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amaica is the largest of the English-speaking Caribbean Islands, with a beautiful and varied physical landscape of mountains and plains, valleys, fertile soils, tropical flora and fauna, beautiful beaches, winding rivers and gushing waterfalls, warm sunshine and cooling showers.

Jamaica's highest mountain range, The Blue Mountains, is famous worldwide, for its lush vegetation, the distinctive Blue Mountain Coffee and the endangered Monarch butterfly.

The island is divided into 14 Parishes spread across 3 Counties. There are 2 major cities — Kingston and Montego Bay and the Municipality of Portmore. Kingston is the largest city and the centre for Jamaica's Government, commerce, sports, entertainment and cultural institutions and events. Montego Bay, the second largest city, is considered to be the "tourism capital" of Jamaica. Portmore is the new dynamic Municipality evolving out of the largest housing solution environment in the Caribbean.

The Jamaican people have emerged from the blending of many ethnic groups who lived on the island at different times through our history. The first indigenous people, the Tainos; the European colonizers from Spain, followed by Britain; the slave and indentured labour force of Africans, Indians and Chinese; and the mixed group of other people from other lands — all have left their mark on the mixed-race face of Jamaica, whose National Motto is "Out of Many One People".

Jamaica pulses with its own unique vibration of history, culture, tradition, social, economic, and political life. While the official language is English, Jamaicans enjoy their own native "Jamaica Talk" or patois. Special Jamaican words, such as the internationally known word "irie", born out of the Rastafarian culture, bring a new definition to phrases such as "one love", and "feeling alright".

The Jamaican people are outstanding in their creativity, expressed in all art forms — music, art, dance, literature, drama — and have achieved worldwide recognition in the culinary arts. In the sport arena, Jamaican men and women have competed regionally and internationally and have achieved greatness in athletics, cricket, football and other sports.

Jamaica's rapidly developing education system, comprising early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational and professional development, has graduated students of excellence who have progressed to achievements of excellence in all fields of endeavour, in every sector, locally and overseas.

National Symbols

The Jamaica National Flag

The Jamaica National Flag was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation.

The Flag brings to mind memories of past achievements and gives inspiration towards further success. It is flown on many triumphant occasions, showing the pride that Jamaicans have in their country and in the flag itself.

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 wealth and beauty of sunlight; and green, hope and agricultural resources.

The Coat of Arms

The Jamaican national motto is ‘Out of Many One People’, based on the population’s multiracial roots. The motto is represented on the Coat of Arms, showing a male and female member of the Taino tribe standing on either side of a shield which bears a red cross with five golden pineapples. The crest shows a Jamaican crocodile mounted on the Royal Helmet of the British Monarchy and mantling.

National Fruit – The Ackee (Blighia sapida)

Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica as well as a component of the national dish – ackee and codfish.

Although the ackee is not indigenous to Jamaica, it has remarkable historic associations. Originally, it was imported to the island from West Africa, probably on a slave ship. Ackee is derived from the original name Ankye which comes from the Twi language of Ghana. The botanical name of the fruit — Blighia .

The ackee tree bears large red and yellow fruit . When ripe these fruits burst into sections revealing shiny black round seeds on top of a yellow aril which is partially edible. Ackee contains a poison (hypoglcin) which is dissipated when it is properly harvested and cooked. The fruit should not be gathered until the pods open naturally. In addition, the aril must be properly cleaned of red fibre and the cooking water discarded. Jamaica is the only place in the world where the fruit is widely eaten. Ackee is a very delicious fruit and when boiled and cooked with seasoning and codfish or salt pork, it is considered one of Jamaica’s greatest delicacies.

National Flower – Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale)

The Lignum Vitae was found here by Christopher Columbus. Its name, when translated from Latin, means “wood of life” probably adopted because of its medicinal qualities. The short, compact tree is native to continental tropical American and the West Indies. In Jamaica it grows best in the dry woodland along the north and south coasts of the island.

The plant is extremely ornamental, producing an attractive blue flower and orange-yellow fruit, while its crown has an attractive rounded shape. The tree is one of the most useful in the world. The body, gum, bark, fruit, leaves and blossom all serve some useful purpose. It is a very heavy wood which will sink in water. Because of its toughness, it is used for items such as mortars, mallets, pulleys and batons. Sometimes it is used for furniture and wood carvings.

National Tree – The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus)

The Blue Mahoe is the national tree of Jamaica. It is indigenous to the island and grows quite rapidly, often attaining 20m (66ft) or more in height and is often used in reforestation. Cuba is the only other place where the Blue Mahoe grows naturally.

The tree is quite attractive with its straight trunk, broad green leaves and hibiscus-like flowers. The attractive flower changes colour as it matures, going from bright yellow to orange red and finally to crimson. The Blue Mahoe is so beautiful and durable that it is widely used for making furniture and wooden ornaments and utensils.

The name mahoe is derived from a Carib Indian word. The ‘blue’refers to blue-green streaks in the polished wood, giving it a distinctive appearance.

National Bird — The Doctor-Bird (Trochilus polytmus) or Swallow-Tail Hummingbird

The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird, is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica. These birds’ beautiful feathers have no counterpart in the entire bird population and they produce iridescent colours characterstic only of that family. In addition to these beautiful feathers, the mature male has two long tails which stream behind him when he flies. For years the doctor bird has been immortalized in Jamaican folklore and song.

Jamaica's Public Educational Institutions