Jamaica explained to kids

Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola. The island has an area of 10,990 square kilometers (4,240 square miles). Jamaica is located in the Greater Antilles archipelago, west of Hispaniola and southeast of Cuba. The island's name comes from the Spanish word "xamayca", which was the Taino name for the island. The Taino were the indigenous people who inhabited Jamaica before the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. The capital of Jamaica is Kingston, which is located on the southeast coast of the island. Kingston is the largest city in Jamaica and the country's economic and cultural hub. Other major cities and towns in Jamaica include Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Port Antonio. Jamaica is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. The head of government is the Prime Minister. Jamaica is a popular tourist destination, with tourists coming to experience the island's warm climate, beaches, and unique culture. Jamaica is also home to the Blue Mountains, which are a World Heritage Site. The official language of Jamaica is English, but the country also has a creole language called Jamaican Patois. Jamaican Patois is a mix of English and African languages. Jamaica has a population of 2.9 million people (2017 estimate). The majority of the population is of African descent, with smaller numbers of people of European, Asian, and Middle Eastern descent. The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar.