Questions and answers about JamaicaHow did Jamaica get its name? The island was given the name "Xaymaca" meaning land of wood and water by its original inhabitants the Tainos.How big is Jamaica? 4,444 square miles(11,100 square kilometres). It is 145 miles (234 kilometres) long and 50 miles(80 kilometres at its widest point.What is Jamaica's population? Approximately 2.7 million people.When did Jamaica get its independence? August 6, 1962.What is Jamaica's highest point? Blue Mountain Peak which is 7,402 square feet(2,256 metres) above sea level. It is located in the parish of Portland.What public holidays does Jamaica celebrate yearly? New Year's Day(January 1), Ash Wednesday(February or March), Good Friday(March or April), Easter Monday(March or April), Labour Day(May 23), Emancipation Day(August 1), Independence Day(August 6), National Heroes Day(3rd Monday in October), Christmas Day(December 25), Boxing Day(December 26). A total of 10.What time of year do hurricanes affect Jamaica? Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 every year. However, the months when they are most likely to seriously affect the island are August and September.What time zone is Jamaica in? Eastern Standard Time(EST).Does Jamaica go on Daylight Saving Time(DST)? No. However it was tried between 1974 and 1983.How many international airports does Jamaica have? There are two. Norman Manley International Airport located in Kingston and Sir Donald Sangster International Airport located in Montego Bay.What side of the road do Jamaicans drive on? On the left.What is Jamaica's main religion? Christianity.What are some of Jamaica's favourite sports? Football(soccer), cricket, track and field.Is it illegal to use ganja(marijuana) in Jamaica? Yes.When did Christopher Columbus first come to Jamaica? 1494.When were slaves first brought to Jamaica from Africa? 1517.When did Jamaica first get postal service? Jamaica became the first British colony to get postal service in 1671.When did slavery end? The Emancipation Act came into force on August 1, 1834. Under this act slaves under the age of 6 years were given complete freedom. Those over 6 had to work under an apprenticeship system in which they were required to work 40.5 hours for their masters and could work for wages the other 13.5 hours. This lasted until August 1, 1838 when they were given full freedom.When did Jamaica first start mining bauxite? Exploration started in the 1940s and the first bauxite was exported in 1952.Who wrote Jamaica's national anthem? |
