What are 5 interesting facts about Jamaica?

What are three facts about Jamaica?

Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands, and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea. Situated 90 miles south of Cuba, 600 miles south of Florida, USA, and 100 miles south-west of Haiti, Jamaica is approximately 146 miles long, 51 miles wide, and has an area of 4,411 square miles.

What make Jamaica culture unique?

From Jamaican music, dance and food to its arts and crafts all derived from its rich heritage. This cultural diversity probably stems from the many different nationalities that have landed on the island's shores.

What should kids know about Jamaica?

The island of Jamaica is located south of Cuba and belongs to the North American continent. Jamaica's capital city is called Kingston. This city is located in the Southeast of the island. The island of Jamaica is dominated by mountains with only a narrow band of coastal plains.

What are some facts about Jamaican culture?

Jamaican culture is a product of the interaction between Europe and Africa. Terms such as “Afro-centred” and “Euro-centred,” however, are often used to denote the perceived duality in Jamaican cultural traditions and values. European influences persist in public institutions, medicine, Christian worship, and the arts.

101 Facts About Jamaica

How old is Jamaica?

Transition to Independence

In 1958 Jamaica became a founding member of the Federation of the West Indies, from which it seceded in 1961, after a referendum. On August 6, 1962, after 300 years of British colonization, Jamaica became an independent nation with full dominion status within the Commonwealth.

What are Jamaican foods?

How do Jamaicans say hello?

Ello is the most common way to say hello in Jamaican patois. It is very similar to the English version but they don't pronounce the 'h' at the start. ​​Wah gwaan is a casual and friendly greeting which literally means 'what's going on'. It can be used to say hello or to ask someone how they are.

What is the most interesting fact about Jamaica?

The Island Sits on Top of a Large Underwater Mountain

An awesome fun fact about Jamaica is that it actually sits on the summit of a vast underwater mountain. The submarine range which supports the island is known, unsurprisingly, as the Jamaica Ridge.

What did Jamaica invent?

What do Jamaicans celebrate?

Emancipation Day on August 1, and Independence Day, celebrated on August 6, are marked by impressive displays of national pride. A Grand Gala is hosted annually on August 6th at the National Stadium and showcases Jamaica's colorful heritage in the form of song and dance with elaborate costumes.

What is Jamaica's national animal?

Description of the Doctor Bird

The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird (Trochilus Polytmus), is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica.

Why is Jamaica called Jamaica?

The name Jamaica is derived from Xaymaca, the Taíno-Arawak name for the island, which translates, as 'isle of springs'. Jamaica was charted by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage and the first Europeans to arrive on the island were the Spanish in 1509.

Was chocolate milk invented in Jamaica?

History. Chocolate milk was first created in Jamaica by Sir Hans Sloane, an Irish botanist. Sloane found the local Jamaican beverage consisting of cacao and water served to him in Jamaica unpalatable, but by adding milk to it, found it much improved.

What can you not say to a Jamaican?

What does the Jamaica flag stand for?

Symbolism. “The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative” is the symbolism of the colours of the flag. Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural beauty of the sunlight and the wealth of the country; and Green signifies hope and agricultural resources.

What are the Jamaican colors?

The legislative committee responsible agreed that the flag should have the colours black, yellow, and green. These stood for the difficulties faced by the nation (black), its natural wealth and the beauty of its sunlight (yellow), and agriculture and hope (green).

What country has 27 stars on its flag?

The 27 stars of the flag now collectively symbolize Brazil's 26 states and its federal district. Unlike the stars in the U.S. flag, those in the Brazilian flag were not automatically modified when individual territories were raised to statehood.

Is Jamaica a fruit?

Comparable to a melon, the papaya is ripe when it turns yellowish-orange with a sweet taste. Jamaica's national fruit, the ackee is commonly used as the main ingredient in the island's traditional food dish, ackee and saltfish.

What is the most popular sport in Jamaica?

The most popular sports are athletics, cricket and association football; other popular sports include basketball and netball (usually for women). Out of all the top five sports, Mixed martial arts, rugby league and rugby union are also considered growing sports in Jamaica.

What is the drink of Jamaica?

Jamaica — Rum Punch

Rum punch is the ubiquitous party drink in Jamaica. Any event or large party will have a punch on offer, often as a free option at the bar.