What is the terrain and geography like in Jamaica?
Jamaica is the third-largest Caribbean island and lies nearly 600 miles south of Miami, Florida. The island is 146 miles long and 51 miles across at its widest point. Except for narrow coastal plains mainly on the island's south side, the landscape is one of sharp, crested ridges, unique "cockpit" formations, and deep, twisting valleys. Almost half the island is more than 1,000 feet above sea level. Some 50% of the island is used for agriculture, 40% is woodland, and the remaining 10% is divided between mining and urban areas.
Kingston, the capital, is on the southeast coast and has the world's seventh-largest natural harbor. From sea level at city center, the terrain rises to 1,800 feet. Jamaica's 120 rivers flow to the coasts from the central mountain ranges.
Geographic Location | The Caribbean |
Total Area |
4,244 Square Miles 10,991 Square Kilometers |
Land Area |
4,182 Square Miles 10,831 Square Kilometers |
Water Area |
62 Square Miles 160 Square Kilometers |
Irrigated Land |
97 Square Miles 252 Square Kilometers |
Coastline |
635 Miles 1,022 Kilometers |
Geographic Coordinates | 18 15 N, 77 30 W |
Terrain | mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain |
Highest Point | 2,256 Meters |
Highest Point Location | Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m |
Lowest Point Location | Caribbean Sea 0 m |
Natural Resources | bauxite, gypsum, limestone |
Time Zone | UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |