Where is Jamaica in which country. The geographical position of Jamaica, the history of the island nation. Golf in Jamaica

JAMAICA
a state in the West Indies, located on the island of the same name in the Caribbean. It is part of the British Commonwealth. Area 10,991 sq. km, length from west to east approx. 225 km, and from north to south - from 35 to 82 km.

Jamaica. The capital is Kingston. Population - 2670 thousand people (1994). Population density - 243 people per 1 sq. km. km. The ratio of urban and rural population - 58% and 42%. Area: 10,991 sq. km. The highest point is Blue Mountain (2256 m above sea level). State language: English. Main religion: Protestantism. Administrative-territorial division: 3 counties and 14 parishes. Currency unit: Jamaican dollar = 100 cents. National holiday: Independence Day is the first Monday in August. National anthem: "God bless our land."

Jamaica map (detail)

Flora and fauna. Forests in Jamaica occupy approximately 194 thousand hectares, i.e. 1/5 of the total area of ​​the island. A significant part of the indigenous forest communities has been destroyed, however, in hard-to-reach places, virgin stands of large-leaved, briya (ebony) and dalbergia are still preserved. In Jamaica, there are extensive thickets of bamboo and logwood, and in some places there are plantings of Caribbean pine and eucalyptus. In the west and southwest, in areas not occupied by agricultural plantations, savanna-type vegetation of grasses with isolated trees is common. The most common for Jamaica is a cotton tree (ceiba), reaching a height of 30 m. In total, more than 3,000 species of flowering plants grow on the island, including 200 species of orchids. On the south coast, mangroves are widespread. local fauna during the development of the island, the island suffered greatly, although manatees and crocodiles, several species of snakes, iguana lizards, and more than 20 species of bats are still preserved here. However, most of the characteristic animals are introduced to Jamaica from other countries, including mongooses and mynas from India. Jamaica is famous for its rich bird fauna, numbering 256 species, with 25 species and 21 subspecies living only on this island.
POPULATION
Jamaica had a population of 2,670,000 in 1994. The population density is 243 people per 1 sq. km. km, and in terms of the area of ​​agricultural land - almost 800 people per 1 sq. km. km, which is much more than cultivated land can support. Despite the overpopulation of the country, the rate of natural population growth over the past few decades has remained quite high. Although, since the 1950s, the birth rate has been gradually decreasing, this trend has hardly affected the demographic situation due to a sharp drop in mortality. In 1997, per 1,000 people, the birth rate was 21, and the death rate was only 5. In 1997, the real population growth was estimated at 7.5 per 1,000 people and was half the natural one. Since the 1950s, there has been a significant emigration of the population from Jamaica. Behind last years the outflow of the population from the countryside and the growth of cities increased. However, in 1997 the rural population of Jamaica still reached 47% and was concentrated in the interior highlands of the country. The Jamaican population is dominated by young people. In 1997, the share of the age group under 15 years old was 37%, 32% of the population, from 15 to 64 years old - 61%, and over 65 years old - 7%. Kingston is the capital main port And shopping mall countries. The population of the city with the adjoining suburb of St. Andrew is approx. 800 thousand people. Other cities with a population of over 25,000 include Spanish Town (the capital of Jamaica until 1872), Portmore, May Pen, and Mandeville (one of the bauxite mining centers) in the south, and Montego Bay in the northwest. Jamaica is an ethnically heterogeneous country with a predominance of Africans. 76% of the population are of the Negroid race, 15% are of mixed European-African origin (1997). The rest - immigrants from the Middle East, Europe and Asia - live mainly in cities. The official and most common language is English, but the population also speaks the local Creole-English dialect (Patois). The majority of the population professes Protestantism, but syncretic Christian-African sects have also survived. In the 1930s, an influential Rastafarian movement arose in Jamaica, which still has many adherents today. It is characterized by pacifism and ritual marijuana smoking. Rastafarianism is associated with popular reggae music, Jamaica's contribution to world culture.
POLITICAL SYSTEM
Traditions government controlled Jamaica was formed under the influence of British parliamentarism. According to the 1962 constitution, the head of state is the English monarch, who is represented by the governor general. The highest body of legislative power is a bicameral parliament. The Senate has 21 members, 13 of whom are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and 8 on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. The House of Representatives consists of a minimum of 45, a maximum of 60 deputies elected by popular vote for a term of 5 years. The size of the House of Representatives depends on the number of constituencies. All adult citizens of Jamaica and Commonwealth countries who have lived in Jamaica for at least a year are eligible to vote. Executive power is exercised by the prime minister and an 11-member cabinet representing the winning party. Other state attributes and procedures are the same as in the UK. The two-party system is actually enshrined in the constitution. Any changes to the constitution are made after a vote in Parliament and at least two-thirds of the votes in each of the chambers. The country's main political parties are the Jamaica Labor Party (LPJ) and the People's National Party (PNP). Both were born under the influence of the trade union movement during the unrest in the West Indies in the 1930s. LPJ, founded by Alexandre Bustamante in 1943, defends the interests of private enterprise. The NPP, founded in 1938 and led for a long time by Norman Manley, is a moderate social democratic party. The largest trade unions in Jamaica are also associated with these parties: with the LPJ - the Trade Union of Industrial Workers, with the NPP - the National Union of Workers. Upon gaining independence, Jamaica inherited an efficient colonial administrative apparatus. The judicial system of Jamaica is similar to the British and is based on the general principles of British law. There is a Supreme Court, appellate courts, magistrates and lower courts. There are jury trials. Administratively, Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes. 12 of them are under the control of parish councils, and the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew have a common system of government. Jamaica is a member of the British Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Common Market and the United Nations.
ECONOMY
In the 18-19 centuries. Jamaica brought fabulous profits to the English planters who grew sugar cane with the labor of Negro slaves. Modern Jamaica is an underdeveloped economically dependent country. In the middle of the 20th century sugar cane, which had long been the backbone of the country's economy, gave way to bauxite, which took a leading position in exports. In the 1980s, income from the supply of sugar and bauxite fell sharply. Currently, income comes from tourism. In 1996, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Jamaica was approx. 7.8 billion dollars, i.e. $3,050 per capita. These figures do not take into account the shadow income from the sale of marijuana. In 1996 GDP growth was 0.5%. Jamaica is divided into six economic zones. In the mountainous western region, Indian hemp is grown, from which marijuana is made, and in the foothills of the Blue Mountains - the best coffees. In central and western regions On the limestone plateau, animal husbandry is developed, Indian hemp is grown, as well as fruits and vegetables. Here are the main deposits of bauxite. North coast of Jamaica beautiful beaches turned into a recreation and tourism area. Large plantations of bananas and sugar cane are concentrated on the southern coastal plains, as well as factories for the production of raw sugar. The hinterland of the limestone plateau, centered on Christiana, experienced a recession in the economy for half a century, which was due to their overpopulation. In addition, the soils of the area have been severely affected by erosion. Recently adopted programs for the economic development of the region have been crowned with a successful revival of agriculture. Despite its small area (319 sq. km), the Liguania region, confined to the alluvial plain in the southeast of the island, occupies a leading position in terms of population and economic development. The cities of Kingston and Spanish Town are located here, in which 80% of industry and 25% of the country's population are concentrated. Even in times of economic recovery, the unemployment rate exceeded a quarter of Jamaica's working-age population. In 1990, this category of the population reached 1062 thousand. More than a quarter of the economically active population is employed in agriculture, but many of them are seasonal workers on sugar cane plantations. The industry employs approx. 19% of workers. In the 1950s, despite the economic recovery of Jamaica, many residents of the island emigrated to the UK due to unemployment, and after the British authorities restricted entry into the country in 1962, they applied for work in the United States and Canada. Many new industries that require a high level of technology make do with a small number of workers. For example, less than 7 thousand people are engaged in the development of bauxite deposits. The main obstacle to the expansion of bauxite mining is the lack of cheap energy. Almost all of the country's energy is based on imported oil. In 1995, Jamaica generated 848.4 thousand kWh of electricity. Jamaica has 16 seaports, the largest of them is Kingston. The island's length highways 18.6 thousand km, roads local importance- 10.6 thousand km. The small railroad is mainly used for freight transportation. The international airports of Kingston and Montego Bay have contributed to the development of tourism, which is the main source of foreign exchange earnings. In the agricultural sector of the Jamaican economy, two types of farms are distinguished: large highly productive plantations where bananas, sugarcane, citrus fruits are grown for export, and thousands of small unprofitable farms that partially supply export products (ginger, bananas, sometimes sugar), but mostly meet the minimum domestic demand (fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, breadfruit and cassava). After 1972, the government began to buy sugar cane plantations owned by foreigners and create agricultural cooperatives on these lands. Since the 1950s, the mining industry has been actively developing in Jamaica. In the 1970s, more than half of the export earnings came from bauxite and the aluminum produced from it. In 1975, Jamaica supplied 14% of bauxite to the world market, but since 1985 their share has fallen to 7.5%. This trend would have been further developed had the US not bought large quantities of Jamaican aluminum to replenish its strategic reserves. In the 1960s and early 1970s, industrial products began to gain more and more weight in the Jamaican economy. In 1995, it amounted to 36.2% of GDP. The most developed light industry, including the production of food, sugar, textiles, paper and cigarettes. In addition, there are a number of large industrial enterprises in Jamaica owned by foreign companies and working on imported raw materials. They produce chemical products, machinery, machine tools, glass, cement and metal products, as well as refining bauxite and oil. Industrial products of Jamaica are mostly produced for domestic consumption, but are also exported to the countries of the Caribbean Common Market. The value of imports here far exceeds the earnings from exports. Thus, in 1995, $2.8 billion was spent on imports, while export earnings amounted to only $1.4 billion. The situation was not saved by $960 million of tourism profits, which were spent on burdensome payments for the import of services. and interest payments on foreign debts. In the 1980s, the deficit trade balance financed more than $500 million a year from the proceeds of marijuana smuggling, more than $100 million from US bailouts, and mostly foreign loans that leave the country heavily indebted. Jamaica's trading partners are the US, UK and Canada.

