Welcome to Jamaica

Jamaica’s LocationJamaica is an island in the Caribbean Sea, located 145 Kilometres south of Cuba and 190 Kilometres west of Haiti.

Geographical FeaturesIn Jamaica the geography varies from beautiful

beaches on the coast and huge mountain ranges on the inland regions. In fact mountains cover more than half of the island.

Mountain Ranges can reach about 7,402 ft at their highest.

Rivers in Jamaica like the Wag Water and the Milk Rivers usually begin in the mountains and move swiftly down which can create a lot of damage in the more rainy seasons.

Many plains are also located in Jamaica like the Kingston and Liguanea plains.

History of Jamaica

The first inhabitants of Jamaica were the Arawaks from South America. In 1494, Christopher Columbus was the first European to reach and explore the island. Beginning in 1510, Spain began to inhabit the area and by that time, the Arawaks began to die off due to disease and war that came with the European settlers.

In 1655, the British arrived on Jamaica and took the island from Spain. Shortly thereafter in 1670, Britain took full formal control of Jamaica.

Sights of Jamaica

Jamaica is a very attractive tourist destination. Here are the reasons that make people like to vacation in Jamaica. Sun and extreme weather, friendliness of people there. Relaxed and very friendly attitude shown by indigenous people in Jamaica. Maybe you will not believe it because they can enjoy a holiday with interesting people like them.

1. Doctor’s Cave Beach – Montego Bay2. Dunn’s River Falls – Ocho Rios3. Black River Safari – St. Elizabeth Parish4. Bob Marley Museum – Kingston 5. Blue Lagoon Jamaica

Language It is known as Jamaican Creole or Patois. It is the most widely spoken language of Jamaica. Patois is popular

because of the musical lilt and rhythm in the words of the language. It is also used in the lyrics of Reggae, the

famous music of Jamaica.

The immigrants from outside Jamaica have brought with them their language as well and languages like Spanish, Irish, Scottish are also spoken. The other two significant languages of Jamaica are Taino (mixed with Spanish) and

Arawak, specific to particular regions. 

The Jamaican Creole having elements of English is however not easy to understand for outsiders because of

the way it is spoken by the Jamaicans. 

10/20/14

Thank you

Evi Lioliopoulou, class B3