Read about the climate in Jamaica, reggae music, its highest mountain, capital city, economy, languages, agricultural products, sprinters and much more. One Jamaican dollar is equal to about $0.01 USD US dollars. This tradition stems from Jamaica’s British colonial past. 101 'Did you Know' facts about Jamaica: -Intriguing, Insightful and Fun! Read on to learn more about Jamaica and Jamaican life. 1. Jamaica was the first island in the Caribbean to produce rum commercially and Jamaica’s own Appleton Estate remains the 5th largest producer of this fine brew anywhere in the world. In the 1960s, Island records began importing Jamaican music to the UK. 2) The Spanish were forcibly evicted by the British at Ocho Rios in 1655. Eventually, the Jamaican pound became the currency, only to be replaced by the Jamaican dollar in January of 1968. Jamaican Rum Industry. 1. 13. Religion is deeply embedded in Jamaican culture. Facts About Montego Bay: 1. Port Royal in Jamaica was once labeled 'The wickedest city on Earth'. Here are eight interesting facts about Jamaica that you probably didn’t know. Interesting And Fun Facts About Jamaica . capital of Jamaica-which earlier took the capital status from Seville in St. Ann. Facts about Jamaica which is home to the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt. Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands, and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea. Facts about Jamaica 4: Money. Throughout history, the number 13 has been associated with bad luck and misfortune, so it's only natural that people are dubious. Jamaica is an active member of the British Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, the G-15, and the G-77. Jamaican Food History. . Falmouth is named after Falmouth, Cornwall in England 3. With 2.8 million people, Jamaica is the third most populous anglophone country in the Americas, after the United States and Canada. PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: 00:01, Tue, … . Considering how small our island is, Jamaica's rich culture seems to have invaded the world. It is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea, after Cuba and Hispaniola. History of the Jamaican Dollar. A brief Jamaican dance craze paved the way for reggae to enter the global mainstream. 9. (And yes, there are 13 of them. Jamaica Facts for Kids Learn some interesting information about Jamaica while enjoying a range of fun facts and trivia that's perfect for kids! Quadrille is Jamaica’s, National Dress He was an outstanding athlete, soldier, scholar, lawyer. In 1994 Jamaica was the first country in the Caribbean to launch a website. Yes, in this article, we are going to show five of the most interesting facts about the quadrille, Rastafari, and dreadlocks. Jamaica is about 146 miles (235 km) long and varies from 22 to 51 miles (35 to 82 km) wide. Learn more about Jamaica in this article. Its size At almost 11,000 square kilometers, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean region behind Cuba and Hispaniola. 1. Jamaica is a mountainous island in the Caribbean Sea about 600 miles (965 kilometers) south of Miami, Florida. During the winter months, from December to March, colder winds known locally as “northers” reach the island from the North American mainland. We are celebrating the 145th Anniversary since Kingston became the Capital on Jamaica. 1. Jamaica was under Spanish rule from 1509 to 1655. 29.that Lucea, the capital of Hanover, Jamaica, was an old maritime town and famous sea-port Kingston was founded on July 22, 1692, as a refuge for survivors of the June 7th earthquake which destroyed two-thirds of Port Royal. Some of the names have changed over the years but there are still some … It was … From the creation of internationally recognized and enjoyed music, to athletic prowess in track and field, Jamaica is home to many wonders and surprising information. The Jamaican food reflects our rich culinary heritage, a unique blend of cultures, races, and religions dating far back to the sixteenth century.It all began with the Tainos, also known as Arawak Indians.It is believed that the Tainos never cooked in water, but instead prepared food on charcoal. Jamaica has diplomatic relations with most nations and is a member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States. The national capital is Kingston. Fact 4. So, without further ado, here are our picks in five of the most interesting facts about Jamaica’s style. The common name is derived from the West African Akan akye fufo. The first ackee tree in Jamaica was grown from a seed brought on-shore from West Africa by a captain of a slave ship