Collier Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean, located on the island of the same name. In the archipelago of the Greater Antilles, it is second in size only to Cuba and Haiti.

The name of the country is mainly known for "Pirates of the Caribbean" and thanks to the famous Jamaican rum. A detailed map of Jamaica will make it possible to find the small settlement of Port Royal, which was once the capital of pirates. But the prosperous city, which gathered almost half of the island's population, was completely destroyed and washed into the sea as a result of an earthquake.

Jamaica on the world map: geography, nature and climate

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island (10.9 thousand km 2), located in its western part. Jamaica also includes the Pedro Keys and the Morant Keys archipelago.

The nearest island - Cuba - is located 145 km to the north. The island of Haiti is located 160-190 km east of Jamaica, and up to North America much further to the west. The nearest point on the mainland is 630 km away (Cape Gracias a Dios in Nicaragua).

To the north of Jamaica in the Cayman Trench is the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea (depth 7686 m). This trench arose at the boundary of the collision of the Caribbean and North American lithospheric plates. Frequent earthquakes in the area are associated with active tectonic movements. The most famous is the earthquake of 1692, which destroyed the stronghold of the pirates of the Caribbean - the city of Port Royal.

A map of Jamaica in Russian shows that the surface of the island is occupied by a plateau with a height of 500-1000 m. The Blue Mountains are located in the east, this is the highest part of the island (the top of Blue Mountain, 2256 m). In the west and southwest there are also low mountains. In the center are the mountains of Dry Harbor, in the west - the plateau of the Cockpit Country. Karst is developed in the western part of the island, so karst funnels and valleys are often found on the surface, some rivers disappear in underground streams.

