Basic Jamaica Facts - Part 2

Here are some more basic Jamaica facts for you...

Getting to Jamaica Getting around Jamaica Language of Jamaica Press in Jamaica Population of Jamaica

Religion in Jamaica Time in Jamaica Electricity in Jamaica Public Holidays in Jamaica Climate of Jamaica

Getting to Jamaica

Jamaica is oh-so-easy to get to... from virtually anywhere you are in the world. Of course air travel is the easiest route (click here for information on air travel to Jamaica)... or if you're planning a cruise, you can still pay us a visit ;o)

Getting around Jamaica

Jamaica is a beautiful country with a lot to see and do. The ability to move around will no doubt add a touch of excitement to your vacation. If you're a do-it-yourself type of person, here's what you need to know to get around Jamaica effectively... and safely. Click here for more information on getting around Jamaica.

Language of Jamaica

English is the national and official language, but English patois is widely spoken across the island... Yeah Mon! ("Yeah Mon" is a common Jamaican phrase meaning confirmation of understanding a statement or approval of an action.)

Press in Jamaica

Here are a few basic Jamaica facts about the Press...

Jamaica has 2 daily national newspapers along with 5 weekend newspapers. All are readily available at hotels, newsstands and vendors islandwide.

Some of those available online are:

Jamaica Gleaner - www.jamaica-gleaner.com
Jamaica Observer - www.jamaicaobserver.com

The Star - www.jamaica-star.com

The international editions of major newspapers and magazines such as TIME, The Economist, and the New York and London Times may be available at some hotels and gift shops.

There are at least 3 local television stations, all of which broadcast islandwide. These show a combination of local and international productions.

Radio is very popular in Jamaica. So much so that there are about 20 FM stations providing the latest local and international news, sports and weather... not to mention the continuous music of all genres.

One Jamaican radio station (very popular with locals and Jamaicans living abroad) streaming on the web is:

Power 106 FM - www.go-jamaica.com/power

Population of Jamaica

2.78 million (July 2007 est.)

Religion in Jamaica

Christianity is the dominant religion in Jamaica. 62.5% of the population are Protestants while 2.6% are Roman Catholic. Children are taught about God and the Bible in public schools. Also, prayer is a part of public school life. These are the basic Jamaica facts about Religion in Jamaica.

Time in Jamaica

UTC/GMT -5 Hours
This is the same as EST. However, we do NOT observe Daylight Saving Time.

Current time:

Electricity in Jamaica

Jamaica uses 110 volts/50 cycles standard.

Electrical appliances use plugs that are two-pronged and flat. These are similar to those used in the United States and Canada.

Public Holidays in Jamaica

Jamaica celebrates 10 Public Holidays. Please click here for more information about the Public Holidays celebrated in Jamaica.

Climate of Jamaica

Jamaica has a tropical climate and it mostly rains in May and October.

Annual average rainfall is 78 inches (198 cm) but mountainous areas receive almost 300 inches (762 cm) of rainfall annually. Some sections of the island's western region get as little as 30 inches (76.2 cm) per year.

Our annual average temperature is 27°C (80°F). The hottest months are from May to September - our summer. "Winter" season (December to March) is usually much cooler.

High altitude areas can be chilly at times. The Blue Mountain Peak, for example, has an average temperature of 13°C (55°F)... and it can be cooler, depending on the weather and time of year. Click here for information about Jamaica weather.