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An intriguing cultural heritage defines the spirited people of Jamaica, a place Columbus is said to have called, "the fairest isle mine eyes ever beheld." But peace would be rare after Columbus feasted his eyes on this fair isle.
Jamaica is located 90 miles south of Cuba, and has a total area of 4,213 square miles. This makes it the largest island in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Jamaica arose from the sea millions of years ago as a result of volcanic activity, and has a terrain comprised of high mountains, low valleys, and coastal plains.
From the relative calm of its early Arawak inhabitants to the slavery and revolt brought on by the Spanish and British, no group who touched Jamaica's shores left without leaving an indelible print on the country's fabric. You can still see the influence of the past today, all over the island and in its people. Language on the island is the easiest way to see the influences various countries have had. While the official language is English, dialects with African, Spanish, and European lilts make Jamaica's dialect unique.
The political and social history of the island is closely tied to the economy, which has had a very shaky past. Once the world's largest producer of sugar, Jamaica had endured slave revolts and racial inequality while plantation owners prospered off the fruits of the land and the backs of the workers. Economic depression followed emancipation, and political splits and gang warfare peppered the 20th century, but Jamaica has kept itself afloat with banana and bauxite exports and tourism.
Jamaica has been marketing itself to the outside world as a pleasure and health retreat since the 1890s, and tourism has been a major industry since even before that time. Today, over 26 thousand guest rooms at numerous hotels accommodate well over one million vacationers each year during the tourist season alone, and new rooms are popping up every year. Tourism is such a major industry in Jamaica that one in four residents works directly in the industry.
Despite intense political strife and racial divide, the people of Jamaica have maintained the relaxed attitude for which the Caribbean is famous. Jamaicans are proud of who they are and pride themselves on their native culture. When you visit Jamaica, you will understand the complexity and the joy of the local spirit, which embraces its past through expressions such as music, dance, and joyful celebrations.
Our general overview will appeal to many visitors who would like to learn more about the history of Jamaica.
Want to learn more about what to expect from the culture of Jamaica? Be sure to check out our helpful article.
When researching hotels and resorts in Jamaica, don't forget about this comprehensive directory.