Lowlands, formed mainly by river sediments, occupy a significant area only along the western and southern coasts. In the south, the coast is heavily indented, the entrance to most of the bays is protected by coral reefs. In one of these bays is the capital of the country - the city of Kingston.

There are many rivers in Jamaica, but they are all small, although full-flowing. Only three rivers (Minho, Black River and Rio Cobre) are longer than 50 km. The longest of them is Minho, which originates in the mountains of Dry Harbor and flows into Carlisle Bay. For navigation, the Black River is important, along the bed of which ships can rise 48 km upstream. Almost all rivers flow north or south major rivers only the Plantaine River, originating in the Blue Mountains, flows east. The water level in the rivers depends on the season. Many streams and rivers are lost in karst valleys.

The nature of the country is diverse. Once thick and vast wet rainforests actively cut down. Now they are preserved on 1/5 of the country. The tree stand consists mainly of cottonwood, svittenia, ebony, dalbergia, etc. In some places they are replaced by plantings of eucalyptus and Caribbean pine. There are thickets of bamboo. Higher on the slopes of the mountains grow stunted forests. The south and west are dominated by savannahs. Mangroves are common on the south coast. About 200 species of orchids are found in Jamaica. But the fauna cannot boast of diversity. There are no large animals here. Birds, rodents, and reptiles predominate. Mongooses were introduced to fight poisonous snakes. The world of bats is rich: 20 species of bats live here.

Studying the position of Jamaica on the world map, you can see that the island is located in tropical latitudes. Therefore, the climate is warm and humid. Average temperatures in January are around 24-25°C, in July - 26-27°C. In the mountains, the temperature decreases with height, so it can drop to 4-7 ° C. The northeast trade winds bring heavy rains to the northern coast of the island, where more than 2500 mm of precipitation falls, in some places even up to 7000 mm. The amount of moisture falling in the south of the island is much less (630-650 mm). The rainy season runs from May to October, but there is no typical dry season.

The island is in the path of Atlantic hurricanes, which can cause great damage and even death.

Map of Jamaica with cities. Administrative division of the country

Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes (districts). Each parish belongs to one of three counties: Cornwall, Middlesex, Surrey. But the counties themselves are not officially separated as administrative units.

The capital of the country is the city of Kingston, the center of the Surrey parish of the same name. It is located in the south-east of the country, in a convenient harbor, separated from the sea by the Palisados ​​spit. It performs not only administrative functions, but is also the largest industrial and transport center of the country. It became the capital in 1962 after gaining independence from Great Britain. Kingston is the largest English-speaking city Caribbean.

A map of Jamaica with cities in Russian will show the location of all major settlements in the country.

Spanish Town - former capital Spanish colony in Jamaica. Founded in 1534, it became the first European settlement in the southern part of the island. The name itself says about the past of the city - "Spanish city". Until 1872 it remained the capital of the colony.

Portmore- a satellite city of Kingston, built specifically to relieve the densely populated capital. Most of the residents work or study in Kingston. Located on the shores of Kingston Bay. To protect against floods, a network of canals was created there. It is connected with the capital by a road, part of which is a bridge across the Hunts Bay.

The richest culture of Jamaica dates back to pre-Columbian times. Since then, petroglyphs have been preserved on the islands, engraved on the walls in the caves by the Arawak Indian tribe. Today, Jamaica, especially Kingston Town, is the main cultural center of the entire Caribbean. In 1962, the country gained independence, and cultural development began here. The wife of Norman Manley (the first Prime Minister of Jamaica) actively fought for the liberation of the country's culture from European aesthetics. From the 20s of the 20th century until her death (1987), she was one of the central figures of the cultural world of the island of Jamaica.

Moreover, a woman was valued in different roles - both as a talented sculptor and as a person who supports local creative intellectuals, among whom were primitivists (focused on Jamaica) and artists who were educated abroad and began to create according to all the rules of painting.

One of the features of the local creativity is the emphasis on the historical roots of the country's population. The worldwide success of reggae music has attracted huge interest in Jamaican culture from overseas youth. Great attention in culture is paid to the promotion of the ideas of rasta (local faith), which is mainly worshiped by dark-skinned locals.

Dance and Music Country

In Jamaica, people everywhere dance to the musical rhythms of soca, calypso and reggae. Dances are arranged both on the beaches in hotels and in the discotheques of working suburbs. Music literally sounds everywhere you go. Initially, Jamaican music was dominated by a musical form called mento, which was a folk version of the calypso. In the 19th century, it was fueled by Cuban rhythms. Such music played on dance floors until the 50s of the last century, and then it was eclipsed by rhythm and dishes and boogie-woogie. The musical style of ska, regardless of its many years of existence, influenced rhythm and blues very strongly, and in its main components became the forerunner of reggae music. Basically, everyone associates reggae with Bob Marley, who helped the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bself-consciousness of the inhabitants of the third world sparkle with new colors.

In his songs, Marley carried social, political and religious messages to the public, contributing to the fight against racism, social inequality and other social ills of those times.

What language do they speak?

The official spoken language in Jamaica is English, but in reality the country is bilingual, and there are far fewer people who speak English than those who understand it. The unofficial language of the country is Patois, very melodic, with the modulation and rhythm of the voice characteristic of Jamaica. This language is the result of a mixture of Creole English and local language, and was subsequently corrected with African, Spanish and Portuguese concepts, and also diluted with Rastafarian slang.

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It is an island nation in the Caribbean, located south of Cuba and west of the Dominican Republic.

In the middle of the warm and gentle sea, behind the Atlantic Ocean lurked emerald - green Island, where for a whole year, to the sounds of reggae, they feast on mangoes and eat shrimp, washed down with rum - Jamaica. There, under a flag very similar to a pirate one, residents live who will never believe in their lives that Jesus Christ (aka Jah) was white, and New Year Without snow, it's not like a holiday.

