The name Jamaica has its origin in the Arrawak language and is derived from Xaymaca or Chaymakas. That means something like spring land or wood and water land. Visit thedressexplorer for Jamaica Comprehensive Round Trip.
Location
The area of Jamaica extends over almost 11,000 square kilometers. The island is 235 km long and between 35 and 82 km wide.
Time zone
The time difference between Germany and Jamaica is -5 hours.
Geography
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Greater Antilles. In addition to the main island, the Pedro Cays and the Morant Cays archipelago are also part of the national territory.
Two thirds of the western and central part of the island is covered by layers of limestone several hundred meters thick, which also make up the high mountain ranges of the center. The descent to the sea is flatter in the south, while the east is characterized by the Blue Mountains. At 2256 m, the highest point on the island is on the Blue Mountain Peak. Jamaica is served by many short rivers
traversed, which usually move north or south. With the exception of Moneague Lake, lakes rarely form in porous limestone.
History
The island was discovered by Columbus in 1492 during his second voyage. With the arrival of Spanish settlers in 1510, the peoples living there were enslaved – the existence of the slave economy did not change in the next few centuries either, so that Jamaica can look back on a sad past under the rule of various powers (mainly Spain and ultimately Great Britain). Through the events of the Second World War, Jamaica managed to establish itself as an important supplier of raw materials and food for Great Britain and finally gained independence in 1962. The island nation is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Flora and fauna
Originally Jamaica was completely covered by forests, today the island is divided into three different regions: the Jamaican wet forest, the Jamaican dry forest and the mangroves. The formerly lush rainforest is now limited to the northeastern parts of the island. Native trees include, for example, cedar, mahogany, and the mahoe tree, which is considered the national tree of Jamaica.
Although animal habitats are limited, Jamaica is home to around 250 different species of birds, 25 of which are endemic.
Business
Although Jamaica is one of the more affluent countries in the Caribbean, one in five residents lives below the poverty line. The most important areas of the economy include tourism as well as the extraction and processing of natural resources. The island’s main export is bauxite.
Population
In 2009 Jamaica had a population of 2,825,000 people. With over 90%, the majority of the population is descended from African slaves who died in the 17th and 18th centuries. Century were brought to the island. Only a very small part comes from other Caribbean countries or is even of European or Asian origin.
Religion
As a result of British rule, about 2/3 of the population belong to the Protestant Church, including the Church of God, the Baptists and the Anglicans.
Language
The official language in Jamaica is English, but Jamaican Creole is also spoken. Often both languages are mixed to form regional dialects.
Food and drink
Jamaica’s cuisine is diverse and is shaped by influences from Africa, Europe and Asia. Spicy dishes with hot sauces are particularly popular; All in all, locally grown fruit and vegetables, poultry and saltwater fish are used.
Many spirits in Jamaica are made from rum.
Entry
Entering Jamaica is straightforward. All that is required is a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure at the time of entry. No visa is required for a tourist stay of less than 90 days or a business trip of up to 30 days.
Medical advice
Current information on vaccinations can be obtained from your family doctor or on the website of the Center for Travel Medicine (CRM).
Addresses
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Cities and places in Jamaica
Montego Bay
The place in the heart of the Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination; Not only fantastic stands attract visitors from near and far, but also various sports facilities, golf courses and marinas.
Kingston
The capital of Jamaica offers many opportunities, especially for tourists interested in culture. Particularly worth seeing, for example, is the Bob Marley Museum in Uptown Kingston, or the Ward Theater or the Kingston Parish Church in downtown Kingston, which was destroyed and rebuilt after an earthquake.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains in eastern Jamaica mainly attract nature lovers. High-quality coffee is grown on the lower slopes, while the higher slopes are forested.
