OVERVIEW
Geography
Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica lies 965.4 km (600 miles) south of Florida, 160 km (100 miles) south of Cuba.
The island’s 10,9990.5 km (4.411 square miles) are dominated by magnificent mountains. The principal runs east to west, and the country’s summit, Blue Mountain Peak, stands at approximately 2,256 metres (7, 402 feet) near its eastern end.
The country is divided into three counties, Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey, which are further subdivided into 14 parishes: Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary, St. Ann, Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, and St. Catherine.
People
Jamaica’s multiracial population of approximately 2.9 million comprises primarily people of African, European, East Indian and Chinese origin. Although English is the official language, most people speak an English-based creole called “Patois”.
Government
Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth. His Majesty the King is the titular Head of State. He is represented in Jamaica by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J.
Currency
The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar. The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on the foreign exchange market. Foreign currency may be exchanged for Jamaican Dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in airports and hotels.
Fun Facts and Things To Do
Interesting Facts About Trelawny
- Historical Hub: The capital, Falmouth, was founded in 1770. The parish was named after the former Governor General of Jamaica, Sir William Trelawny.
- Birthplace of Legends: Trelawny is the birthplace of the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt (born in Sherwood Content), as well as Olympic champion Veronica Campbell Brown.
- Glowing Water: Trelawny is home to the Luminous Lagoon, one of the few places on earth where bioluminescent microorganisms cause the water to glow neon blue at night.
- Martha Brae River: Stretching over 32 kilometres, it is renowned for tranquil, guided bamboo rafting tours.
- Cruising Hub: The Falmouth Cruise Port is one of the premier maritime stops in the Caribbean, allowing visitors to step directly off the ship into the heart of the parish’s historic district.
- Vibrant Agriculture: The parish is known for its legendary yam production and is one of Jamaica’s largest export earners.
Things to Do in Trelawny:
- River rafting on the Martha Brae
- Marvel at the Luminous Lagoon
- Visit the Chukka Good Hope Estate Adventure Park
- Stroll Historic Falmouth Cruise Port
- Relax at Local Beaches