Peculiarities

Jamaica is the third most populous English-speaking country in South America after the United States and Canada. Jamaica is an exporter of coffee, papaya, bauxite, gypsum, limestone and sugarcane. Also, the country annually receives a large number of tourists, which also replenishes the budget of the state treasury.

Relations with Jamaica develop in the same way as with reggae music: you either lose your head or start to dislike this country, and the feeling is already formed on the way from the airport. The reasons for your love or dislike are the same: the incredible heat, beggarly houses with cardboard walls located along the edges of the road, near which Jamaicans roast meat and breadfruit on a battered barbecue grill, dancing to the sounds of a local reggae radio station.

One of the main features of Jamaica is the locals, who speak their native dialect equally well. English language. If a Jamaican has nothing to say, then he will certainly sing to you in reggae style. I must say they sing brilliantly, no worse than Bob Marley, starting from the beach cleaner and ending with your guide. Almost the entire population of this island wears dreadlocks, as befits "black gentlemen." Jamaicans are extremely peculiar people who live one day in the rhythm of the same reggae. If you go to soak up the sun, for example, to the coral reef area, then you will certainly be asked: “Are you all right in Jamaica?”.

general information

Jamaica covers an area of ​​10,991 sq. km, according to this indicator, the island ranks 160th in the world. The population is 2.715 million people. Official language– English, there are local dialects. Currency - Jamaican dollar JMD. 100 JMD = $EUR:USD:100:2. Time zone UTC-5, local time behind Moscow by 8 hours. Telephone code +1876.

A brief excursion into history

The original Arawak and Taino people, who originated from South America, settled on the island between 4000-1000 BC. Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494 when he landed on the island in what is now called Discovery Bay. The Spaniards were forcibly evicted by the British to Ocho Rios, and in 1655 Britain took the last Spanish fortress on the island and finally took possession of it. The Spaniards fled the island, leaving a huge number of African slaves who preferred to take refuge in the mountains than to fall into slavery again by the British. It was these runaway slaves who fought the British in the 18th century, defending freedom and independence. Gradually, Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom, and in 1958, became one of the provinces of the Federation of the West Indies, and in 1962 a completely independent state.

Climate

Jamaica is located in the region tropical climate, the island is hot and humid all year round, but the interior is more temperate. Jamaica is in the hurricane belt Atlantic Ocean as a consequence, the island experiences significant damage from storms during the autumn period.

How to get there

Alas, there are no direct flights to Jamaica from Moscow, but you can very comfortably fly with connecting flights through Europe: Lufthansa and Condor via Frankfurt, British Airways via London, Virgin Atlantic also via London. For a flight through London with a long layover, a UK transit visa may be required, or a ticket to Jamaica may be presented to confirm transit in London on passport control. At the discretion of the staff, may be missed if the stay does not exceed 48 hours.

• Norman Manley International Airport (IATA: KIN) in Kingston.
• Donald Sangster International Airport (IATA: MBJ) in Montego Bay. Both airports receive a large number of international flights daily.

Transport

You can travel between various cities and resorts in Jamaica by train; there are about 250 routes on the island. One of the most interesting adventures in Jamaica can be driving a rental car. Rural roads tend to be very narrow and dangerous in inclement weather, while urban roads are overcrowded with traffic. Jamaica drives on the right. The cheapest and least convenient way to move around the island - buses, however, bus tours for tourists offer very comfortable trips. You can always use a taxi, the services of private traders are very cheap, unlike official taxis.

Cities and resorts

Information

A huge fence has been built between Jamaica of the people and the Jamaica of rich tourism, both directly and indirectly. figuratively. Outside - political passions, poor villages, cardboard houses and an average salary of thirty US dollars. Inside - chic, blooming gardens, luxurious pools and huge well-kept villas. You can stay in a fabulous secluded bungalow with a beautiful view of the turquoise sea and mountains, play golf or tennis, and also resurrect the beauty of your body in SPA centers or play huge chess on the Caribbean coast. Chess in Jamaica can replace fitness, because all the pieces are made in human height.

One of the attractions of the island is a tour that will take you to the places of espionage glory of the famous agent 007. If you remember the cascading waterfalls from the first movie, then this is it. You will have to climb boulders, through the spray, to see how dunns river flows into the Caribbean Sea.

In Jamaica in the public domain Ganja(marijuana) - "grass of wisdom", the leaf of which is a favorite symbol of the Rastafari.

Another symbol of Jamaica is reggae with which you can meditate and comprehend the essence of being. The legend of reggae, Jamaica and Rasfari is a musician, singer of freedom and a real hero of this country - Bob Marley.
And already on departure from this amazing country, you will definitely see a juicy, orange sunset over a lush green, mountainous island, more like a hallucination or a beautiful dream that will disappear with dawn.

Accommodation

Celebrities who flew to the resort chose the northern region of Jamaica -. For example, a secluded five-star hotel Sans Souci, built on mineral spring, next to an idyllic bay, is a cozy microcountry. The water from this source and its mineral mud are the main "magic wands" of the cosmetologists of the famous Charly Spa. Cunning Jamaicans give a subscription for four procedures in the SPA to each guest of the hotel, who, having already carried away into the divine healing process, cannot stop.

On this occasion, there is a local legend that tells that fifty years ago a huge turtle sailed to the hotel by sea and settled in this mineral spring. She, like the hotel itself, was named Charlie. The turtle is still splashing in the life-giving font, and the guests return from Jamaica very rejuvenated.

In luxurious Strawberry Hills Spa Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss often rest. Celebrities, making a variety of peelings from cane sugar, indulge their bodies, exhausted by filming, with a four-hand massage, and their souls with an unimaginable view of the Caribbean Sea and the stunning mountain jungle of the Blue Mountains with endless plantations of the popular coffee of the same variety.

