For the first-timers … know before you go!

The world loves to stereotype countries, cultures and people. For those about to embark on their first trip to Jamaica (and even for repeat visitors!) here are some interesting facts we wanted to share… because the Real Jamaica is a whole lot more then just pretty beach pictures on a tourist brochure!

For starters, not everyone in Jamaica smokes weed all day long.

Jamaicans do not say “ye mon and “irie” in every other sentence.

Jamaicans listen to more then just Bob Marley and Reggae all day long. Music is appreciated in all its genres. As a matter of fact, there is even a classical music National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica.

It is believed that the roots of Hip-Hop originate from Jamaica, with DJ Kool Herc being a pivotal figure in the 1970s movement and in the birth of the music genre.

Not all Jamaicans are black or have dread locks. Jamaicans are a diverse people, thus the motto “Out of Many, One People”. The country is rich with different ethnicities including Chinese, Indians, Lebanese, Europeans, etc.

Jamaica has won the most world and Olympic medals … after the US!

Sports are important in Jamaica, but not everyone is a runner. In fact, you’ll come to see that most Jamaicans are passionate about football (soccer) and cricket! And there is even a Jamaican Fencing Federation!

Jamaica is home to the second largest butterfly in the world.

The Blue Mountains are not actually blue. They are only named as such due to the blue-ish coloured mist that covers them.

And on that note, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is one of the most expensive coffees in the world! (the most expensive being Luwak coffee beans from Indonesia).

Also, sorry to break out the truth, but there are no guarantees that you will see Cuba from a distance from the peak of the mountains.

Jamaica has 120 lakes and rivers

… And has over 1600 churches. Jamaica has the world’s largest number of churches per square km!

Of note, various sources state that there are more twins and triplets in Jamaica than anywhere in the world.

East Indian, Blackie and Julie are mangoes. And mangoes are taken very seriously in Jamaica!

Jamaica is a source of inspiration! Ian Fleming wrote ten of his world renowned James Bond spy thrillers while on the island!

Jamaica is one of only two countries in the world that has no colors in common with the flag of the United States of America.

With 2.8 million people, it is the third most populous Anglophone country in the Americas, after the United States and Canada

* P.S: we write information to the best of our knowledge! If there are any mistakes in the above facts, do let us know!

Marianna

Culture Nut & Curious Cat, Owner of Marianna’s Kitchen (67 Constant Spring Rd, Kingston).
Follow me on Instagram or check out my photography at Flickr.

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4 comments

  • You wrote “Jamaica has 120 lakes and rivers”. Lakes ?? Really ??

  • Michael Miller

    A few grammatical errors here and there not as authoritative as it should be considering the name of the website however still quite informative for the “average” reader…

    • Hey Michael, since you’re Jamaican and grew up on the island, you probably know these things already, but it’s great to get your feedback to let other travelers know what’s wrong or right about this article. What grammatical errors did you spot?

      • Michael Miller

        First Paragraph third line “then”…. should be ‘than’ I’d also pluralise beach in the same line ‘beaches’

        “Jamaicans listen to more “then”… should also be ‘than’

        “It is believed that the roots of Hip-Hop originate from Jamaica” (the sentence itself is an odd read also if we’re speaking of roots or something happening prior,(past participle) then it should be ‘originated’…)

        Jamaicans are a diverse people, thus “the” motto.. should be “their” speaking about the motto of the people possessive pronoun

        Finally Sports are versus sports is is a never ending debate so I’ll let that one slide

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