Rules of the Road
Drive on the left side of the road.
No turn on red whatsoever.
Roundabouts still exist. Give way to the vehicle in the roundabout.
Embassies, Consulates, High Commissions
Countries with diplomatic representation include: Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, France, Great Britain, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay and Venezuela, Representatives are located in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica .
Government
We have a democratically elected government with 60 elected House of Representative members and a nominated Upper House or Senate. Elections are held every 5 years and all Jamaicans 18 years and over are eligible to vote.
Duty Free Shopping
This is an extremely popular past-time with our visitors. There is an enticing array of China, crystal, jewelry, perfume, liquor, watches, cameras, electronic equipment in duty free areas.
Climate
Jamaica has a maritime tropical climate. Average daily temperature varies according to elevation from a high of 86 degrees fahrenheit at sea level to a low of 63 degrees fahrenheit in the mountains. December to March are the coolest months and July to September are the warmest. May and October are traditionally the rainy months. Average annual rainfall ranges from 300 inches on the eastern slopes to 230 inches some parts of the south coast.
Population
Most Jamaicans are of African descent or mixed race groups such as Chinese, Indians and Europeans resulting in the national motto “ Out of many one people”. The current population is estimated at 2.5 million and growing .
Geography
Jamaica is the third largest English speaking country in the Caribbean; it is 146 miles long and between 22 to 55 miles wide set in the tropics. It offers considerable variation in landscape from coral sands to cliffs off the shoreline to coastal wetlands, plains and highlands to the misty peaks of the Blue Mountains at 7402 feet high . There are fourteen (14) Parishes in Jamaica including two cities: Kingston and Montego Bay as well as two (2) International Airports.
Currency
Jamaica has its own currency. Its value fluctuates and at October 2007 was approximately $70 to $1.00 U.S.
Shopping
You can shop for a profusion of craft items at local craft markets. Items include pottery, sculpture, wall hanging, decorative table ware, basketry, tie-dye, batik, jewellery among other craft techniques. Clothing, footwear, beauty and spa products in tropical scents are available at select outlets.
Jamaican Cuisine
Our cuisine is a celebration of the intermingling of the diverse ethnic groups in Jamaica. Menus are influenced by the early African settlers as well as Indians, Chinese and other cultures. Jamaica is home to Blue Mountain coffee and some of the finest rums and liqueurs to include the award winning Tia Maria coffee Liqueur. Exotic fruits include mangoes, pineapples, papayas, custard apples, sweet sops and otaheite apples. The visitors palates will be stimulated with our world famous Jerk Pork, fish and chicken. Whatever you do, ensure that you sample and enjoy the different Flavours of Jamaica.
Language
Our official language is the English Language. The local dialect is patios. When we speak it might be a little confusing. In no time you get the hang of it, however.
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