IN half moon the best golf courses are located, maybe that's why Queen Elizabeth loves to visit here.
If you love nightlife and discos, then visit the resort of Negril, located in the southeast of Jamaica.
Nudist hotel Hedonism-2 has acquired numerous rumors and legends about free love and sex tourism.

Almost three millionth Jamaica is perhaps one of the most beautiful islands Caribbean Sea. And, without a doubt, the most colorful and unique. The atmosphere of the Caribbean is the most palpable here - Jamaica not only absorbed the spirit of the Caribbean Sea, but also strengthened it many times over.

Despite the fact that the island is located almost in the very center of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica cannot be confused with the rest of the islands of the Caribbean archipelago. It attracts tourists with the same tropical sun, white sand beaches and carefree resort life as most other islands. And yet, Jamaica is a special world, both culturally and historically.

A tourist who visits the island for the first time will immediately be struck by the distinct “Africanism” of the inhabitants of the island. Yes, Jamaica has a lot to offer a curious traveler who is tired of the gray working days or who has managed to see many cities and countries. The Blue Mountains are rightly proud of their best coffee in the world - you can verify this by visiting the century-old factory on Mavis Bank and tasting a cup of coffee straight from the plantation. For divers, first-class reefs await, including the famous beaches of Runaway Beach or Ocho Rios. And Jamaica is pristine waterfalls, swampy backwaters with crocodiles and manatees. Fishing villages here coexist with cosmopolitan cities. And, of course, unforgettable tropical sunsets on the spacious, palm-fringed snow-white beaches of Treasure Beach or Frenchman Cove near Port Antonio. In short, much of what attracts a traveler in other parts of the world can be found here in Jamaica.

And yet, nowhere in the Caribbean is the connection to Africa more tangible than in Jamaica. In Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, slaves were brought from Africa, and sugar and rum were exported to Europe. The runaway Maroon slaves who settled on the slopes of the Cockpit Country and the Blue Mountains preserved many African traditions, including Jerk, one of the hallmarks of Jamaican cuisine. And, of course, Jamaica is the “reggae” rhythm that broke into popular music in the 1970s and 80s. This region is literally saturated with a unique history, stunning landscapes and original culture. So, welcome to Jamaica.

A visa to Jamaica for up to 30 days is issued upon arrival, at the international airport - at the immigration office, an arrival stamp is simply noted in the passport. The visa fee is $25.

Search tours to Jamaica

How to get to Jamaica

Air traffic

Tourists, and especially those who decide to visit Jamaica for a beach holiday, usually fly to the airport. Donald Sangster in Montego Bay on the north coast of the country. In most cases, all international flights arrive there. However, those who are heading to the Blue Mountains region, or starting their journey in Jamaica from its capital, Kingston, are accepted by the international airport. Norman Manley.

Net local airlines connects these two airports with other islands in the Caribbean archipelago, as well as with a network of smaller airports throughout Jamaica itself, since the island also has local airports that accept charter flights.

Cities and regions

Jamaica is the third largest English-speaking country in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States and Canada. Having declared its independence in 1962, it still remains in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Jamaica is divided into three counties, which in turn include parishes (the numbering on the map is in order).

Administrative divisions of Jamaica (counties and parishes)

• County of Cornwall: Hanover, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawney, Westmoreland.
• County of Middlesex: Clarendon, Manchester, St. Ann, St. Catherine, St. Mary.
• Surrey: Kingston, Portland, St. Andrew, St. Thomas.

However, thousands of visitors to the island are much more familiar with the division into tourist regions: northern and northeast coast, southwest coast, Kingston and the Blue Mountains.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Transport

Private guides in Jamaica

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Jamaica in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Entertainment in Jamaica

Diving in Jamaica

Almost the entire length of the north coast of the island is coral reef, on average at a distance of a mile to five miles from coastline. Along it are the main diving sites - some on the main reef, others on miniature reefs and on "coral heads" standing on the sandy bottom. The water here is for the most part no deeper than 30 meters. Among diving fans, Jamaica hardly holds the world leadership - but the fact that it is not so famous does not mean at all that these places are not of interest to those divers who decide to relax in Jamaica. The island has dive sites located near the main resorts, with experienced operators. Most dive centers are attached to hotels, but there are also independent companies that offer services to divers who come to Jamaica from all over the world.

Reef marine life has suffered significant damage lately due to excessive fishing, but the corals still retain good coloration and visibility in the water is quite good - 20-30 meters - except for stormy weather, when scuba diving anyway does not seem possible.

Less suitable for diving South coast: it is shallow, often with poor visibility. Considering that there are also fewer tourist centers here, diving centers in this area are also not often found. However, the south coast may also be of interest to divers: the ruins of the sunken Port Royal, near Kingston, are still in good condition, and divers can literally “plunge” into the atmosphere of history. The water temperature in Jamaica ranges on average from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, depending on the season.

Marine life in coastal waters is abundant: turtles, nurse sharks are not uncommon here, and with more deep dive you can see hammerhead fish. Often come across multi-colored stingrays, Caribbean eels, moray eels and, of course, stunning multi-colored sponges and gorgonian corals.

Surfing in Jamaica

Surfing has never really been spread on the island, and even the “Surfing Association” itself appeared in Jamaica only in 1999 through the efforts of a local celebrity - Billy Wilmot from the reggae group Mystic Revealers. The places that are most suitable for surfing are the northeast and southeast coasts. A good wave there is all year round, but the best time is between November and the end of winter.

Windsurfing in Jamaica

But windsurfing has long gained popularity in Jamaica. There are many on the island good places for windsurfing, mainly along the north coast, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The most favorable winds are in early spring, and then in July and August, when they reach a constant strength of 15-20 knots. Winter is a more adventurous time for windsurfing as the north wind in Jamaica can be so strong that it is quite difficult to stay on the board. Usually the winds get stronger in the evening, so the first half of the day is the time for beginners. As a rule, many hotels provide windsurfing equipment.

