Jamaica called Xamaca by the arawaks and interpreted as the place of God, is only a tiny island in the midst of the Caribbean Sea. The land of wood and water is best known for its white sandy beaches and its culture. It is no wonder that it's motto is Out of Many One People. Visitors try to comprehend what makes it so different from other parts of the world. Is it the sunshine, the sunset, the people, the beaches, the animals, the scenery? It is all of the above and much more.

Jamaica was once inhabited by arawaks. Christopher Columbus arrived in 1494, but it soon became a British territory. It received its independence on 6th August, 1962.

Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a world leader in his own right, was born in Jamaica 1887. He spent some of his early years in the United States of America where he was applauded as a leader for the 'Back to Africa' Movement. He continued to fight for the cause when he traveled to the United Kingdom. He spent most of his life pleading for humanitarian issues on the behalf of the blacks and the poor. He was appointed the provisional president of Africa. Some schools in Jamaica have been named after him. He died in 1940.

The first prime minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, was well known by many politicians in the United States of America. His successors Hon. Norman Manley, Dr. Michael Manley and Edward Seaga were also recognized internationally as leaders who helped the island to overcome turbulent periods.

Jamaica is predominantly an agricultural country, with sugar cane being the major exported crop, and it was also a major exporter of bauxite. Today, Jamaica thrives mainly on its tourist industry, which is supported by it's one and only major airline, Air Jamaica.

Jamaicans speak English, but they communicate among themselves in the dialect known as patois. Jamaicans have always been known to be assertive and sometimes aggressive people. This perhaps explains why they excel all over the world in whatever they choose to pursue. There seems to be at least one Jamaican community in every state of the United States, and they are also outstanding in Canada and the United Kingdom. What makes them so different? I will let you decide.

Jamaica is well known for its folk music which has been introduced to other countries by its own people like Louise Bennett--Coverly affectionately known as Miss Lou. However, Harry Belafonte whose parents are from Jamaica, was more instrumental in spreading the culture to the United States. He made songs as Day O and Island in the Sun very popular internationally. Nat King Cole also joined suit. The rhythm and the lyrics which promote the rich dialect makes these songs a favorite of people worldwide.

The food is enough to make a visitor wish they could stay. The ackee and salt fish, the national dish has been described as one of the most unique dishes in the world. Jamaicans are also famous for the jerk chicken, jerk pork, escoveisch fish, fish soup, festival, rice and peas, fried plantain, stew peas and rice, mackerel and banana, corn meal dumpling and so many other dishes which are now world renown. Guinep (a small fruit), bananas and manogoes are very popular in Jamaica as well. At Christmas time a red drink known as sorrel is a favorite. This drink is sold in Jamaican restaurants in the United States.

The white sandy beaches are known to be the best in the world. The sand, the wind combined with the mild sun, is enough for any visitor. There is also lime cay, a little island a few miles from Kingston, the capital, which can be reached by boat. Many Jamaicans and visitors take regular trips there by boat. The jellyfish is very popular in the water. They are very beautiful.

The music from Jamaica continues to influence people from all over the world. In these videos a British group attempts to sing one of the Jamaican Folk songs which was made popular by the Jamaican actress, poet and comedian Louise Bennett-Coverly otherwise known as Miss Lou. It is amazing how the group handled the dialect quite well.

In the other video a violinist gives a wonderful rendition of other popular Jamaican songs. In this video she is dancing while she plays some of the best Jamaica songs ever written. It is evident that there is no language or racial barriers for people who choose to highlight the Jamaican culture.

The culture of Jamaica is best described in song by the late Bob Marley, a famous Jamaican reggae singer, who introduced reggae music to the world. A favorite of many people worldwide is No Woman No Cry. He was a very famous writer, singer, dancer and musician.  Even though he died in 1981, his memory lievs on through his music. Other famous Jamaican artistes include Jimmy Cliff, as well as Bob Marley's son Ziggy Marley.

Jamaica is a tropical island. It has never snowed there, but Jamaicans were contestants for the bobsled winter Olympics competition in Calgary, Alberta 1988. They won. Jamaican competitors have won several competitions in various parts of the world. While they excitedly celerate their victory, they are also introducing Jamaica to the world. Film makers were so fascinated with their victory that they made a movie called Cool Runnings in 1998 portraying their experience.

Prior to this The Harder They Come starring Jamaican recording artiste Jimmy Cliff was filmed in 1972. This movie depicted the life of the Jamaican culture and it soon became a musical in Britain.

In sports, Usain Bolt, another Jamaican, broke several world records at the Olympics in 2008. He received several gold medals. He made Jamaica proud, but he fascinated the world with his speed which was similar to a lightning bolt. It is no wonder that his name is Usain Bolt.

Many Jamaicans have received world recognition through sports. They make it very clear that they enter competiions to win, and when they do, they display outstanding abiiity and determination. Jamaica may be dot on the map, but it is indeed a giant in the news.