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Jamaican Facts

Interesting Cultural and Travel
Facts About Jamaica

Jamaica

Jamaica is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. After enjoying full internal self-government for a number of years Jamaica achieved independence in August of 1962. Queen Elizabeth II however, is still Queen of Jamaica by tradition and the titular head of state is her representative on the island—the Governor General. It is similar to Canada.

Geography

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, measuring 146 miles at its widest point. Primarily of volcanic origin, the lush island features a mountain ridge that peaks at Blue Mountain which is 7,402 feet high. Many white-sand beaches and clear seas ring the island.

Democracy

Democracy is complete, with an elected Parliament, a Prime Minister, an elected House of Representatives and a Senate. It works on similar lines to the British parliament. The constitution embodies absolute safeguards to personal liberties and democratic rule of law.

Population

Population standing at 2,890,000 at the end of 2017 is made up of the following approximate ethnic groups: African 76.3%, Afro-European 15.1%, European 0.8%, Chinese and Afro-Chinese 1.2%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian 3.4% and others 3.4%.

Parliament

Parliament sits at Gordon House on Kingston's Duke Street and visitors can watch proceedings from the visitors gallery.

Arawak Indians

Arawak Indians were the original inhabitants exterminated by the Spanish after Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1492. The Spanish were defeated by the British in 1655.

Snakes

Snakes are extremely rare. They were killed off by the mongoose, imported to exterminate cane-field rats.

Climate

Climate is year-round summer with no definite rainy season, although it usually rains most in May and October. North-easterly trade winds blow continually.

Obeahism

Obeahism the Jamaican form of Voodoo exists but is seldom heard of. The Obeah man is supposed to marshal evil spirits to bring good or bad fortune. The practice of Obeahism is a still considered a crime punishable by imprisonment here, but the government is considering changing this.

Industries

Industries in order of importance are tourism bauxite, agriculture (sugar, bananas, coffee, pimento, cocoa and tobacco). No other country in the world produces pimento, also known as Allspice.

Orchids

Orchids grow wild all over Jamaica—200 species of them, 73 of which are found nowhere else. There are also 500 species of fern and 1,000 species of trees.

Blue Moons

Blue Moons happen in Jamaica. Sapphire-coloured moons have been observed half a dozen times during the last 40 years.

Is the Coconut Palm native to Jamaica?

No, it is not native to Jamaica or the West Indies. Surprisingly nor are sugar cane, bananas, mangoes, breadfruit or bamboo. They were all brought to the island at various stages in its history. The original Arawak inhabitants lived mainly on corn, fish and yams.

Are there unexplored parts of Jamaica?

Yes, unexplores parts still exists in the Cockpit Country, part of which is inhabited by the Maroons, slaves turned loose by the Spanish before they fled the island, and who went to this wild country to form settlements. They later harassed the British so much they were granted independence in a treaty of 1734 and still govern themselves today.

Do I need a visa to visit Jamaica?

Entry Regulations- No passports are required of Canadian or U.S. Citizens/Residents entering as tourists for any period up to six months provided that they have a return ticket and identification such as a social security card or driver's license. All other visitors must carry a valid passport.

Your home country may however impose other travel requirements in order for you to leave and return. Please check with your local officials for more information and to prevent any confusion.

Can visitors get a Marriage Licenses in Jamaica? 

Visitors can obtain a special licence after a 24-hour period on the island. You must produce your passport and two witnesses. If either party has been divorced or widowed, necessary documents must be produced to vouch for their current status. Young people under 21 years of age must produce written consent from a parent, signed by a notary public.

Do I need a visa to visit Jamaica?

Entry Regulations- No passports are required of Canadian or U.S. Citizens/Residents entering as tourists for any period up to six months provided that they have a return ticket and identification such as a social security card or driver's license. All other visitors must carry a valid passport.

Your home country may however impose other travel requirements in order for you to leave and return. Please check with your local officials for more information and to prevent any confusion.

Can visitors get a Marriage Licenses in Jamaica? 

Visitors can obtain a special licence after a 24-hour period on the island. You must produce your passport and two witnesses. If either party has been divorced or widowed, necessary documents must be produced to vouch for their current status. Young people under 21 years of age must produce written consent from a parent, signed by a notary public.

What are the bank hours in Jamaica?

From 9AM to 2PM every day except Friday when they open 9AM to noon and again from 2PM to 5PM. A few banks are open on Saturday mornings.

What currency is used in Jamaica?

Jamaica's currency is the Jamaican dollar, not to be confused with the U.S. dollar. The value of the Jamaican dollar fluctuates but in August 2019 it was approximately JA$136 to US$1

Can I use my US cell phone in Jamaica?

Major American cellphone providers such as Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile all work in Jamaica. However your phone will be in data roaming mode and you may incur additional charges. Confirm with your cellphone service provider before you
depart for Jamaica.

Additionally, if you have an unlocked cellphone, you can purchase a local SIM card and use it in your phone.

Does Google Maps or Waze work in Jamaica?

Both Google Maps and Waze do work in Jamaica but your cellphone will need to have data roaming turned on which depending on your cellphone plan could cause a large bill.

Can I get WIFI in Jamaica?

Most hotels, villas and businesses in Jamaica offer broadband WIFI internet. In most cases, if you are a customer, just ask for the password.

Does Spotify work in Jamaica?

Spotify Premium works in Jamaica as long as the music has been downloaded to your device. Due to music rights, the free version of Spotify will not work in Jamaica without a VPN.
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