17 Crazy Facts About Jamaica

Crazy facts about Jamaica shouldn’t come off so much as crazy, but more as unique! Jamaica is just that. A unique Caribbean island that’s just overflowing with incredible cultural, some of the friendliest people, and no doubt, some of the most fantastic sights to be seen this side of the hemisphere.

The birthplace of a movement and its music, home to amazing critters, and the place that keeps on pumping out phenomenal athletes and drop dead gorgeous people. There’s no way Jamaica can bore anyone, crazy facts or not!

There are so many fun things to learn about a country before you visit. Just like there are some truly crazy facts about Japan that you wouldn’t believe, Jamaica has a list of its own quirky, weird, bizarre, and fun facts that make it what it is.

It’s no doubt that its sweeping beaches will be perfect to sun those buns and the Jamaican jerk chicken will have you craving it months after your visit here is done. The friendly locals will meet and greet you in English, but its surroundings won’t be as familiar, in a good way, of course! Jamaica’s jungles are home to some truly magnificent natural attractions, including some great places to get healed by magical waters.

It’s a welcoming island and one that surely can’t be missed on your Caribbean adventures. So before jetting off and getting a plane ticket, learn a bit more about the country and its fun and quirky facts.

17. Speaking English

Jamaica is an English-speaking nation. Yes, Creole is used, but English is the first language used in most situations like business and law. Creole is used more for entertainment purposes and informal occasions.

 

16. Railway

Perhaps a bit hard to believe, but Jamaica was actually the first country to build a railway in the Western world. They built it even before the US did.

 

15. Internet

We would all crumble without the internet now! OK,I’m exaggerating, but life would be harder for sure, the point? Jamaica was the first to launch a website in 1994 out of all the Caribbean countries. How tech savvy of you , Jamaica.

 

14. Independence

It was also the first Caribbean country to do something massive – gain independence! 1962 was a major year for Jamaica.

13. Beautiful women

A small, and sometimes unrecognized country, Jamaica is pumping out some beautiful people, so you should probably pay attention! It’s one of the top countries in the world to have the most Miss World titles.

 

12. Flag

Every country in the world shares a flag color with the United States of America…. Except Libya and Jamaica.

 

11. No legal marijuana

Despite popular belief, marijuana is not that prevalently smoked in Jamaica. Sure you can find some good rasta vibes down here, but not everyone smokes. If they do, they are Rastafarian and use it mostly for medical and ceremonial situations. It’s also still illegal here, so don’t get any cheeky ideas.

 

10. Rastafarianism

Speaking about rastas, this is the birthplace of Rastafarianism that came around in the 1930’s.

 

9. Spa paradise

Need to relax? Jamaica is teeming with phenomenal mineral bath spas and hot springs. Sweat out those troubles and soak up the healing properties of these magical waters.

 

8. Butterflies

Into butterflies? The gorgeous Giant Swallowtail is the world’s second largest butterfly and calls this island paradise home as it flutters its golden wings around the lush jungles.

 

7.”Cool Runnings“

Remember Cool Runnings? This popular movie was inspired after the 1988 Winter Olympic Games were held and the bobsledding team came in a whopping last place. This country is determined! This tropical weather doesn’t stop them and their determination is still strong. The country is still inspired by this event.

6. Rum

Quick- What drink comes to mind from Jamaica? Rum? Right! This was the first island in the Caribbean to produce this liquor on a commercial level.

 

5. Bananas

On that same note, it’s also the first country to produce bananas on a commercial basis in the western hemisphere.

 

4. Usain Bolt

Have you heard of Usain Bolt from Jamaica? Oh, no big deal, he’s only considered the world’s fastest person!

3. Olympic medals

The most world and Olympic medals ever won, right after the US, goes to Jamaica. Rock on!

 

2. Large island

Jamaica is the third largest island located in the Caribbean at 4,400 square miles. It’s also the largest island in the Caribbean for people who speak English.

 

1. Bob Marley

Of course, this is the birthplace of the iconic Reggae musician, Bob Marley. Certainly a world famous and huge influential figure for the country.

Did any of these crazy facts about Jamaica surprise you? What other fun stuff did you learn about Jamaica during your visit?