Generous tropical climate of the island and its fertile soils are favorable for flourishing of myriads plants and animals. Luscious and remarkably diversified vegetation characterize Jamaican plant life. Vegetation is dense over most of the island, especially in the northeast, where rainfall is plentiful. Jamaica has over 3000 flowering species, including the colorful bougainvillea and about 200 species of orchids, over 80 of which are endemic to the island. Among indigenous trees are cedar, mahogany, logwood, rosewood, ebony, palmetto palm, coconut palm and pimento (allspice). Introduced varieties, such as the mango, breadfruit, banana and plantain, also flourish on the island and are widely cultivated. The spectacular Blue Mountains provide perfect conditions for the cultivation of one of the world's finest coffee. The blue lignum vita is Jamaica's national tree.
Jamaican fauna, as that of the Caribbean islands generally, includes highly diversified bird life. There are over 200 bird species here, 27 of which are endemic. Parrots, green todies, cuckoos, pelicans and the national symbol hummingbirds are especially abundant. Human activity produced a negative effect on the island's animal life - due to the severe reduction of natural habitats the majority of indigenous quadrupeds have disappeared or are endangered. There are no large mammals present. The only native land mammal is the endangered Jamaican hutia, or cony, a large brown rodent looking like a guinea pig. Mongooses, imported from India in the 19th century, are common in wild.
Jamaica has plenty of reptiles, but none of them are venomous. Crocodiles are found in wetlands and mangrove swamps along the south coast, lizards and frogs are everywhere, iguanas hang on to survival in remote backwaters, and there are plenty of snakes. The turquoise waters washing Jamaica are clear and warm year-round. They caress the seabed, covered with multihued coral reefs, home to an uncountable quantity and diversity of bright exotic tropical fish. Marine turtles also find Jamaica's beaches to be appealing as nest sites. |
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Name: Jamaica |
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Area: 11,425 sq km |
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Capital City: Kingston |
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Population: 3 million |
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Language: English, Creole |
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Currency: Jamaica Dollar |
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Time Zone: GMT - 5 hrs |
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Religion: 80% Christian |
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