TheThe JamaicanJamaican flagflag• The national flag of Jamaica was adopted

on August 6, 1962, the day of independence. It consists of the colors green, yellow (gold) and black. The black symbolizes the strength and creativity of the Jamaican people, the yellow sunlight and natural wealth. Green represents hope for the future and agricultural wealth.

LocationLocation, , populationpopulation and and politicalpolitical

• Jamaica, is the 4th largest island nation of the Greater Antilles, 234 kilometres in length, up to 80 kilometres in width, and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about 145 kilometres south of Cuba, and 191 kilometres west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica is the 5th largest island country in the Caribbean.The indigenous Arawakan-speaking Taíno name for the island was Xaymaca, meaning the "Land of Wood and Water" or the "Land of Springs“.

• With 2.8 million people, it is the third most populous Anglophone country in the Americas, after the United States and Canada.

• Jamaica is a Commonwealth realm with Elizabeth II as Queen of Jamaica and head of state. Her appointed representative in the country is the Governor-General of Jamaica, currently Sir Patrick Allen. Jamaica attained full independence by leaving the Federation of the West Indies in 1962.

LanguageLanguage• The official language of Jamaica is English.• English is the official language of Jamaica and

the most widely spoken. However, the Creole, which is a combination of English and some African languages , spoken in rural areas and are increasingly used in urban areas. Most Jamaicans can speak or understand this dialect is not a written language. For the tourist this is no problem as English can communicate perfectly.

CurrencyCurrency• The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican

dollar (JMD) although small shops accept euros and there is more benefit to them, so it is important to exchange.

GeographyGeography

• The climate in Jamaica is tropical, generally warm and humid, even in mountain areas can be somewhat cooler.

• Despite its location, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, suffers no hurricanes so often as its neighboring islands.

Jamaican CultureJamaican Culture• The Jamaican culture has a strong global presence. The musical

genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, dub, and, more recently, dancehall and ragga all originated in the island's vibrant, popular urban recording industry. Jamaica also played an important role in the development of punk rock, through reggae and ska. African styles of music. Some rappers, such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Heavy D, are of Jamaican descent. Internationally known reggae musician Bob Marley was also Jamaican.

The Rastafarian The Rastafarian CultureCulture

• Rastafarians believe they are one of the lost tribes of Israel who were sold into slavery and taken to Babylon (Jamaica) and must return to Zion, which for them is Ethiopia. This is not a paid clergy and has no written doctrine.

The best places to JamaicaThe best places to Jamaica

• Seven Mile Beach, Black River, Bob Marley Museum, Noel Coward’s Firefly House, Dunns River Falls , Hollywell Park, Bamboo Avenue

JamaicanJamaican Foods Foods

• Jamaican food is a cuisine based on fish, poultry, rice, fruits, vegetables and spices as special highlight.

• Cuisine is an extremely healthy as it used to prepare meals, unprocessed food and local ingredients as a fruit called Ackee or Callaloo is a vegetable similar to spinach with drawing up a soup.

• Scotch Bonnet Peppers, Coconuts, Breadfruit, Jamaican fruits are also other.

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