Jamaica: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Jamaica

Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. It has sandy beaches, green hills, waterfalls and the misty Blue Mountains. Jamaica is famous around the world for reggae music, fast sprinters and spicy jerk cooking.

About Kingston

Kingston lies on Jamaica's southeast coast beside Kingston Harbour, often described as one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It is the country's largest city and is known as a centre of reggae music, home to the Bob Marley Museum.

Fun facts about Jamaica

1. Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola.
2. The name Jamaica comes from a Taíno word often translated as "land of wood and water."
3. Reggae music grew up in Kingston, and UNESCO added it to its list of intangible cultural heritage in 2018.
4. Jamaica's black, green and gold flag is one of very few national flags with no red, white or blue.
5. Jamaica's first Olympic bobsleigh team raced at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary, inspiring the movie Cool Runnings.
6. Blue Mountain Peak, at 2,256 metres, is the highest point in Jamaica and gives its name to a famous coffee.