Understanding Jamaica: A land of extremes (2024)

FAQs

What makes Jamaica so special? ›

What is Jamaica known for? Jamaica is known to be the birthplace of reggae, Bob Marley, world's fastest sprinters, Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe beer, Jamaican rum, beautiful beaches, jerk dishes, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and majestic waterfalls.

Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: unlawful and arbitrary killings by government security forces; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment by the government; harsh and life-threatening conditions in prisons and detention facilities; arbitrary arrest and detention; serious government corruption; ...

Jamaica's culture, heritage and history have been placed at the top of the list of reasons why Jamaicans think the island is special, and the factors that make persons proud to declare that they are from this little rock in the Caribbean.

Jamaica has been known to spend half of its income on imported good for basic necessities. The country relies mostly on goods such as food, gasoline and clothing. Its high reliance on imported goods creates an increasing deficit, endangering the state of its economy and keeping people below the poverty line.

The Island Sits on Top of a Large Underwater Mountain

An awesome fun fact about Jamaica is that it actually sits on the summit of a vast underwater mountain. The submarine range which supports the island is known, unsurprisingly, as the Jamaica Ridge.

Reggae music is at the core of Jamaican culture. The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is a must-visit to check out the life and times of the great reggae icon, Bob Marley.

Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory. Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.

Additionally, Jamaica is a great place to experience a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and swimming. The cons of living in Jamaica include its high crime rate, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure.

Though the majority of the island's population is staunchly Christian, all religions including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Rastafarianism peacefully co-exist with others. With over 1,600 churches, Jamaica holds the Guinness Book of World records for the most churches per square mile!

Are Jamaican people friendly? ›

Come back to your best self in Jamaica!

When you visit Jamaica, you'll meet friendly smiling faces and will be welcomed with warm hospitality wherever you go.

Most Jamaican slaves came from the region of modern day Ghana, Nigeria and Central Africa, and included the Akan, Ashanti, Yoruba, Ibo and Ibibio peoples. By the 18th century, Jamaica had become one of the most valuable British colonies.

The Caribbean Sea has a host of islands that are adjacent to the Americas; it is full of nation states more or less developed. Haiti and Jamaica are the poorest nations in the Caribbean; the wealthiest are Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

For decades, Jamaica struggled with low growth, high public debt and many external shocks that further weakened the economy. Over the last 30 years, real per capita GDP increased at an average of just one percent per year, making Jamaica one of the slowest growing developing countries in the world.

Ask any visitor what attracts them most to Jamaica and the answer will vary, ranging from the warmth of Jamaicans, the food, the culture, the music, the beaches, attractions and tours and the list goes on. One thing is for certain, you will never get just one answer.

Jamaica is a multi-racial island

Although the island's ethnic make-up is predominately of African descent, Jamaica is a culturally diverse country. The population of approximately 3 million people is made up of African, European, East Indian and Chinese heritage.

Jamaica: An emerald island in the Caribbean often known as the birthplace of reggae music and a hotspot for pure tropical fun. Jamaica is packed full of surprises: miles of breathtaking beaches, hidden blue lagoons, lost waterfalls, an endless list of paradise resorts, and so much more!

Jamaica is known for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril are all home to beautiful white sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters.