Oddly enough, Jamaica is actually the tip of a mountain rising from the sea. Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles, a group of islands on the Caribbean Sea.
Map of Jamaica
Key geography facts
1. Jamaica is a Caribbean island nation divided by three landform regions: the low, flat coastal plains, the central valleys and plateau, and the eastern mountains.
2. The Blue Mountains in the east feature Jamaica’s highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, which rises to 7,402 feet (2,256 meters).
3. Two-thirds of the country is covered by the limestone plateau, leading to the steep, rounded hills, sinkholes, caves, and other karst features found in the country.
4. Notable rivers include the Black River and the Rio Minho, though most rivers in Jamaica are short and fast-flowing.
5. Jamaica also includes smaller offshore islands like the Morant Cays and Pedro Cays, which are important for local fishing and wildlife.
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Jamaica
Jamaica regions (parishes)
Jamaica has 14 administrative divisions (parishes) in the country.
- Clarendon
- Hanover
- Kingston Parish
- Manchester
- Portland
- Saint Andrew
- Saint Ann
- Saint Catherine
- Saint Elizabeth
- Saint James
- Saint Mary
- Saint Thomas
- Trelawny
- Westmoreland
Map of Jamaica in the Caribbean
Jamaica and its neighbors: Haiti, Cuba and the Cayman Islands.
Jamaica major cities and towns
Kingston – The capital and largest city, known as the cultural and economic heart of Jamaica, with a vibrant music scene, historic sites, and as the country’s main port.
Montego Bay – A major tourist destination on the north coast, famous for its beautiful beaches and resorts, and as a gateway to other tourist attractions in western Jamaica.
Spanish Town – The former capital of Jamaica, known for its rich colonial history, historic buildings, and as a growing suburban area near Kingston.
Portmore – A rapidly growing suburban area located west of Kingston, known for its residential communities and historical points of interest, such as Fort Clarence and Augusta.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. With seven years of teaching experience and a background in educational content, she specialises in creating clear reference resources about countries, geography and global topics.
Ivy Hollys is a freelance content writer for integrity-based information platforms. Her work focuses on presenting clear and accurate information about global topics. With a background in natural resource conservation, she brings a research-driven approach to writing accessible and reliable reference content.