JAMAICA
Jamaica a commonwealth country is a mountainous island in the Greater Antilles of West Indies in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and west of Haiti. The nomenclature is derived from a Native American word Xaymaca which means ‘isle of springs’.
GEOGRAPHY
Its area is 10,990 square kilometers. The prominent characteristic is the mountainous nature; most of the island rests 300 meters above sea level. It is for this reason the rivers are not navigable and there are numerous big and small waterfall. The main landform comprises of the central mountain chain from east to west, of igneous and metamorphic rocks; the Cockpit region is of limestone hills and the low lying costal area with its valleys.
The coastline is extensive and variable; on the way are numerous harbors. Natural hot water thermal springs are frequent. The danger of earthquake occurrence is always there.
WILDLIFE
In its dense tropical forests lives rich flora and fauna of 3000 species of plants and many of which are native of the area and specific to tropical dry limestone forest. The aviary species are variegated and so are the reptiles.
The Portland Bright Protected Area is habitat of migratory wildlife. There is abundant marine and estuarine variety here to watch with amazement. Crocodiles and bottle nose dolphins are seen here. Jamaica Parrot Project was founded in 1995 for the study of Black billed Parrot and Yellow billed parrot.
THE CAPITAL
Kingston on the south east coast is the capital of the island at the elevation of 53 meters. Its population comprises of Negroes and mulattoes they are Protestant or Roman Catholic. English being the official language makes it easy to communicate with the locals. The climate is tropical, wet, with frequent hurricanes.
OCCUPATION
Almost 60% of the land is cultivated. Agriculture and plantation is done on large scale. The chief cash crops include bananas, citrus fruits, coconuts, coffee, and cocoa beans, manioc, ginger, and all spice. Farmers raise cattle, pigs, goats, and poultry. Fishing is important. The government is making efforts for creating new jobs in the field of mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
EXPORTS
It is a world leading producer of bauxite. Iron copper, and lead ores are also mined. Other industrial products are alumina, steel, textiles, leather goods, and wood and timber products. Its chief export is Bauxite, alumina, sugar, bananas and rum.
HISTORY
The island was inhabited even before Columbus landed here in 1494. The natives were the Arawak pursuing fishing, hunting, and cultivation of cassava for livelihood. This civilization faded away from the island in a span of 80 years once it came in contact with the Spanish. The island became a Spanish base for conquest. In 1655 it became a British territory. The British brought slaves to the island for plantation. The slavery was abolished in the year 1807. This was followed by a 46 years of internal turmoil when class war created conflict and misery. It was only in 1962 that the country began a new chapter as an independent nation. The present population is the decent of these people and the Indians Chinese Irish who settled here over the centuries. As of now the prevailing culture and customs is a fusion of British and African roots.
Jamaica is popular and preferred destination for holiday because of its outstanding beaches and idolized water falls. The tropical climate and the warm Sun are ideal for sun-bathing, fishing, scuba diving, and wind surfing.
ACCOMMODATION
There is plenty of accommodation of all kinds catering to all segment of tourist in Jamaica. Unique elite multistoried hotels to old historical buildings turned into elegant hotels, and the small ones. Accommodation options do not end here; the villas, apartments, guesthouses and individual properties offer different faculties in the form of bed-and-breakfast, sleeping bare facilities along with modern conveniences. The tourist can plan their own itinerary and duration of stay along with the proximity to the destination of their choice. Individuals, couples, families and groups form the tourist population through out the year. The best services for the money value are accessible.
Tourist season coincides with winter; beginning from December it concludes in April. At this time the hotel rates are high and more so during Christmas and Easter; no vacancy is the common communication by the accommodation providing agencies. Many hotels and resorts are situated on the beach.
TRANSPORTATION
Airline service to the island nationally and internationally is very convenient. All well known airlines connect it to different parts of the globe. Many chartered craft bring passengers here. Two third of the travelers undertake the journey through air. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is well equipped and caters to most of the inbound and outbound tourist. Cruise is very popular; the terminals are at Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Antonio and Kingston. Kingston harbor is a natural harbor with 13 km of navigable water. Island land travel can be made by buses, luxury coaches, rental taxis and exclusive limousines.
CLIMATE
Being a coastal area the stable tropical temperature varies from 26-30 degree C annually; however with increasing altitude the temperature falls. At Blue Mountains it is approximately 18 degree C. The monsoon is formally between May-June and November-December but it can unpredictably rain briefly with profuse showers any time, quickly replaced by warm Sun. Hurricanes are common here more so in the month of June-November. Even the day of winter months are hot and night pleasant; the summer is hot.
CURRENCY
The cost of living is high. Budget travelers need to be conscientious spenders. Jamaican dollar the jay is available in the currency note of J$ 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
SIGHTSEEING
Jamaica is singled out as the first choice by chronic vacationers and other travelers because of its natural breathe taking appeal of natural endowment; the beaches to laze around, the mountains for adventure, soothing local music, rum and local cuisine. No wonder thousands of tourists reach here each year. Tourism is a vital industry here contributing substantially to the economy.
Blue Mountain the 45-km long mountain range is the highest here touching 2250 meters at the Blue Mountain Peak. The sunrise view here is breath taking. The terrene is difficult roads narrow and many dirt tracks in between; Transverse it on foot or by mule. A conducted expedition is recommended. The mountains are assessed to have formed 144 million years ago.
The tourists love the turquoise water of Caribbean that flows at the beaches of Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego, Dunn’s river Falls Beach, Turtle Beach, Doctor’s Cave Beach, Walter Fletcher Beach, and treasure beach Jamaica is surrounded by Monego bay, Annotto Bay, Long Bay, Black River Bay, and Blusfields Bay. Here tourists bask in the sand and sea.
CULTURE
The tradition attire of the locals is very colorful. The handicraft is exclusive with complex design and very popular among the tourists. Its traditional music and dance is a source of joy to the visitors. The live music accompanied by band at the restaurants bars clubs and discos compels the night party guest to dance till dawn. Reggae is the most loved music followed by Ska, Soca, and Calypso. The night life of Negril is the best organized and famous.
Other cities of the island are modern and popular. Kingston is the capital and a place of hustle and bustle. Montego Bay is the second largest city and caters with the Cruise line terminal and free port. Jamaica beach, doctor’s beach is an attraction here. It is an elite place with good restaurants accommodation and shopping complex. Portmore is renowned for Jamaican National Premiere League.
Visit this beautiful island to enjoy the vegetation waterfalls and white beaches and wonder how and what Columbus did when he was marooned here for a year during his last voyage. Enjoy the local gourmet some spicy and others more palatable meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Do enjoy the flavor of salt fish and ackee, rice and peas, pepperpot soup, and jerk chicken; the local rum, coffee of Blue Mountains, ting, Red stripe beer, and allied cocktails.
The place delights the shoppers with its fine hand-loomed fabrics, embroidery, silk screening, wood carvings, oil-paintings, sandal making and woven raffia as souvenirs. The land has more to offer than your itinerary can accommodate.
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