This article is written for those who, having heard about the place where summer lives forever, are still asking the following question: “Is Jamaica a city or a country?” This is an amazing state, which is located on the other side of the Earth, attracting a large number of tourists. Like to visit this country and our compatriots. At the same time, they are not even afraid of the fact that there is a decent distance between Jamaica and Moscow, equal to 9800 km, and the flight time is almost 14 hours. And this is with a free air corridor and favorable weather.
Location on the world map
Where is the country of Jamaica? On the world map, it can be found in the Caribbean Sea, in its western part. This country is located in the West Indies. Together with Haiti, Puerto Rico and Cuba, it is part of the Greater Antilles.
You can find Jamaica between 18 and 20 degrees north latitude and 75 and 78 degrees west longitude. What are Jamaica's neighboring countries? From this third largest island of the archipelago, only 144 km to Cuba in a southerly direction, andalso 162-186 km to Haiti if traveling west. To the east, at a distance of 290 km, are the Cayman Islands. The closest point on earth is Cape Gracias a Luce. This territory of Nicaragua is located in the southwest at a distance of 629 km.
The country of Jamaica is located on an island of 10,990 square kilometers. The length of its territory from west to east is 224 km, and from north to south - 36-81 km. The length of the coastline of the island is 1022 km.
Not far from Jamaica in the southwest direction is a coral reef. Its area is 8021 square kilometers. The height of this reef in the water column is 102 meters. To the east of this cluster of corals are the four islands of the Pedro Keys. It is also the territory of the country of Jamaica. Officially, the most remote of these islands is considered the southernmost point of the exotic state. The Morant Keys archipelago is also considered the territory of the State of Jamaica.
Geography
Are you interested in North America? Jamaica is one of them. The name of this state in translation means "land of rivers and forests." The island has many waterfalls and gorges, green meadows, beaches and mysterious thickets. In its northern part, Jamaica has rocky shores. But in the center of the coast there are beaches. This narrow strip is called the Jamaican Riviera.
Most of the island is a limestone plateau with a hilly terrain. In the east, it ends with the Blue Mountains (Blue Mountains). The height of their peaks reaches 2256 m.
One hundred and twenty rivers originate in the mountains of the island. You can also see a huge number of waterfalls here. The largest river is the Rio Grande. Its length is 100 km.
Most of the island is composed of limestone rocks. This explains the fact that Jamaica has a large number of coastal reefs and caves. These rocks are excellent water filters. Clean and fresh waters can also be found everywhere here.
The coast of the southern and western parts of the island is a wide low-lying plain. The island of Jamaica is distinguished by a fairly high seismic activity. In this regard, some thrill-seekers are trying to visit the country. This is explained by the fact that earthquakes are not rare here, but in general they are insignificant and do not pose a threat to life.
Nature
The country of Jamaica delights tourists with its harmonious combination of the beauty of tropical forests, picturesque mountains, snow-white beaches and amazing waterfalls.
The mangroves and lowland areas of the island are home to bloodthirsty crocodiles. And frogs, lizards and non-venomous snakes are found almost everywhere here.
The only "indigenous" mammal on the island is the Jamaican rabbit. Outwardly, it resembles a guinea pig.
Mongooses and goats live on the island, as well as some types of cattle. All of them were once brought to Jamaica by travelers.
The island is famous for its rich variety of birds. There are 256 species of them here. Interestingly, many of them live onlyin Jamaica. These are 25 species, as well as 21 subspecies.
Climate
For those whose purpose of travel is Jamaica, information about the country is extremely important. Travelers are especially interested in the weather. In this regard, they should know that the climate in the territory where this country is located is tropical, monsoon. In this regard, both in summer and in winter, the air temperature is practically within the same boundaries. On the coast, its average value is 24-35 degrees, and in mountainous areas - 17-27. Tourists who are not accustomed to the heat are saved by the breezes blowing from the sea. They help to endure high air temperatures with ease.
To those who are interested in the country of Jamaica as a travel destination, it is interesting to know about the temperature of sea water. It warms up to 24-26 degrees.
From May to October, the rainy season continues on the island. In addition, travelers should be aware that the island is located in the "belt of hurricanes" that come to it from the Atlantic Ocean. In this regard, the country sometimes suffers from destructive storms. They usually occur during this period. Therefore, those who are interested in the country of Jamaica should choose the winter period for their trip.
Government
There is a constitutional monarchy in the state. And this is also interesting to know for those who are interested in Jamaica. The characteristic of the country is peculiar in political terms. The head of state is the monarch of Great Britain. He appoints a governor-general to govern the island. In turn, this representative of the monarch appoints not only the primeminister, but all the ministers of Jamaica.
The island is ruled by a bicameral parliament. It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. There are two main political parties in Jamaica. This is the People's National and also the Labor Party.
According to its administrative structure, Jamaica is divided into fourteen parishes. The description of the country makes it clear that historically there are three districts in it.
Are you really interested in Jamaica? Interesting facts about the country relate to various aspects of its life. There is unusual information in matters of its political structure. So, until 1962-06-08, the country was part of the UK. Today Jamaica is a free island. However, despite political independence, the head of state is still the British monarch - Queen Elizabeth II.
The flag of Jamaica has an image of an oblique cross painted in yellow or gold. This detail divides the canvas into two sectors. One of them symbolizes strength, and the second - the creativity of the local population. These sectors are black. There are symbols of hope for the future and agricultural diversity on the flag. They are located in green sectors.
The image of the cross is also on the coat of arms of Jamaica. This is the cross of St. George, decorated with pineapples and figures of the Arawak Indians, representing the indigenous population of the country.
