Facts about Jamaica will help you become acquainted with the island.

These Facts about Jamaica were compiled to help you get acquainted with the island.

Population: 2,780,000--Most people are descendants of African slaves brought over in the 1600 and 1700s to work on sugar plantations. Remainder derive from European, Middle Eastern, East Indian and Chinese heritages.

Language: Official language of Jamaica is English, but one of the more interesting facts about Jamaica is that Jamaican's speak a patois among themselves that is a blend of English and African phrases that can be traced to their ancestors.

Area: 11,424 sq km (4,411 sq miles) Jamaica is the 3rd largest island in the Caribbean and the largest English speaking island. The interior is mostly mountainous. It also has rain forests, rivers, valleys and a coastline edged by bays, coves and beaches.

Climate & Clothing: Avg.yearly temperature is 82F. Dress in the resort areas is informal, but some hotels and restaurants require casual evening wear for women and a jacket for men in the dining and night club rooms.

Highest Point: 2,256 miles (7,402 feet) Blue Mountain Peak

Lowest Point: Sea level, Caribbean Sea

Government: Independent. Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Electricity: 110-220 volts, 50 cycles AC, single and three phases; voltage varies with location.

Water: All drinking water is purified and filtered by the most modern standards.

Minimum Age for Drivers: 21-25, depending on the rental car agency. U.S. license valid for 1 year; drive on left.

Helmets for Motorcyclists: Required

Seat Belt/Child Restraint Laws: Seat belts are required for driver and front-seat passengers.

Holidays: Jan 1; Ash Wednesday; Good Friday, Easter Monday, National Labour Day-May 23, Emancipation Day-Aug 1, Independence Day-Aug 6, Nat'l Hero's Day-Oct(3rd Mon), Christmas Day-Dec 25, Boxing Day-Dec 26.

Taxes: A 12.5 percent room tax and a 10 percent service charge are added to most hotel bills. A 15 percent government tax is charged on food, beverages, merchandise and rental cars. Departure tax $27.50 over age 11.

Phoning the Islands: To call Jamaica from the U.S. or Canada, dial 1+876+the local 7 digit number. Find the least expensive way to call Jamaica!

Phoning home from the Islands: One of the more important facts about Jamaica is that calling home from Jamaican hotels can be very expensive. Don't make this mistake! It will be quite costly. It's better to use calling cards for local Jamaican calls and to call overseas. For approximately $2.00US you can call back to the states and talk about 30 minutes! Another option would be to purchase a Jamaican cell phone (under $30) and it's already loaded with very low cost minutes to the U.S.

Jamaica Time Zone: Eastern Standard time zone year-round. It has the same time as Miami and N.Y. during the Winter, but is an hour behind those cities when the U.S. switches to Daylight Savings time.

Banking & Money Exchange :Commercial banks maintain branches throughout the island. The hours 9A.M-2P.M. Monday-Thursday; 9A.M.-4P.M. on Fridays. Exchange Bureaus are open in Montego Bay and Kingston airports for all international flight arrivals and departures.

More Facts about Jamaica entry and departure requirements.

Entry Requirements: U.S. has issued new requirements for travelers to and from Jamaica. Effective Jan 23, 2007, all travelers from United States will be required to have a passport or other secure accepted document to enter from the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States Citizens. Additionally, all visitors are required to travel with a round trip or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.

Customs Outgoing:

U.S. Visitors may carry U.S.$800.worth of purchases after each 48-hour visit. Items manufactured in Jamaica (rum, coffee, perfume, arts & crafts, etc.)are also duty-free. Generally one liter of liquor is allowed duty free. Visitors can mail unlimited gifts(not including perfume,cigars,liquor)worth up to U.S.$100. back to the U.S. All in-bond purchases must be made in foreign currency.

U.K. Visitors are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, spirits or strong liqueurs-1 litre (no one under 17 is entitled to tobacco or alcohol allowance), all other gifts including souvenirs 145 pound sterling value.

Canada Residents, temporary residents and form residents of Canada returning to live in Canada may claim goods free of duties under one of the following exemptions: 7 day absence from Canada $750 yearly; 48-hour absence $200 at any time; 24-hour absence $50, not including alcohol or tobacco products. One of the above exceptions may be claimed and visitors cannot pool their exemption with other passengers.

Departure Tax: Payble at the airport prior to departure. It's currently $27.00US or $10,000JA

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