Fun Facts About Jamaica

I can't take it no more
Oh no no no 
Is this what I'm living for?

But my Uncle John from Jamaica
Keeps on calling every day
Just buy a ticket and take a
Summer Holi - Holiday

Vengaboyz couldn't have captured the festive, yet relaxing, essence of Jamaica in a better way than this vibrant song! The mere mention of the word Jamaica conjures up images of azure beaches, fanned out coconut palms dotting the coastlines and the relaxing sea breeze taking all worries and stress away as it caresses your body in the mind's eye.

Once you set foot on Jamaican soil, besides these very sights and sensations materializing into a cornucopia of sensuous pleasures, you'll also find it difficult to maintain a straight gait as your ears, followed by your limbs, give in to the rhythmic beats of reggae and dancehall music that plays all over the place.

From organized bands playing in resorts and nightclubs to independent street musicians playing their stuff at busy market junctions, beaches and near tourist spots. That being said, let's take a quick look at some very interesting fun facts about Jamaica!

The following lines will reveal some very interesting facts about Jamaica that will definitely make you consider planning a Jamaican vacation sometime soon. So, read right ahead and fall for the bait - hook, line and sinker!

• If sun-kissed beaches, coffee, reggae and Jamaican rum are all that you know of this Caribbean country, then you don't know much! Heard of the Milk River Bath? Well, it is a warm, mineral spa which has the reputation of being the most radioactive spa in the entire world!

• Though the official language is English, the most common language in which native Jamaicans communicate is Patois which is a hybrid between English and African Creole.
• Sprinter Usain Bolt, the three-time Olympic gold medalist and thrice world record holder for the fastest man on earth, is a Jamaican!

• The chief religion of Jamaica is Christianity and Jamaicans are a religious people. An interesting fun fact about Jamaicans is that they give a lot of importance to children's religious education.

• In keeping with this sentiment, it is mandatory for all public schools in Jamaica to hold a Lord's Prayer recital every morning before commencing with the school's daily curriculum.
• Also, in keeping with the religious zeal of its inhabitants, Jamaica has more churches per square mile than any other Christian country in the world!

• Apart from great athletes and sports persons, Jamaica has also given the world a large number of celebrities and glamorous personalities.

• Famous among them are Afrika Bambaataa (Jamaican descent), Naomi Campbell (born in South London but of Jamaican heritage), Busta Rhymes, Sean Kingston, Sean Paul, Diana King and Devon White. Need I even mention Bob Marley separately?

• The name Jamaica is derived from the Arawak Indian word Xaymaca, which, in turn, means the land of wood and water;
• The national tree of Jamaica is the blue mahoe (Hibiscus elatus);
• The national flower is the Wood of Life (Lignum vitae) flower;

• Doctor Bird (Trochilus polytmus) is the national bird;
• Ackee and saltfish is the national dish of Jamaica

• A most peculiar thing about Jamaica is that among all Caribbean Islands, this one manages to stay sunny all round the year! No wonder it's a hot favorite among tourists looking forward to a beach vacation!

• While drinking alcohol in public places is not prohibited (provided you're above 18 years of age) in Jamaica, purchasing, selling or possessing controlled drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, crack and marijuana is illegal under Jamaican law, and amounts to a punishable offense

Speaking of the last point regarding legislation for regulation of narcotics and drugs, that's what I call having good, clean, responsible fun and ensuring tourists do the same when they come seeking fun and relaxation in your country!

Not that Jamaica doesn't have her own share of problems (crime, violence, economic and demographic factors - same as many other countries still face today), but the way her people unleash their warmth and welcoming hospitality to visitors, a Jamaican vacation becomes a truly refreshing experience, both for the body as well as the soul.

This welcoming sentiment of Jamaican people is well reflected in the following quote by Ziggy Marley:

When people come to Jamaica, we don't want them to think about the problems of Jamaica. So let them come be in their paradise.