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Jamaica

✨ The island of reggae and sun

Jamaica is an island country in the Caribbean Sea, located south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola. It covers about 10,990 square kilometres and is the third-largest island in the Caribbean by area. Kingston, on the southeastern coast, is the capital and largest city. Much of Jamaica is mountainous, with the Blue Mountains forming the highest and most prominent range in the east. Blue Mountain Peak rises to about 2,256 metres and is the island's highest point.

The landscape also includes limestone plateaus, valleys, coastal plains and numerous caves. Jamaica's coastline is varied, with sandy beaches, rocky shores, bays and coral reefs. Several rivers cross the island, although many are relatively short because of the mountainous terrain. The island's position in the Caribbean gives it a warm maritime climate influenced by the surrounding sea. Jamaica has a tropical climate, with temperatures generally moderated by altitude and sea breezes.

Rainfall varies considerably across the island: the mountainous areas tend to receive more precipitation, while some southern regions are comparatively drier. Tropical forests, wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs provide habitats for a wide range of species, including many plants and animals found only in Jamaica. The island is also exposed to natural hazards such as hurricanes, floods, landslides and earthquakes.

Agriculture has long been important, with sugar cane, bananas, coffee, citrus fruits and other crops grown in different regions. Bauxite mining, manufacturing, tourism and services also contribute significantly to the economy. Jamaica's geography is therefore shaped by its mountainous interior, limestone formations, varied coastline and tropical climate, making the island a diverse geographical environment within the Caribbean.

💡 Did you know?

Jamaica is the country of the fastest men in the world! Usain Bolt, the 'king of lightning,' holds the world records for the 100 and 200 meters. It is said that Jamaicans run fast starting in school because athletics is the king of sports there, almost as much as soccer elsewhere. Even schoolchildren train hard to become future Olympic champions!

The original name of the island was 'Xaymaca,' given by the first inhabitants. It means 'the land of wood and water.' Why? Because Jamaica is full of beautiful rivers and waterfalls that sometimes fall directly into the sea! One of the most famous, Dunn's River Falls, looks like a giant natural stone staircase that you can climb with your feet in the water.

Incredible but true: even though there is never snow in Jamaica, the country had a national bobsleigh team! Jamaican athletes trained on sand and tracks with rollers to participate in the Winter Olympics. Their adventure was so crazy and courageous that a very funny movie called 'Cool Runnings' was made about their story.