Capital
What is the main administrative center of Jamaica? The description of the country is impossible without mentioning its capital, which is the city of Kingston. Helocated in the southern part of the island, in the depths of a large bay.
What features does the country's capital have? Jamaica, together with nearby small towns and towns, as well as the nearby city of St. Andrew, is a large agglomeration. This administrative district is the residence of almost a quarter of the entire population of the island. Today, there are 600 thousand inhabitants in the capital itself.
Kingston is the most important transport and trade center of the country. Its port serves to move almost all of the island's exports and imports. Paliseidos International Airport is located not far from the capital.
Besides, Kingston is a major cultural center. The city is home to the University of the West Indies. It trains students who come from all the islands in the Caribbean.
Sights of Kingston
Those who come to this small but very beautiful city should definitely visit the Bob Marley Museum. This man is a demigod for the Jamaicans, and for everyone else - the founder of the Rasta culture.
Further, the path of travelers lies in William Grant Park. This is nothing but the main square of the city. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary park, but its main highlight is the so-called parades located along the perimeter. These are the streets where some of the most interesting buildings of the capital are located. Among them are old churches, the Bard Theater, houses with original architecture.
Tourists are also interested in the historical center of the capital of Jamaica - Downtown. In himthere is Gordon House and the Headquarters House. When moving north, travelers enter the Park of National Heroes.
There are interesting places for those who are interested in painting. Such tourists are invited to visit the National Gallery of Jamaica. A little further away from it is Ocean Boulevard, where a souvenir market operates. Here you can buy various trinkets that will remind you of this exotic country upon arrival home.
There are some very beautiful churches in the city. They are of interest to almost all tourists. Hoop Garden - the Royal Botanical Garden is perfect for relaxing in silence.
Cities of the country and its resorts
In addition to the capital in Jamaica, there are fourteen more large settlements. The largest of these are cities such as Montego Bay, Manchester and St. Andrew, as well as St. James.
In the northwestern part of the country there is a beach area popular with tourists. This is a resort, the center of which is the second largest city of the state - Montego Bay. This territory is home to another international airport and almost half of all luxury hotels on the island intended for tourist recreation.
In addition to the amazing sandy beaches, the resort offers its guests wonderful opportunities for water and land sports. This place is perfect for diving and golf lovers.
In the western part of the island is the territory of another popular resort - Negril. Its real decoration is an eleven-kilometer white sandy beach.- Calico Jack.
Off the northern coast of the island lies the resort of Ocho Rios, which is no less beloved by travelers. It is surrounded by delightful tropical vegetation. In the vicinity of the resort there are many beautiful waterfalls and coffee plantations.
Lovers of a relaxing holiday are invited to the resort of Port Antonio. It is located in the northeastern part of the country. It is interesting that the surroundings of this resort area were chosen by many filmmakers for their filming. This once again confirms the fact of the amazing picturesqueness of this area.
Language
The country's official language is English. However, in the vocabulary of the inhabitants there are many borrowed words. They came to Jamaica from Africa. But what about the indigenous people of Jamaica? The language of the country is not purely English. In the speech of the Indians there is a local Creole dialect - Papua. Its sound is similar to melodic English. However, Papua has a simplified grammar and is full of special slang words. This language originated with African slaves who were brought to Jamaica and closely communicated with the British.
Currency
The country's national currency is the Jamaican dollar. Tourists are often interested in the coins of the country. They have the shape of a heptagon, on which there are images of fish, birds and animals. In shops and most tourist centers, travelers can pay with traveler's checks.
Culture
In the formation of this sphere of society's life, a hugeTaíno Indians, Europeans, Africans, Indians and Chinese influenced. This vibrant mixture of different trends led to the creation of a single modern Jamaican culture.
It was in this country that a new musical style was born - reggae. It is distinguished by a slow rhythm and a melodic chant, to which the performer and listeners can shake their heads with pleasure. A similar style arose under the influence of rock and roll and blues, superimposed on Caribbean rhythms. The lyrics of reggae songs are based on the philosophy of protest movements and Rastafarianism.
It is interesting that thanks to this style, many others appeared on the planet. This is jungle and dubstep, trip-hop and others. Every year, Jamaica hosts the world's largest reggae music festivals. The most famous of them is Reggae SumFest. Musicians and tourists gather for it in July.
In general, the country is known for its many festivals and carnivals. The biggest show in Jamaica takes place in Kingston in January-February. Other popular local festivals include Caribbean Rum, Jonkanoo Christmas and Wine and Food Festival.
Kitchen
Jamaicans' eating habits have been influenced by the traditions of local Indians, Chinese, British, Indians and Spaniards. The main food products used in the national cuisine are potatoes and corn, beans and rice, fish and various seafood, meat and vegetables, yucca and peas. Nutmeg, ginger and allspice are often used as seasonings for dishes.
Akki is the national fruit of Jamaica. It is often cooked along with vegetables, lard and codfish. This dish is served for breakfast along with tortillas. Other popular local fruits include bananas and mangoes, coconuts and guava, papaya and pineapples.
As for chicken, fish and pork dishes, most often they are seasoned with seasoning, which includes cinnamon and allspice, onions and green onions, thyme and nutmeg. The name of such a mixture is jerk.
Tourists will also be interested in local bammy cakes. They are fried from cassava root, which is pre-crushed and soaked in coconut oil. They eat such cakes with fish or serve them as a snack.
Traditional Jamaican soft drinks are fruit juices and coffee, coke water, and Irish moss. The last one is made from carrageenan seaweed with milk, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg.
Traditional alcoholic drink is Jamaican rum. It is made from sugar cane.
