Jamaica
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Local language: Jamaican Patois
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Jamaica was home to the Taíno, then a Spanish colony, and then a British colony from 1655, when sugar plantations relied on enslaved Africans. Maroon communities fought for their freedom, and Jamaica became independent in 1962.
Culture
Jamaica gave the world ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall, and Bob Marley remains its best-known ambassador. Its sprinters, led by Usain Bolt, are legends.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Jamaican Patois (Patwa) is spoken by almost everyone.
Currency
The Jamaican dollar (JMD). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Popular Attractions
Dunn's River Falls, the cliffs of Negril, the Blue Mountains and the luminous lagoon near Falmouth are favourites. Kingston has the Bob Marley Museum and a lively arts scene.
Food
Ackee and saltfish is the national dish, and jerk chicken and pork are famous worldwide. Patties, curry goat and Blue Mountain coffee are also musts.
Places to Visit
Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Kingston, Port Antonio, Treasure Beach and the Blue Mountains.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres