Jamaica Geography

Jamaica is a nation in the West Indies, and the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea.
Located south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola, Jamaica is slightly larger than the island of Hawaii.
Jamaica, has a diverse and unique geography. Jamaica is a 146 mile long island with 4411 square miles of lush island. More than half Jamaica is mountainous above 1000 feet high, making it an island with a very rugged terrain. While the mountains are mostly on the interior, the coastlines are flat beaches that stretch for as long as the eye can see.

Jamaica is believed to have been formed from volcanoes billions of years ago. Originally Jamaica was a rough rugged land, but eventually the climate and soil changed to provide conditions very suitable for the lush flora that can be seen today. Most of the plants except for pineapple, and guava were brought over by humans or bird droppings. Over 3000 varieties of flowers can be found, including 800 species found only in Jamaica.

Jamaica is mountainous, about 235 km (146 mi) long and 82 km (51 mi) at its widest point (4,244 square miles or 10,991 square kilometers). It is bisected by highlands, trending east and west, that cover 80% of the island. The highest elevations are in the Blue Mountains to the east, composed in part of ancient volcanic rock, containing the island's tallest peak (the highest summit in the West Indies) at 7,402 feet (2,256 meters). The northern slopes of the Blue Mountains and the nearby John Crow Mountains are a completely uninhabited wilderness. Another unpopulated region is the Cockpit Country in the centre of the island. A series of lesser mountains, with many transverse spurs, extends generally west to the extremity of the island, surmounting an extensive plateau.

A roadless jumble of limestone pinnacles and glades, the region is riddled with spectacular caves. In the west and along the coasts are savannas, plains, and scattered trees. The coastline, about 800 km (about 500 miles) long, is irregular, particularly in the south, and the island has a number of excellent natural harbours.

Mineral deposits in Jamaica include gypsum, lead, and salt. The bauxite deposits, in the central section of the island, are among the richest in the world. Rich soils are found on the coastal plains.

Thermal springs occur in various areas. No other volcanic phenomena are apparent, but the island is subject to severe earthquakes. Many small unnavigable rivers traverse the island.