•The native Tainos lived in Jamaica for centuries before Columbus
came in 1494 and named it St Jago de
la Vega. The natives called it "Xaymaca", meaning "land of wood
and water". That is true to the name,
Jamaica has waterfalls, and springs,
rivers and streams flowing from the mountains to the fertile plains.
•At 248 kilometres in length and 84 kilometres in width this island nation is situated in the Greater Antilles and is 210 km away from Cuba.
•The southern region of the island has a rugged coastline with majestic mountains plunged into the sea - like the Lover's Leap in St. Elizabeth, a 518 metres cliff of romantic legend. Jamaica highest point is the Blue Mountain at 2256 metres.
•A One of the features of Jamaica are the plants; it is interesting to note that Jamaica has more than 579 species of ferns. There are about 220 species of Orchids, 33 are endemic to Jamaica.
•The Giant Swallowtail butterfly of Jamaica is largest swallowtail in the world.
