Do you know the capital of Jamaica? Whether you’re a geography buff or just curious about the country, you’ll find the answer to your question here. Read on to learn more about Jamaica’s capital city and why it makes such an interesting destination for travelers.
Introduction to Jamaica’s Capital City
The capital city of Jamaica is Kingston, located on the southeastern coast of the island. It is a metropolitan area with over 800,000 residents and is visited primarily by business travelers. Kingston was founded in 1692 as a place for survivors of the earthquake that destroyed Port Royal. The Jamaican Constitution 1962 is the most fundamental legal document in the country, guaranteeing the freedom, rights and privileges of every Jamaican. More than 90 percent of the population is of Sub-Saharan African ancestry, with significant European, East Indian and Chinese influences.
The History of Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. It was founded in 1692 as a place for survivors of the earthquake that destroyed Port Royal. Kingston was a maritime town from the first, inheriting the functions of Port Royal as the main trading link with Spanish America, and as the financial hub for Jamaica’s trade. It became the official capital of Jamaica in 1872 due to its large population and deepwater harbor. Kingston was also home to Colonel William Beeston who owned the entire Liguanea Plains until 1692. The city has been an important center for trade and commerce since its founding, and is now a major tourist destination in Jamaica.
Geography and Climate of Kingston
Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. It faces a natural harbour protected by the Palisados long spit, and is bound by St Andrew to the west. The climate in Kingston is tropical and hot and humid on its coast and temperate inland. Average diurnal temperatures at Kingston, at sea level, range between the high 80s F (about 31 °C) and the low 70s F (about 22 °C). Kingston has a wet season from May to November with an average annual temperature for the coastal plains of 27ºC, while in the central highlands above 900m the norm is about 22ºC.
Demographics of Kingston
The population of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, is estimated to be 937,700 according to 2011 estimates. The majority of the population is of African descent, followed by East Indians, Chinese, Europeans and Arabs. The Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) and all parish capitals had a population of 590,000 in 2019, a 0.17% increase from 2018. In 1990 the population was approximately 562,000 with a growth rate dropping below 0.5% by the year 2000.
Popular Attractions in Kingston
Popular attractions in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, include the Bob Marley Museum, Club Kingston Airport Lounge, Hang Out at Lifeyard Jamaica, National Gallery of Jamaica, Caymanas Golf Club and the Blue Mountains.
Shopping in Kingston
Shopping in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, offers a wide range of items from local handmade goods to more high-end items from luxury brands. Popular shopping destinations include the Coronation Market, Sovereign Centre, New Kingston, Downtown near the Jamaica Conference Centre, National Gallery and Victoria Pier eateries. The Main Street Jamaica stores offer a variety of items from local handmade goods to luxury brands. Devon House Cafe is also a popular destination for specialty beverages and delicious food.
Nightlife in Kingston
Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica and offers a vibrant nightlife. Popular nightlife spots include Cuddy’z Sports Bar & Restaurant, The Deck, Medusa Bar and Grill, Acropolis Gaming and Entertainment Centre, Blue Beat, Mingles at the Courtleigh Hotel, Kingston Dub Club and Uncorked, Oak Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge.
Cultural Events and Festivals in Kingston
There are many cultural events and festivals in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city. These include the Kingston Curry Festival in the spring, Ocho Rios Seafood Festival in the summer, Bob Marley Week, Jamaica Carnival (Bacchanal), African Liberation Concert, Main Event, Independence Day Grand Gala Celebration and the multi-day festival of Jamaican culture. These events feature cooking demonstrations, competitions, seafood offerings, kiddies village, cultural presentations throughout the day and street parades with soca and calypso music and dancing.
Accommodations and Restaurants in Kingston
There are many accommodations and restaurants in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city. Hotels such as ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Tacbar, The Spanish Court Hotel, Indies Hotel, and The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel offer modern rooms and suites with pops of bold red and black. For dining options, there are restaurants such as Tandoor Indian Restaurant, The Ultimate Ultra Lounge, Mango Tree Restaurant, and Blue Window Restaurant that offer a variety of international cuisine.
Transportation Around the City of Kingston
The city of Kingston, Jamaica has a variety of transportation options for getting around. The largest city in Jamaica by some distance is Kingston, and it is also the city which has the most modern and developed metro system in the country. Public transit generally goes through one or more of the three central transportation hubs: Downtown (Parade and the downtown Kingston Transport Centre), Cross Roads and Hellshire Main Road, Mandela Highway, New Kingston. The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) runs the bus system for the government, while private contractors also operate buses throughout Portmore and other parts of Kingston. Renting a car is by far the best way of getting around and seeing the island. Though some of the roads beggar belief, Jamaica is a relatively easy place to drive in. For those who prefer not to drive themselves, there are comfortable, air-conditioned coaches with luggage compartments available from two main companies: Knutsford Express and Yahman Excursion. Travel from Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport to anywhere on the island–and back again–without the hassle and surprise expense of taxis by pre-booking with Premium Express Routes. Uber also operates in Kingston with over 315 drivers available for view.
Safety Information for Visitors to the City
The capital city of Jamaica is Kingston. It is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history and a wide range of attractions. However, visitors should be aware that there is a high crime rate in Kingston and other cities in Jamaica. To stay safe while visiting the capital city, it is important to take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and being aware of your surroundings. Additionally, visitors should be aware that there are certain areas that are best avoided due to high levels of gang violence and drug-related crime.
Education System in Jamaica’s Capital City
The capital city of Jamaica is Kingston, with a population of 937,700 (34th largest in the world). The education system in Kingston is based on a globally competitive and innovative education and training system, managed by the Ministry of Education. It is geared towards enabling Jamaicans to fulfil their potential and develop the skills base and human capital required for Jamaica to become a developed country. On average, Jamaican children complete 11.7 years of schooling, which are equivalent to only 7.2 years of learning when benchmarked against international standards. The Ministry of Education allocates funds for educational expenditure such as teacher salaries, allocations and capital investments.
Governmental Institutions Based In The City
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The Post and Telecommunications Department (Jamaica Post) headquartered at 6-10 South Camp Road, Kingston, manages the island’s network of nearly 600 Post Offices. The main pieces of legislation pertaining to local government in Jamaica are the Parish Councils Act 1887 and the Parochial Rates and Finance Act. In addition to the national governing bodies, local government is managed by 14 parish councils located throughout Jamaica.
Population Statistics for The City Of Kingston
The population of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, was 590,000 in 2019 according to estimates. This is a 0.17% increase from 2018. The metro area population of Kingston has been steadily increasing since 1970 with the most recent trend showing reduced rates of growth. The population of all Jamaican cities and urban centers by census in 2011 was 666,041 for Kingston & St. Andrew and 94,410 for St. Thomas.
Conclusion
The capital of Jamaica is Kingston, located on the south coast of the island. It is a vibrant and bustling city, with a rich history and culture. It faces a natural harbour protected by the Palisadoes, a long sand spit, and it is the country’s main port. Kingston is also home to many government offices and institutions, as well as numerous tourist attractions.