derived from the Taino name "Xaymaca" - "Land of Wood and Water"
Jamaica is an island country located in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. In the Western Hemisphere, the Caribbean Sea borders the Atlantic Ocean.
Today's Jamaican people are descendants of Africa, Europe and Asia. The majority are of West/Central African descent. The minority are mainly of Chinese, East Indian, European, Syrian, or Lebanese descent, with many people being of a mixed descent.
Many forget that Jamaican is not an ethnicity; it is a nationality and it is a culture.
From the language, music, mannerisms, clothing, to the food, the Jamaican culture has mostly African and European influences.
Capital - Kingston Jamaica consists of 14 parishes. Currency - Jamaican Dollar
Flag Description - "Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth" The black stands for the hardship of the people/slavery, the green stands for the agriculture, and the gold stands for the sun shine.
National Motto - "Out of Many, One People" [Out of many cultures, but still one united people] National Anthem - "Jamaica, Land We Love" National Bird - Doctor Bird National Dish - Ackee and Saltfish (Codish)
Abolition of Slavery - August 1, 1833 and the "System of Apprenticeship" instituted, allowing for the total freedom of slaves in August 1, 1838.
*Jamaica is one of the world's main producers of bauxite!
*Over 120 Rivers!
*324 Species of Birds, 24 of which are only found in Jamaica!
Highest Point - Blue Mountain Peak at 7,402 ft (2,256 m)
Annual Average Temperature - 27 degrees Celsius or about 80 degrees Fahrenheit Blue Mountain Peak avg temp is 13 deg. Celsius or about 55 deg. Fahrenheit
7 National Heroes Paul Bogle (d. 1865) George William Gordon (1820-1865) Nanny of the Maroons Samuel (Sam) "Daddy" Sharpe Sir Alexander Bustamante (1884-1977) Norman Washington Manley (1893-1969) Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887 - 1940)