Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola. It is renowned for its reggae music, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. The island is also famous as the birthplace of Rastafarianism and for producing some of the world's fastest sprinters.
- Capital
- Kingston
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- Caribbean
- Area
- 10,991 km²
- Coordinates
- 18.25° N, 77.5° W
Country facts
- Jamaica was colonized by Spain in 1494 and later came under British rule in 1655, gaining independence in 1962.
- The island is home to the Blue Mountains, where one of the most prized coffees in the world is grown.
- Jamaican patois, an English-based creole language, is widely spoken alongside standard English.
- The national bird of Jamaica is the doctor bird, a striking hummingbird found only on the island.
- Bob Marley, one of the most influential musicians in history, was born in Jamaica and helped bring reggae music to a global audience.
Capital facts
- Kingston was established as Jamaica's capital in 1872, replacing Spanish Town which had held that role for centuries.
- The city is home to the Bob Marley Museum, located in the musician's former residence on Hope Road.
- Kingston's natural harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the Americas.
- The Devon House, a historic mansion in Kingston built in 1881, is a popular landmark and heritage site.
- Kingston is widely regarded as a major center of Caribbean music, particularly reggae and dancehall.