Jamaica <div style="float: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em"> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #9866FF; background-color: #f3f3ff" width="200"> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Flag</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 2px">Image:jm-flag.png</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; border-top: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Quick Facts</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Capital'''</td><td>Kingston</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Government'''</td><td>constitutional parliamentary democracy<br/></td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Currency'''</td><td>Jamaican dollar (JMD)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Area'''</td><td>''total:'' 10,991 sq km <br>''land:'' 10,831 sq km <br>''water:'' 160 sq km</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Population'''</td><td>2,680,029 (July 2002 est.)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Language'''</td><td>English, patois English</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Religion'''</td><td>Protestant 61.3% (Church of God 21.2%, Baptist 8.8%, Anglican 5.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 9%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Methodist 2.7%, United Church 2.7%, Brethren 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.6%, Moravian 1.1%), Roman Catholic 4%, other, including some spiritual cults 34.7%</td></tr> </table> </div>  '''Jamaica''' is an island-nation in the Caribbean, located to the south of Cuba and to the west of the island of Hispaniola Image:jm-map.png|thumb|400px|Map of Jamaica ==Regions== Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes: *Clarendon *Hanover *Kingston *Manchester *Portland *Saint Andrew *Saint Ann *Saint Catherine *Saint Elizabeth *Saint James *Saint Mary *Saint Thomas *Trelawny *Westmoreland ==Cities== *Kingston, the capital, is located on the south coast of the island. There are two major sections to this city: downtown and New Kingston, which is home to the Bob Marley museum. Kingston is the largest city in Jamaica, and very modern in most sections. You will notice that the city is assigned the equivalent of zip codes, (Kingston 5, Kingston 10, etc.) which is a good representation of how truly large this city is, especially for an island such as Jamaica. Kingston does not offer much in the way of tourism, for example there are no renowned beaches, and the water can be generally poor. But this is a city many tourists find themselves flying into through its Norman Manley International Airport, and its character is certainly worth investigating. It should be noted, however, to exercise general safety precautions while in Kingston. Like any large city, it is home to a higher number of crimes than the rest of the island. Common sense and precaution should ensure a pleasant experience. Kingston is usually the hotbed of any political upheaval on the island, with violent protests having been known to break out during election time. Most Jamaicans avoid the city at all costs during this time. *Montego Bay (commonly referred to as Mo Bay) on the island's north shore, is the second largest city in Jamaica, after Kingston. It is far more tourist-friendly than Kingston. It receives the bulk of international flights, being home to Sangster International Airport, largest of Jamaica's two main international airports. Today the city is known for its large regional hospital (Cornwall General), port facilities, second homes for numerous upper class Jamaicans from Kingston as well as Americans and Europeans, fine restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Surrounding coast land is occupied by numerous tourist resorts, some newly built, some occupying the grounds of old Sugar Cane plantations with some of the original buildings and mill-works still standing. The most famous of these are the "White Witch's" Rose Hall and Tryall - both of which now sport world-class golf courses. *Negril is famous for its miles of white sand beaches. One of the most beautiful cities in Jamaica, it has a more laid back atmosphere than that of Montego Bay. A popular tourist attraction here is Rick's Cafe, which is known for the cliffside it is built upon, where tourists can take a courageous leap into the Caribbean Sea below. However, the Cafe is currently inaccessible; during Hurricane Ivan, the cafe slid off the cliffside into the sea below. It is slated to be rebuilt and to reopen at a date yet to be determined. *Ocho Rios is located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica. A popular destination for cruise ships and tourists alike, it features a bulk of resorts and tourist attractions. There are many conveniences, such as supermarkets and restaurants. A local airport provides charter plane access from the larger airports in Montego Bay and Kingston. Ocho Rios is also home to the world renowned Dunns River Falls, a beautiful falls that visitors can pay to climb. *Port Antonio on the eastern point of the island, is still relatively unknown by most tourists, but it has for years been the hideaway of royalty and stars alike. It is easy to see why. The secludedness is what gives this city its charm. The beaches are beautiful, albeit a bit rocky. However the seclusion from throngs of other tourists is a huge payoff. The people are extremely friendly, and the whole city rings with a unique character all its own. ==Other destinations== ===Tourist resorts=== Some tourists visiting Jamaica prefer to stay at resorts. A number of these resorts are all-inclusive, meaning that a single fee pays for just about everything including room, food, drink, and activities. Some well known resorts: *Hedonism II - Negril *Hedonism III - Runaway Bay *Grand Lido *Sandals and