Jamaica

Everybody knows Jamaica as the home of Bob Marley, but there is more to it than just reggae and Rastafarians. Jamaica is one of the most alluring of the Caribbean islands, with it’s wonderful white sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and the best coffee in the world. Jamaica is a wonderfully diverse island paradise making it a perfect travel vacation. Jamaicans are warm, friendly people that welcome tourists. The island's luxuriant tropical and subtropical vegetation is probably unsurpassed anywhere in the Caribbean. The island is a tropical paradise comprised of a plethora of colour acting as a muse for natives and visitors alike. Kingston is the lively capital, surprising visitors with elegant, old colonial houses against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains.

Understanding The Geography

Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea. It is east of the Central American mainland, south of Cuba, and west of the island of Hispaniola, on which Haiti and the Dominican Republic are situated. Its indigenous Arawakan-speaking Taino inhabitants named the island Xaymaca, meaning either the "Land of Springs," or the "Land of Wood and Water." Formerly a Spanish possession known as Santiago, then the British West Indies Crown colony of Jamaica.

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. The island of Jamaica is home to the Blue Mountains inland and is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. For this reason, most major towns and both cities are located on the coast. Chief towns include the capital city Kingston, Spanish Town, Mandeville, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and the city of Montego Bay.

Climate Conditions

The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although inland regions have a more temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are relatively dry rain-shadow areas.

Understanding The Culture

Though a small nation, Jamaica is rich in culture, and has a strong global presence. The musical genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, dub, and, more recently, dancehall and reggae all originated in the island's vibrant popular urban recording industry. Internationally known reggae musician Bob Marley was born in Jamaica and is very respected there.

The Rastafari movement was founded in Jamaica. This Back to Africa movement believes that Haile Selassie of Ethiopia is God incarnate, the returned black messiah, come to take the lost Twelve Tribes of Israel back to live with him in Holy Mount Zion in a world of perfect peace, love and harmony. Bob Marley, a convert to the faith, spread the message of Rastafari to the world. There are now estimated to be more than a million Rastafarians throughout the world.