caribbean. Places to Visit in Jamaica. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Day Trips (1,115) Rafting (180) Beaches (45) Ziplining (60) Private and Luxury (266) Waterfalls (19) Horseback Riding (93) Extreme Sports (651) Bodies of Water (24)
Apr 12, 2024 · As one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica captivates with its natural beauty, deeply rooted cultural heritage and lively entertainment scene, drawing travelers from every corner of the globe.
Jamaica. Caribbean. Jamaica comes with its own soundtrack. Groove to its singular rhythm as you explore the sandy beaches, lush mountains and unique flavors of this powerfully beautiful island. Best Time to Visit. Best Places to Visit. 01 / Attractions. Must-see attractions. Reach Falls. Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & the North Coast.