The best places for windsurfing in Jamaica:

• Bailey's Beach, east of Kingston.
• public beach Burwood Beach (BurwoodBeach) east of Falmouth - here the wind is considered the most favorable on the island for windsurfing.
• Another popular place in the same region is Silver Sands. The wind here can be quite strong, more suitable for advanced level windsurfers.

Kitesurfing in Jamaica

Kitesurfing is just beginning to develop in Jamaica, so there are no permanent places on the island where independent tourists can rely on board and kite rentals.

As a rule, most large hotels on the Jamaican coast provide good sets of water sports equipment free of charge. All-inclusive hotels also offer their customers other water activities: sea bikes and jet skis, kayaks, etc.

On many public beaches, you can also rent snorkeling equipment - usually where there are suitable conditions for diving.

Rafting in Jamaica

Jamaica can also offer tourists something that other Caribbean islands do not have - river rafting. However, Jamaican rafting looks a little different than usual - there are no inflatable rafts, no rapids on mountain rivers enveloping rocky rapids. Jamaican rafting is a leisurely and exceptionally pleasant ride on a bamboo raft along the calm surface of the river, which gives you the opportunity to get acquainted with the fantastically beautiful nature of the island from the inside. The rafts, about ten to fifteen meters long, are equipped with a raised passenger seat near the end of the raft, and are steered by a bamboo pole held by the driver. Rafts were originally used to float bananas from the plantations to the docks of Port Antonio. The popularity of Jamaican rafting as a tourist attraction was greatly facilitated by Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, who had a house in Port Antonio. The most famous rafting spots are the Great River (west of Montego Bay), the White River right in the vicinity of Ocho Rios, and the Rio Grande near Port Antonio. Rafting in Jamaica is well worth a try.

Golf in Jamaica

Jamaica is rightfully proud of its unique golf courses, many of which directly overlook the Caribbean Sea. Most golf clubs are located on the north coast, mostly near Montego Bay. There are also golf courses and courses for beginner golfers in Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, and Negril on the south coast.

Hiking in Jamaica

Jamaica has a varied landscape, with surprisingly high small island mountains. These places were chosen by lovers ecological tourism and hiking. There are dry and wet forests on limestone soils, and climbing higher into the mountains, you will find yourself in a real humid tropical jungle.

Hiking trails have long been popular in these areas, especially around the Blue Mountains. However, recently tourists have discovered new destinations - to the mountains of John Crow (in the northeast of the island, in the vicinity of Port Antonio), and to the vicinity of the Cockpit Country, the refuge of runaway Maroon slaves.

Fishing in Jamaica

Jamaica offers exceptional sport fishing opportunities - given that just 5 miles off the north coast of Jamaica is the most deep place in the Caribbean, the so-called Cayman Trench, or Cayman Trench, is a deep-sea crevice that is located between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Among the trophies that lucky anglers come across are blue and white marlin, sailfish, king mackerel, dorado, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, mackerel and bonito. The most the best fishing- on the northern coast, with access to the sea from Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. There is no lack of fishing boats and boats that can be rented for the day for fishing.

Traveling in Jamaica

Getting around the third largest island in the Caribbean may seem like a daunting task to an inexperienced traveler. However, by deciding ahead of time which method of transportation is best for you, you can make your travels in Jamaica more fun than a hassle.

Car rental

Driving a rental car in Jamaica can seem like a real challenge for someone who is not used to the rutted or dirt roads that are not uncommon in Jamaica. And yet, for those who travel in a group, or would like to visit different places on the island during their vacation and get to know it as fully as possible, renting a car is perhaps the best choice. Traffic here is left-hand, like in the UK, and traffic lights come across infrequently and at a great distance from each other. The main thing is not to forget to pay attention to the cattle, which slowly moves along country roads, often making it difficult to move.

In Jamaica, several companies offer car rental, and the best choice is, of course, in large cities: Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The Jamaican Ministry of Tourism has also prepared a detailed road map of Discover Jamaica - you can usually get acquainted with it at all car rental points or at tourist offices around the island.

In order to rent a car in Jamaica, you must be over 25 years old, have a driving license in your country, and a valid credit card.

In high season, car rental prices can reach up to 120 (USD) per day, including mandatory collision damage insurance. Prices drop significantly during the off-season, to 35 (USD) per day.

If you plan to travel around Jamaica in a rental car, beware local residents, offering to "guard" your car, supposedly against vandals, for a fee. If you find yourself in this situation, it is better to try to park elsewhere, because the alleged "watchman", if you refuse his services, he himself may well become this "vandal". Also, only travel in taxis that are clearly marked and don't get in touch with drivers offering to show you the "real Jamaica".

Taxi

If you still decide to entrust driving to someone who knows these places thoroughly, then a taxi is more suitable option. When choosing a taxi or minibus, look for those that meet the requirements of the Jamaican Union of Travelers Associations (JUTA); this means that the driver adheres to certain safety rules. You can verify that your driver belongs to this union by the abbreviation "PP" or "PPV" (Public Passenger Vehicle - Public Vehicle), which is located on the license plate. Uncertified or "pirate" taxis also offer their services, but tourists should hardly agree to them.

Taxis in Jamaica are not billed by mileage as much as by distance from place to place, so bargaining with the driver for the fare is an unwritten rule, especially if you are interested in using the services of the driver as a tourist guide.

And yet, the taxi remains the most popular means of transportation for tourists who want to get out of their resort and see Jamaica. Moreover, using the services of someone who knows the area and local rules and driving traditions perfectly, you can relax and enjoy the trip.

typical payment

Technically, almost all taxis in Jamaica are equipped with a taximeter, but drivers rarely use them, if not at all. And this means: before getting into a taxi, you need to agree with the driver how much he will charge for the trip and in what currency you should pay him. And, here, just like in the market, start haggling from half the price that the driver will call you. Once you get used to the local traditions a little, communication with Jamaican taxi drivers will be much easier.

