Jamaica: Its History, Culture and Reasons for Being a Prominent Tourist Destination

Reggae music, fine hospitality, lush rainforests, tropical oases, Blue Mountain coffee and jerk foods are as Jamaican as baseball, hotdogs and apple pie is to the American past time. Recognized as the third largest island in the Caribbean with a strong, diverse economic background and rich strong global presence regarding its longstanding culture have ensured Jamaica of being a prolific country with a strong ethnic heritage. Combine these factors with Jamaica's breathtaking landscapes and tropical hideaways, water sports and beaches and there you have it, an awesome place to wine, dine, relax and enjoy life in a casual but glamorous atmosphere.

Jamaica was first inhabited by the Arawak and Taino indigenous people before being discovered, once again, by Christopher Columbus in 1494 for Spain. Spain had shortly thereafter begun to colonize on Jamaica and for years coexisted with the indigenous people that had preceded them for thousands of years. It wasn't til 1655 that the last Spanish fort was secured by English forces under the leadership of Robert Penn and General Robert Venables at Ocho Rios in Saint Anne. Once the English had forcibly evicted the Spanish colonists out of Jamaica, many of their slaves retreated and headed for the mountain in the interior portion of Jamaica, where they lived with the Taino people.The slaves became known as Jamaican maroons and eventually would fight the British forces in the 18Th century. These maroons established successful independence, freedom and free communities for years following. Jamaica became one of the leading sugar exporting slave driven nation, producing on average 77,000 tons of sugar per year. Once slave trade but not slavery was abolished in 1807, the British brought over Indian and Chinese workers as indentured servants to continue the sugar cane production. By the beginning of the 19Th century, Jamaica's reliance on slavery blacks outnumber the white people by a ratio of 20:1. Slaves were continuously being smuggled into Jamaica forcing the British assembly to amend laws for improving the life of slaves. In 1834, the nation finally abolished slavery all together as a direct result of continuous rebellion with full emancipation in 1838.

Today, Jamaica's population is mainly people of African descent. Multiracial Jamaican of Irish, Indian and Chinese ancestry, German, Lebanese, Scottish, Syrian, Latin American and American people also call Jamaica home today. the official language of Jamaica is English though a Creole style language known as Jamaican Patois is also spoken and is very prominent in Reggae music.

Reggae, ska, rock steady, dub, punk rock, dancehall and rap music represents the musical culture of Jamaica. Such famous musical talents as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Sean Paul were born in Jamaica. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe Beer and Jerk seasoned foods provide strong cultural contributions and a significant global presence.

Jamaica lies 90 miles south of Cuba and blessed with a tropical climate with hot and humid weather. It is 146 miles long and anywhere from 21-52 miles wide. It is the largest Island of the Commonwealth Caribbean and third largest in the Greater Antilles, behind Cuba and Hispaniola. Jamaica is an island formed by volcanic activity. This affords Jamaica with prime soils for lush tropical growth, produce and its famous Blue Mountain Coffee. Beautiful Botanical Gardens and rainforest's are a popular tourist draw due to their beauty, tranquility and diverse flora and fauna.

There are numerous attractions on the island of Jamaica that should not be overlooked. Dunn's River Falls water fall climb, Port Royal, Blue lagoon in Portland and Kingston Harbour, which is the seventh largest natural harbour in the world. Towns and cities such as Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Spanish Town are hotspots to vacationers due to their tourist atmosphere, complete with a myriad of shops, restaurants and resorts with a unique style all there own.

Tropical hideaways, lagoons, secluded beaches, numerous water sports and activities draw vacationers from all over the world to experience Jamaica. Fishing and diving, boating, para-sailing, water skiing, swimming and windsurfing complete the ensemble of exciting and entertaining activities to take part in on the calm, crystal clear, turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Some of the best beaches in the world dot the Jamaican shores and should not be experienced.

Terrestrial activities are numerous and found throughout the island. Maybe a tour of the Blue Mountain Coffee plantation is the perfect choice for you. If you like fine rum, Jamaica hosts two endemic rum distilleries, Appleton Estate and Myer's, that you can check out. Rum is produced by using the sugar can as well as by-products of the cane, molasses and cane juice. These components are then fermented and distilled in oak barrels til their aged for a period of years then are blended by professional rum connoisseurs and arduous quality control to ensure each batch produces the same high quality rum.

Cave and Nassau Valleys, Black River, John Crow Mountains National park, Litchfield forest reserve, the dry and wet limestone forests and hidden caves can also be experienced for those of you who like to hike, explore and sight see.

A diverse array of foods, restaurants, hotels, resorts and night spots provide anyone to enjoy their vacation to Jamaica in a lap of luxury or at lest content. Whether you try "jerk" seasoned food, beef patties, coconut bread and carrot cake or other ethnic foods available your taste buds will not be spared. Restaurants can be as simple as street vendors, barbecues or marketplaces to small diner type restaurants to those offering fancy fare at elevated prices. The same can be said for the where to stay side of the score card. Do you want to stay by the beaches, major city or towns or maybe be more creative and explore hospitality arrangements in a smaller, less crowded atmosphere.

Jamaica offers its own uniqueness, not only through its people and culture but in its geography, landforms, wildlife, vegetation and water surrounding its shores.