Jamaica

Jamaica is an island country in North America with its capital in Kingston and about 2.8 million people. Reggae grew up in Jamaica in the 1960s, and its songs about inequality, resistance and faith travelled far beyond the island; Jamaica is also known for sprinters such as Usain Bolt.

Jamaica in purple, with Kingston marked. Outline from the same detailed coastlines the games use.

Capital: Kingston
Continent: North America
Population (2025): 2.8 million
Land area: 10,830 km² (4,181 sq mi)
Island country: Yes, all on islands

Find it among 23 North America countries →Explore Jamaica on the map Name difficult islands

The story of Jamaica

Where the name comes from

Jamaica comes from Taíno Xaymaca, usually translated “land of wood and water”.

First people

Taíno communities lived here for centuries.¹

Known for

Reggae grew up in Jamaica in the 1960s, and its songs about inequality, resistance and faith travelled far beyond the island; Jamaica is also known for sprinters such as Usain Bolt.²

Outside contact

Spain settled the island in 1509, and England conquered it in 1655; British plantation slavery brought many ancestors of today’s population from Africa.¹