Taxi prices average around $20USD for every 10 miles - but will almost inevitably be higher if you use the taxi service attached to the hotel. However, having bargained with a taxi driver, you can already do without a tip or additional payment. As a rule, prices rise by a quarter between midnight and 5 am.

Taxi Information in Jamaica Cities

Taxi prices around the city in Negril are quite low - about 4-5 USD Do not settle for the services of taxi drivers who ask too high a price.

Kingston: Here they quote the price not for a passenger, but for a car, and bargaining with the driver is an absolute must. As for Kingtson, a taxi is the most reliable appearance transport in the city.

Montego Bay. Most taxis here are concentrated along the main tourist "promenade" of the city, Gloucester Avenue.

Port Antonio. Prices in the city are slightly higher here, about 15-20 USD. Often the cars are also much older than in other Jamaican cities.

It is not uncommon for those arriving in Jamaica to order a taxi well in advance to get from the airport to their hotel. For those who first arrive on the island, this can be quite expensive, so it is better to get acquainted with the order of prices in advance.

Check the information below for a rough idea of ​​how much you should pay for a taxi:

• Montego Bay Airport - Montego Bay Hotels: $35(USD)
• Montego Bay Airport - Tyroll Hotels: $60(USD)
• Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay Hotels: $115(USD)
• Kingston Airport - Ocho Rios: $150(USD)
• Kingston Airport - Negril: $275(USD)

Car rental with driver

Travelers can also use taxis for walking and self-guided tours of the island. Taxi day tour prices may fluctuate depending on time and distance. When planning your trip, make sure in advance that you have chosen a driver who inspires confidence in you. This also applies to licensed taxis at hotels and resorts.

On an island as big as Jamaica by Caribbean standards, hiring a car is probably the most efficient way to get around. Yes, the road conditions are by no means ideal, and getting from place to place can already seem like an adventure in itself. And yet, most tourists opt for a taxi, even despite the prices.

Buses

As for traveling by bus, this is undoubtedly the cheapest and most economical way to travel around the island - although hardly the most reliable and comfortable. Buses almost never stick to schedules, especially in remote parts of the country, but taxis that ply major cities can usually get around with the same ease as regular taxis.

You can opt for the bus if you need the most economical option for getting around the island and in its cities - but only if the schedule and “climate control” are not your priorities. Simply put, if you don't mind spending time waiting for the bus under the scorching sun. But for a traveler who is not averse to dipping into the exotic outside of their resort area, the bus is the ideal means of transportation.

Bus prices are exceptionally low, around $1 for every fifty miles, and about $1.50 - $2.50 on average for the same distance in a minibus. Minibuses in Negril charge 2 USD throughout the day and night.

However, getting out of Kingston or any other major city, it can be difficult to catch a bus, because the drivers decide at their own discretion when to leave the route. Buses and minibuses throughout the Caribbean are famous for the fact that there is no timetable for them, and Jamaica is no exception. But still, buses run around the island quite often - in addition, in Jamaica it is customary to pick up passengers from the side of the road, and this is another “plus” for bus travel around the country.

In addition, the Jamaican bus is a cultural phenomenon in itself, sometimes no less interesting than urban or natural attractions. Drivers set off only when their bus is already full - and given the lack of air conditioning, you can be sure that you will get to know the local atmosphere in full.

In some regions the bus service is better than in others. Here are some tips to help you navigate Jamaica:

• in Negril city run fixed-route taxis from hotels and resorts, so the need for public transport small. However, along the Boulevard - main street cities - minibuses move all day.
• Public transport in Montego Bay does not actually exist, but for the convenience of hotel guests, a busy route service is organized.
• traffic on the streets of Kingston is chaotic, including bus traffic. If you decide to use the Kingston buses, beware of pickpockets.
• in Port Antonio, it is customary to “vote” for a minibus to stop and pick up passengers. Transport usually stops not only at designated stops.

Cuisine of Jamaica

Jamaican cuisine is a truly colorful mixture of recipes and traditions. Here you can find dishes traditional for all the Caribbean, as well as distinctively Jamaican food. Jamaican cuisine has a reputation for being spicy, but most restaurants offer more moderate menus. As in other Caribbean islands, rice and peas (which are often cooked with coconut milk here) and meat pies like empanadas, popular in Spanish-speaking countries, are the mainstays of the islanders. national dish is considered "aki", which is prepared from the fruit "aki", growing only in Jamaica - in appearance it resembles an omelette, but with its own unique taste. Another distinctively Jamaican dish is kodfish, dried cod mixed with onions and tomatoes. They are prepared only in Jamaica - therefore, if you want, in literally words, to know the "taste of Jamaica", you should definitely try them.

Another local dish is "bammy". The Jamaicans believe that it was prepared by the Arawak Indians, the indigenous inhabitants of the island. These are flat, floured cassava cakes commonly eaten for breakfast.

And, of course, the main culinary sign of Jamaica is Jerk. This is a kind of barbecue - meat cooked on coals, which is pre-marinated in local “jerk” spices. The most common type of dish is chicken or pork jerky, although the truly famous, unique Jamaican jerky is made from goat meat. However, if you see a fish or shellfish jerky on the restaurant menu, do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying it. It must also be remembered that Jamaicans prefer well-done meat, so for European tastes it may seem a bit dry.

Eateries are simpler - the so-called "jerk centers" - can be found everywhere on the island. From the very morning, smoke begins to rise above the braziers - and often just barrels. Huge pieces of pork ribs, chickens on skewers are fried on clove wood coals (they give the meat a special taste). The buyer chooses... pays... A few blows with a machete - and the meat is already cut into portions, which are then laid out on a piece of paper. No one particularly "bothers" with hygiene issues. After all, the main thing is the unique Jamaican flavor!

