Jamaica is the home of reggae, Bob Marley and Rastafari – a deliciously beautiful, sunny land, whose motto is: “from many nations – one”. It is an island lying in the Caribbean Sea, in the vicinity of Cuba and Haiti. It was discovered in 1494 by Christopher Columbus and although originally belonged to Spain and in the mid-seventeenth century passed into the hands of England.

Jamaica became a fast-flowering colony generating big profits, but unfortunately also a center of the slave trade, since the English started to import African slaves to work on sugar cane plantations. The state gained its independence in 1962, yet it still recognized the monarch Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General. After World War II, it quickly developed it’s economy, which relies primarily on bauxite mining and tourism.

Having an 11 thousand sq. km. the island is mostly covered by volcanic hills, which are an extension of the Cordilleras. The highest peak is the Blue Mountain Peak (2,256 m.) lying in the Blue Mountains. Jamaican landscape is very diverse – on the island you can find many unique caves (the longest is 3.5 km., and the deepest – 230 m.) and numerous valleys and bays, everywhere covered with a huge number of the most diverse species of plants. Jamaica is also inhabited by exotic animals such as parrots, iguanas, manatees and crocodiles.

The capital of Jamaica is Kingston, built in the late seventeenth century. Nearly destroyed by an earthquake of Port Royal, which in its time was the fastest growing city of the New World. Both towns abound in monuments and museums, among others; a museum devoted to Bob Marley, the Cathedral and Botanical Gardens in Kingston, the defensive fort at Port Royal. The preserved colonial-style attracts Falmouth his old climate, and the resorts of Montego Bay and Negril are a haven of peace and a great place to dive.

In addition to interesting cities, you can visit the beautiful Blue Lagoon, wonderful beaches where everyone can experience the unforgettable moments of relaxation or a water taxi to cross the Rio Grande river, flowing from the Blue Mountains to the Caribbean Sea.

Currency: Jamaican dollar (JMD)