Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands, and the
largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea. Situated 90 miles
south of Cuba, 600 miles south of Florida, USA, and 100 miles south-west
of Haiti, Jamaica is approximately 146 miles long, 51 miles wide, and
has an area of 4,411 square miles. The capital, Kingston, is the largest
city and is located in the south-eastern part of the island. It is said that the island's name, Jamaica, is derived from the Arawak word
Xaymaca, which probably means "land of wood and water" or "land of
springs". Although the official language is English, most Jamaicans speak an English-based dialect which is known as patois. Jamaica's multi-racial population of approximately 2.6 million, is
predominantly of African, European, East Indian and Chinese heritage. Jamaica's motto - "Out of Many, One People" is based on the
multi-racial roots. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom of Great
Britain on 1962 August 6. At Independence, Jamaica became a member of
the Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. The Queen is
represented in Jamaica by the Governor-General.
