For centuries, Jamaica has welcomed settlers from all around the world. This small island has played host to the Amerindians who discovered it, to Europeans who fought to own it, to Africans forced to call it home, and to Asians, Indians and Middle Easterners searching for a better life. Each group carried with it a story and tradition, throwing everything into Jamaica's melting pot. After centuries of brewing, all have blended together to give the island its rich history and heritage - an international smorgasbord of legends, cultures and customs, all displayed right here against the background of Jamaica’s beautiful mountains and valleys.

 Our ancestors from Africa, Europe and Asia have helped shape Jamaica, and make it the multifaceted mosaic of international customs and traditions it is today.

Source: http://www.visitjamaica.com/about-jamaica/history.aspx

 The music of Jamaica includes Jamaican folk music and many popular genres, such as: mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub music, dancehall, rocksteady, ska jazz, reggae fusion and related styles. Jamaica's music culture is a mix from the United States, Africa, and Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Tobago. Reggae is especially popular through the international fame of Bob Marley.

Jamaica is famous for their great tasting food and cooking. Jamaican Jerk seasoning is famous around the world and tourists love it

Jamaican food is usually spicy. Typically, lunch and dinner are large meals and last for at least an hour

SIMPLE RICE AND PEAS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

Serves: 4-5

1 medium sized can red kidney beans
1 can coconut milk
2 cups of rice
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 table spoon oil
1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole, do not chop up)
water
Recipe by ©eatjamaican.com

Drain the liquid from the can of beans into a measuring cup and add the can of coconut milk and enough water to make four cups of liquid. Place liquids in a pot with beans, onions, garlic, thyme and oil, bring to a boil. Add rice and stir for a minute. Reduce heat to Medium-Low. Place scotch bonnet pepper on top of liquid and cover tightly for 30 minutes or until rice is cooked. Remove scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

This recipes can also be made using other peas.

Places to visit

Negril is the spot to go and relax and hit the beach - crystal clear water like a bathtub, so beautiful and has the best sunsets, nearby activities like a Blue Hole, Zip lining, water Falls, etc....

Montego Bay is kind of central - closest to the airport, lots of activities, power to day trip easily in either direction

Ocho Rio is more of a town - more shopping available, more clubbing and nightlife options, lots of excursions nearby - but not the nicest beach.

Things to do

There are lots of things to do in such a hot weathered country like Jamaica, you can go to the beach, to a waterfall called Dunn’s river falls, visit the hard rock café which has objects that once belonged to the legendary bob Marley. You can go take a trip to ocho rios, which is a waterfall park you can climb

Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147312-i110-k4352195-Where_to_go_in_Jamaica_negril_ocho_rios_or_montego-Ocho_Rios_Saint_Ann_Parish_Jamaica.html

Jamaica is a little jewel in the Caribbean, with beautiful beaches, warm golden sun, coffee and luxurious resorts. However, there is a lot more to Jamaica than this, below are a few fun facts about the country of Jamaica.

Source:http://blog.spaceja.com/fun-facts-about-jamaica/

1. Although English is the country’s official language, Jamaicans mainly speak to each other in Patois, which is a language made up of English and African Creole

2. Jamaica is the first in the Western world to build a railway only 18 years after Britain and before the United States.

3. The Milk River Bath and Mineral Spa is the most radioactive spa in the world. Its waters are nine and three times more radioactive than those at Bath, England, and those at Karlvoy Vary, Czech Republic respectively.

4. Jamaica is the first English speaking Country in the Caribbean to gain Independence, which was in 1962.

5. Besides the United States, Jamaica is the country which has won the most Olympic and world medals.

6. Jamaica is a sprint power house and is home to the world’s fastest man and other great athletes.

7. Jamaica is 3rd place on the list of countries to have ever won the Miss World titles the most.

8. The Golf Club in the parish of Manchester is the oldest hotel in the western world and was established in 1868 in Jamaica.

9. Although Jamaica is the land of sunshine the country is a competitor in the Winter Olympic Games.

10. Jamaica is the official birth place of Reggae and Dancehall.

11. Jamaica is very religious and the Lord’s Prayer is prayed every morning in every Jamaican Public School.

^ Here you can send me any message on Jamaica. This wiki was especially created to help teenagers around my age, 14 years old,to fit in different countries. I have experience with this as I go to an international school in Portugal. If you have any questions on Jamaica leave me a message here and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you, Inês.