31 Facts About Kingston, Jamaica You Should Know Before You Visit

Martha Martins
Oct 11, 2023 By Martha Martins
Originally Published on Mar 11, 2022
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31 Facts About Kingston, Jamaica You Should Know Before You Visit

Jamaica's capital city is Kingston situated on its southeast coast.

In the townhouse, Bob Marley's art gallery is accommodated in the reggae singer’s historic house. Within reach, Devon's house is a post-independence era residence with historic belongings.

Jamaica's capital city is Kingston, and it was established in July 1692 when an earthquake tremor demolished the neighboring city of Port Royal. Kingston, Jamaica is almost 330 years old.

Kingston was previously named Beeston after Esquire William Beeston, who worked as vice governor under the Jamaican government from 1693-1700. It was believed to have been designated its recent name in the glory of the sovereign of England.

Facts About Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston has been regarded as one of the most important cities of Jamaica. Apart from being a major industrial center, this city is known for its unique city structure and for being the host city of the 1966 Commonwealth Games.

Kingston is the largest city in Jamaica.

Kingston is the location for most of the state houses of government offices in Jamaica.

Despite all the trade opportunities, the spa area of Kingston is also famous for cultural attractions, vocational and relaxation options.

The city has many museums, pubs, clubs, and banquets for event options on the island.

Kingston is the largest city when it comes to the location of greenhouses in the Caribbean. These include iconic Hope Gardens along with the Coconut Museum, Orchid House, Sunken Garden, Palm Avenue, and Lily Pond.

Kingston has many industrial centers such as agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and most importantly tourism. Tourism is the most popular industry in the territory accounting for about 29% of Jamaica's GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

Most of the overseas trade including sugar, coffee, and bauxite are transported through the city's seaport.

Jamaica's economy is not in drastic poverty as it is considered a middle-income territory.

The economic liberty outcome of Jamaica is 69.

Jamaica is rated fifth amid 32 territories in the Americas region in terms of wealth.

Downtown Kingston and New Kingston are served by two airports, Norman Manley International Airport and Tinos Pen Aerodrome.

Kingston's population is an estimated 124,000 as per the 2019 census, with a population density of 3,600 individuals per sq mi (1,380 per sq km.)

Kingston's History

Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, is rich in history and culture. Let us see some fascinating facts about the culture and history of this beautiful place.

Kingston was established in 1692 after Port Royal at the entrance of the dockyard, was demolished by an earthquake. The heart of the old city is a deliberately designed rectangle with roads in a mesh pattern.

In the year 1703, this city emerged as commercial capital and in 1872, it became the legislative capital of Jamaica.

In the principal streets of this city, the latest buildings contrast dramatically with the decomposing architectural antiques of previous centuries.

The cathedral of St. Thomas, on King Street, the main passage, was originally constructed before 1699 but was reconstructed after tremors.

The Academy of West Indies was constructed in 1948 located at Mona, 5 mi (8 km) from Kingston's main center.

Eye-catching facts about the island of West Indies.

Kingston's Climate

The climatic condition of Kingston is tropical. These exotic climatic conditions ensure that Kingston remains a popular tourist destination.

Summer is rainier than winter in Kingston. The average yearly temperature is 74.5°F (23.6°C). In a year, the average rainfall is 37.3 in (948 mm).

The parched month is February in Kingston. It rains at 1.2 in (31 mm) in February. The highest amount of rainfall takes place in October, with an average of 6 in (153 mm).

August is the hottest month of the year. The temperature in August averages at around 77.7°F (25.4°C).

The sunken average temperature in the year takes place in January when it is almost 71.2°F (21.8°C).

Kingston's biodiversity consists of indigenous flora, such as 470 species of ferns and blooming plants. On the other hand, fauna consists of approximately 274 species of amphibians. This city has a very sticky climate, and it's hot all year round with minor variations in the temperature between seasons.

Facts For Tourists

Here are some important facts every traveler should know before paying a visit to Jamaica, Kingston.

The quinine water in Jamaica is a quite safe option to drink. Instead of searching for safe drinking water, you can drink quinine water.

Kingston, the capital city and port town of Jamaica, is leaning on the edge of the southeastern coast of the entire island and is supported by the blue mountains.

This city is famous for its fine natural attraction, which is safeguarded by Port Royal.

Jamaica is known to be the native home of Bob Marley, with beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls, blue mountain coffee, urban parks, red stripe beer, and the world's fastest sprinters.

Street food in Jamaica is very delicious. Most hotels, mainly the tourist centers, will serve tourists with pizza and burgers. Travelers should give the street food here a try.

Jamaican food includes a host of delicious dishes including delicacies such as curried goat, jerk chicken, and oxtail stew.

Kingston is also famous for its national attraction including the National Gallery of Jamaica, Bob Marley Statue, Emancipation Park, and Royal Botanical gardens.

Some of the best delicacies in Kingston, Jamaica can be had at the roadside shacks that frequent the city landscape.

The best time to visit Kingston, Jamaica is from January to May and October to December.

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Written by Martha Martins

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha Martins picture

Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.

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