Beaches Resorts Negril, Dunns River, Montego Bay *Couples - A wonderful Honeymoon destination ==Understand== ==Get in== ===By plane=== *Both Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay receive hundreds of international flights daily. There are smaller airports in Negril and Ocho Rios, which can be accessed by smaller aircraft, such as Air Jamaica's shuttle and private and hired out aircraft. ===By train=== ===By car=== *Jamaican roads are not renowned for their upkeep. Roads in and around major cities are generally overcongested, and rural roads can be dangerous, especially in inclement weather. Alert and courteous driving is advised at all times. There are very few north-south routes as well, so travel from the north to the south can involve treks on mountain roads. These trips can induce nausea in the more weak of stomach, so it is advisable that if you suffer from motion sickness to bring dramamine or similar medication. Roads can be very narrow, and be especially alert when going around bends. Jamaica, as a former British colony, drives on the left. Make note of this when driving, especially when turning, crossing the street, and yielding right of way. There are relatively few stoplights. These only are generally found in major city centers, such as Montego Bay, Kingston, and Ocho Rios. Renting a car is easily done, and it is advised to go through a major international car rental company such as Hertz or Avis, but good Jamaican rental companies exist, such as Island Car Rental. Do your research before renting and driving. ===By bus=== *Once you arrive on the island by plane, you will travel by bus to your resort destination. Be prepared to offer a tip to the luggage handlers that load your luggage into the bus. The ride is much different than you are probably used to. Many resorts offer excursions by bus. Check with the resort's office that is in charge of planning day trips for more information. ===By boat=== ==Sleep== *'''Wyndham Rose Hall Jamaica Resort, Hotel & Country Club''' Montego Bay. The island resort was a legendary sugar plantation during the 18th century. http://rose-hall.wyndham-hotels.com/ Yoga Hotel $20USD per night in Negril http://www.negrilyoga.com/index.php Hotel Gloriana $30 USD in Montego Bay http://hotelgloriana.com/Home2.htm Chelsea Hotel in Kingston $40 USD per night http://www.discoverjamaica.com/gleaner/gateway_ads/chelsea/chelsea.html ==Get around== Don't be afraid to take Jamaican local buses. They are 10 times cheaper than tourist taxis. Don't let those taxi drivers to rip you off. ==Talk== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== Ritz Carlton Rose Hall - Montego Bay Stayed here for 5 days in March of 2004. Service was mediocre and there were too many kids!!!! This place needs a kiddie pool. Would not go back. ==Learn== ==Work== ==Stay safe== As in any foreign country, should any emergency situation arise, especially at the domestic level, it is advised to immediately contact your government's embassy or consulate. Governments usually advise travelers staying in the country for an extended period of time to notify their embassy or consulate so they can be contacted in the case of emergency. ==Stay healthy== Medical facilities on the island are not always up to par with health care standards of your home country. Falling ill can sometimes result in major medical fees. Therefore, it is advised to buy travel insurance, as this will ensure piece of mind in emergency situations. The water quality is generally good and safe to drink. However, Jamaicans generally boil their water, and it is likely best to follow the Jamaican people's example. Water service in rural areas can sometimes go out for several hours at a time. ==Respect== The Jamaican people are a very generous and warm people. Returning this warmth and friendliness is a great way to show them you appreciate your country. Chances are, you will be approached at one point or another during your travels in Jamaica for money. Do not feel pressured into giving money. A strong 'no' and walking away is usually the best advice for instances such as this. This also applies in the infamous straw markets. These people do this on or near a professional level. Do not feel that if you say no that this is a poor representation of yourself or your nation to the Jamaican people. These instances are generally scorned throughout the island. But it is to be expected, as there are many in the country who live in very poor financial condition. There is a trap one can be sucked into all too easily, since you never know when to give and when not to. It's very similar to being approached in any major city. That being said, if you befriend or encounter one of the many wonderful Jamaican people and you wish to give a friendly gift, that is perfectly acceptable and welcome. Just exercise common sense when it comes to money. Cultural respect is far more important. You are guests on their island. Respect the environment and the people. It is a simple rule of thumb that should always be applied when traveling abroad. ==Contact== ==External links== fr:Jamaïque WikiPedia:Jamaica {{msg:stub}} de:Jamaika First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

Thanks to all the contributors at wikitravel.org.

if you like cool drinks you may be interested in:

The best prices - up to 45% discount - the best brands - Armani, Lacoste, Aquascutum, Evisu, Prada, Burberrys - and the biggest range - new season stock still arriving - all makes the Brown Bag offering exciting

She Desires is the indulgence store for women. Selling everything from home spa products, to chocolate, adult toys and much more, She Desires has everything a woman could desire to pamper, indulge and feel good.

Hope you enjoyed reading about Jamaica

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page - St Augustine

: Home ::