in 1778. The ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica, and ackee & saltfish is the national dish. Sometimes it is surprising to find out that nationals in a country are unaware of some very important data regarding their history. Jamaica is situated to the south of Cuba; to the west of Hispaniola Islands (Haiti & the Dominican Republic) and to the northwest of Cayman Islands. It was an active participant in the April 2001 Quebec Summit of the Americas. He was also a deacon in the Baptist Church. According to Wikipedia, the island is 235 km east to west, and between 34 and 84 km north to south. We don’t want that to be Jamaicans, so we’re providing you with five essential facts every Jamaican needs to know about Norman Washington Manley. The area of Jamaica … 1. Learn more facts . 5 Interesting Facts about Jamaica Here are just 5 interesting facts about this small island nation of Jamaica, known as the Jewel of the Caribbean. 13 Interesting Facts about Jamaica Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean, located to the south of Cuba and to the west of the island of Hispaniola. Soon artists like Neil Diamond and the Beatles were making music with conspicuously reggae-ish undertones, and artists like Johnny Nash and Jimmy Cliff were scoring pop hits. Jamaican Pantomime. The website was – Jamaicatravel.com. A man steers a raft down the Martha Brae River in Jamaica. Paul Bogle was born free in Stony Gut, St Thomas, and had the rare privilege of being a black man who owned land. Facts about Jamaica: Geography. The above blank map represents Jamaica, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. View Images. The island's nearest neighbours are Cuba to the north and Haiti to the east. Did you know that Seville and not Kingston was the first capital of Jamaica? In the late 18th and early 19th Centuries Falmouth’s Port was one of the busiest in Jamaica 4. Top 10 facts about Jamaica ON May 5, 1494, Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Jamaica and claimed it for Spain. Its capital was named Villa de la Vega. Falmouth Had Piped Water Before New York City 2. Jamaican Dollars (JMD) is the currency of Jamaica. You may have been to Jamaica 20 times and still have never heard of these quick facts about Jamaica. Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island in the world after Cuba and Hispaniola. Jamaica was the first Caribbean nation to win independence. Jamaica - Jamaica - Climate: The tropical climate is influenced by the sea and the northeast trade winds, which are dominant throughout the year. Jamaica is located in the Greater Antilles, and is bordered on all sides by the Caribbean Sea. than any other country in the world. Fact 3. Prior to the earthquake, Port Royal was the headquarters of the English buccaneers and was known as the “wickedest” […] … In fact, some of the islanders themselves might scratch their heads at these little known facts! Situated 90 miles south of Cuba, 600 miles south of Florida, USA, and 100 miles south-west of Haiti, Jamaica is approximately 146 miles long, … And these folks aren't being totally dramatic, either. He was a free black from Stony Gut. 1. Another of the interesting facts on Jamaica is that it was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service (in 1688). We don’t want that to be Jamaicans, so we’re providing you with five essential facts every Jamaican needs to know about Paul Bogle. Coastal breezes blow onshore by day and offshore at night. Another interesting fact about Jamaica is that this was a Spanish speaking country. IN CELEBRATION of Jamaica's 50th year of independence we count down 10 important facts about the amazing country's history. Pantomime is originally a British form of theatre (typically for kids) which is known for its music and comedy. Whereas the Jamaican coins consist of 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents 1 dollar, 10 dollar and 20-dollar. Jamaica has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet-and-dry climate, characterized by a wet season from May to November, which coincides with the hurricane season, and a dry season from December to April. Photograph by Scott Griessel, Dreamstime Jamaica (/ dʒ ə ˈ m eɪ k ə / ()) is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea.Spanning 10,990 square kilometres (4,240 sq mi) in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola). Jamaica is a hotspot for tourists, drawing an average of 4.3 million people to this part of the Caribbean every year. Jamaicans, however, have given this form of entertainment its own Jamaican flare/flavour. 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