There are also many eateries on the island where they sell, especially takeaway, Chinese or Indian food - however, both curry and jiaozi still have a specific Jamaican taste.

Aital cuisine stands apart, which is followed by rastamans, adherents of Rastafarianism, the local Jamaican religion. Rastas follow strict rules in food, and cook food without meat, salt or oil - but at the same time it is always tasty, thanks to the creative approach to the use of spices by chefs. Aital dishes are not often found on the menu of those restaurants frequented by tourists, and can only be found in special rastaman eateries on the island. However, if desired, and with the help of local guides, it is quite possible to visit the institution where these unique dishes are prepared.

Safety in Jamaica

While tourists may hear rumors of crime in Jamaica, vacationers on the island rarely come into contact with crime. As the Jamaica Tourism Board specifically notes, the chances of getting robbed in New York are much higher than in Montego Bay - so don't let Jamaica's reputation stop you from fully enjoying what this wonderful island has to offer.

In most cases, large hotels and resorts provide all the necessary security measures, so those who have made their choice in favor of large resort chains have nothing to worry about. If you are staying at a simpler hotel and traveling on your own, you should be more careful about your safety, but not to such an extent that traveling alone in Jamaica seems impossible or not worth the risk. In fact, Jamaica has a lot to offer its guests, so there is simply no point in sitting still - you need to pack up and hit the road to see everything for yourself!

There are certain precautions that should be taken into account especially when going to Jamaica, since tourists in cities - like in any large tourist city— are a popular target for certain types of criminals. In crowded areas, pickpocketing and petty theft are quite common. This is especially true for overcrowded bus routes, and to street markets, which are almost always crowded. Be especially careful in such places, and do not lose sight of your surroundings to prevent such actions: keep wallets and bags in front of you, wallets in the inside pockets of your jackets or front pockets of your trousers, handing large sums of money, do it discreetly. These few simple precautions can keep any traveler in a good mood. Try not to wear expensive clothes, going to public places, and do without expensive jewelry that attracts attention.

The most important rule, for all occasions, is to remember common sense and be careful, not forgetting to look around. Just like you don't leave your bag on a bench in any major city world, don't do it in Jamaica.

In fact, the main inconvenience that can be encountered in Jamaica and which can create problems is not so much street crime as the importunity and intrusiveness of merchants, and not only merchants. However, if for some tourists the opportunity to bargain in street shops is entertainment in itself, for others it may seem like an annoying hindrance. You need to be firm, and in most cases you will be left alone. Be aware of the local specifics when faced with beggars or annoying barkers: the European way to just walk by and pretend that this does not apply to you is hardly the best solution. Otherwise, the beggar may follow you, showering you with offensive words. It’s better to say firmly, “I am not interested,” or just make it clear with a gesture that you are not interested in the offer - and you will be left alone. Try, if possible, not to go into areas where only the local population lives - and even more so, do not agree to offers to “see the real Jamaica”, take a tour of the place, offers to watch something, spend, show, etc.

Also beware of marijuana sellers, or "ganja" as they call it here. Although smoking marijuana is common in Jamaica, it is still considered illegal.

Tap water in Jamaica is of acceptable quality, but it is chlorinated, so bottled water is recommended for drinking.

Medical service

Medical care in Jamaica is quite expensive, so it doesn't hurt to take out travel insurance before heading to the island. At the hotel or resort, be sure to ask for medical, dental, or medical advice. As a rule, most hotels invite doctors and dentists on call, so for non-urgent situations, you can check with the reception before going to the hospital. If you need urgent medical intervention, then 16 public hospitals or 6 private clinics in Jamaica are at your service.

Below is a list of hospitals, their locations and phone numbers, if needed:

• University Hospital of the West Indies - Mona, Kingston, 876-927-1620
• St. Ann's Bay Hospital - St. Ann's Bay, 876-794-8565
• Port Antonio Hospital - Naylor's Hill, Port Antonio, 876-715-5778
• Mo Bay Hope Medical Center - Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, 876-953-3981
• Cornwall Regional Hospital - Mt. Salem, Montego Bay, 876-952-5100

Dial 110 to call an ambulance

Holidays in Jamaica will cost an average of about $300 (USD) per day if you plan to stay in an all-inclusive mega-resort: as a rule, in this case, not only the room itself, but also meals, excursions and entertainment are included in the price , as well as security. Of course, you can stay in Jamaica for much less, but on average, you should focus on the price of $80 (USD), regardless of the region of the country.

As a rule, these are guest houses located in tourist areas Montego Bay or Negril, although not in the very center. The hosts are almost always a family that rents rooms. Remember that in Jamaica you almost always get what you pay for, so you should carefully read the terms and conditions of the hotel or guest house you want to stay at before making your final decision. You can bargain in almost all such places on the island, especially in the off-season.

If your holiday in Jamaica is not going to be in an all inclusive hotel then the daily expenses can be reduced to a minimum of $30(USD) but still an amount of $40 - 60 USD looks more realistic.

Say, in a restaurant you can spend from $8 to $30(USD), or a little more, depending on the class of the place. But despite prices and style differences, expect to spend at least $30(USD) per day on food. Some hotels offer discounts to guests who will eat at the hotel's restaurants, so it doesn't hurt to ask the reception about possible discounts and special offers.

Don't forget to bring personal hygiene items, sun cream and sunglasses - bought locally, they will cost at least 20 percent more, if not more. Do not forget to take the necessary set of medicines with you, as well as a prescription for them, if there are any questions at customs.

The electrical voltage in the network in Jamaica is 110 volts, and the sockets are of the "American" type, for plugs with two flat pins. Hotels usually offer adapters, but if you are planning an independent trip around the island, it does not hurt to stock up on adapters in advance.