Jamaica National Information

Jamaica is the 3^rd largest island of the Caribbean archipelago which lies between the North and South American continents. It has an area of 10,939.7 km², a length of 236 km and a variable width of 35 – 82 km. The capital, Kingston, is located on the south-eastern coast. The name Jamaica is said to be derived from the Arawak word ‘Xaymaca’, meaning land of wood and water. This name was probably prompted by the mountainous terrain and numerous rivers which permeate the island.

Spanning the length of an island is an interior of mountain ranges, rivers and valleys, limestone plateaux and hills, surrounded by coastal plains. Over half of Jamaica is greater than 1,609 m above sea level, with the highest point being the Blue Mountain peak (2,256 m) located in eastern Jamaica. The Blue Mountain range is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks whereas the remainder of mountainous areas across the island are primarily composed of limestone. Karst limestone topography can be found mainly in the western parts of the island (Cockpit Country) as well as in the central Dry Harbour Mountains and the eastern John Crow Mountains. These areas are characterised by rounded limestone hills interspersed with circular steep-sided depressions. Caves have been frequently located in and recorded from limestone regions.

Narrow coastal plains are typical of the north coast while wider coastal plains and broad embayments occur along the south coast. The south-western and western end of the coastal plains comprise the major swamps, namely the Black River Morass and the Negril Morass. In addition to the coastal lowlands there are 3 major interior valleys: St. Thomas in ye Vale, Queen of Spain Valley and Nassau Valley. Together with arable coastal plains, these form prime agricultural lands.

Find out more about Jamaica by exploring these links on its Geography, People, Government, Economy, Culture and Religion. You will find that present-day Jamaica has evolved from a background of various ethnic, religious and social groups. Perhaps it was the diverse nature of this small island that led to the national motto "Out of many, one people".