Geography

Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest of the English-speaking Caribbean islands. The island covers approximately 4,244 square miles (10,991 sq km) and is 146 miles (235 km) long. Widths vary between 22 and 51 miles (35-82 km).

The country is very mountainous; with the highest point the Blue Mountain Peak, reaching 7,402 feet (2,256 m).

Jamaica abounds in fine beaches and scenic beauty, and has some 120 rivers.

On August 6, 1962, after more than 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became an independent country. Today, Jamaica remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Natural Wonders

Jamaica has accumulated an astonishing variety of plant and animal life for a country so small. Ranked fifth in the world for endemic species, one third of the island's 3,000 flowering plants and almost all of the palms are unique to Jamaica; so are 27 of the more than 100 species of birds, including the Vervain Hummingbird, the second smallest bird in the world. Other endemics include many of the 22 species of bats, and 18 of the over 133 species of butterflies, including the largest specie of Swallowtail Butterfly, the Papilio Homerus, with a wingspan of six inches. Jamaica also displays a rainforest with an annual rainfall just below that of Mt. Cameroon and the largest dry forest in the Caribbean. In a unique program supported by American Express, the island has successfully negotiated a debt for nature swap, a unique method of funding environmental development, which serves as a model for the region.

The People

Jamaica's 2.3 million people are a spectrum of races - and every known combination of races -- that bespeak the island's heritage. Most are black; many are every shade of brown, with over or undertones of Chinese, East Indian, Middle Eastern and European.o

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time. Jamaica does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Customs

Incoming duty-free items: An adult 18 years or older is allowed the following duty-free items: - No more than 50 cigars, or 200 cigarettes, or pound of tobacco - One quart or one liter of spirits, cordials and wine - Six fluid ounces of perfumed spirits and 12 fluid ounces of toilet water For more information contact the Customs House at 876-922-5140.

The following incoming items are restricted: Fresh flowers, plants, honey, fruits, meats and vegetables (except canned), coffee (in any form), firearms, explosives and dangerous drugs (including marijuana). Persons who use Kosher foods must have documentation for all carcasses being imported: (a) meat inspection certificates from the USDA/Official Government Vet. Ministry of Agriculture & Veterinarian Division in Canada certifying ante and post mortem inspection; (b) stamp of approval on all carcasses; (c) an import license from the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board to make arrangements for obtaining the license (two weeks notice required).

THINGS TO DO

If you're the type of traveler who just won't take it lying down, Jamaica offers just about every kind of recreational activity you can dream of.

Adventure

• Birding Tours
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Safari Tours
• Mountain Climbing and Hiking
• Rafting
• Waterfalls

Arts and Culture

• Visual Arts
• Music
• Performance

Events
Food and Dining
Golf
Visiting Historic Sites
Spas
Sports

• Cricket
• Golf
• Horseback Riding
• Horse Racing
• Polo
• Scuba Diving
• Tennis

And that hardly scratches the surface. We have coves for parasailing, roads for jogging, duty-free shops for treasure hunting and a place called Boston Beach for surfing. Plus, the bluest-ever waters for swimming, snorkeling, skiing and wind-surfing.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Jamaica's history stretches back beyond even when Columbus first sighted land on his second voyage to the New World in 1494. From the gentle Taino Indians to the Spanish Mariners and from the English conquerors and migrants from Palestine, India and China who followed, to August 6, 1962 when the Union Jack was lowered and the Black, Green and Gold flag was raised for the first time and Jamaica became an independent nation, Jamaica's heritage is rich and exciting.

Maroons of the Cockpit Country: Land of legends, the Cockpit Country remains one of Jamaica's remotest areas and home to the intriguing cultural group called the Maroons. Extraordinarily wild and beautiful, the region is riddled with caves that lie hidden beneath the thick vegetation. In 1655, when the British seized the island, runaway slaves found refuge here and evolved their own culture. The Maroons harassed the English until the latter gave up, and were granted legal autonomy, which is still recognized today. Descendants of the original slaves still live in Cockpit Country, under the leadership of the Great Maroon Chief. True history buffs can read all about Jamaica's vivid past and culture at the Institute of Jamaica on East Street in Kingston. News clippings date back to the 18th Century.

And several fine museums dot Jamaica's landscape where the visitor can journey back through the centuries to the very beginnings of the island's history and culture.

PERFORMING ARTS

With a fondness for humor and drama, Jamaica has a long and rich heritage of theatre. Islandwide, productions are always playing to full houses. In fact, Jamaica boasts the oldest theatrical company in the Caribbean, the Little Theatre Movement (LTM).

It should also come as little surprise that with our infectious music, there are several dance companies. Foremost among them is the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC). And if you miss the NDTC, be sure to catch the Jamaica Folk Singers, the National Chorale, or the University Singers.

Founded in 1962 as an outgrowth of Jamaica's independence, the internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is comprised of dancers, singers and musicians. It vividly embodies the rich tapestry of expression that draws its inspiration from the island's diverse ethnic influence. The NDTC has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, Adelaide to Atlanta, and points in between. Their style incorporates eclectic dance forms ranging from the indigenous to classical to modern -- and uniquely Caribbean. The esteem with which the company is held internationally is in no small measure due to its founder, artistic director and principal choreographer, Prof. the Honorable Rex Nettleford, O.J., one of Jamaica's great intellects and creative talents. The 600-seat Little Theatre in New Kingston is home to modern dance, plays and folk concerts year round. Performing there is the National Dance Theatre Company, practically an institution, having dazzled audiences for more than three decades. Nearby, the "Little" Little Theatre stages plays.

Folkloric groups like the Jamaica Folk Singers entertain periodically in song and dance rituals that reach back into the country's past at the classic 1,000-seat Ward Theatre, which also hosts the Little Theatre Movements annual LTM Pantomime. The pantomime is a folk musical with song, dance, bright costumes, sets and humorous commentary on current events.

Information provided by The Jamaica Tourist Board Website address: http://www.visitjamaica.com

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