From each glorious morning sunrise to the iridescence of the sunset, Jamaica presents a magnificent kaleidoscope of color and beauty that has made the island the most precious jewel in the Caribbean. It is a land of warm and welcoming people, inspiring scenery and so many unique and engaging ways to experience it; you'll want to come back again and again.

If you're the type of traveler who just won't take it lying down, Jamaica offers just about every kind of recreational activity you can dream of.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494, Jamaica remained a Spanish colony until captured by the English in 1655. It gained its independence in 1962, and is an important force in the tourism economy and politics of the Caribbean.

It's about the size of the U.S. State of Connecticut, and measures 4,400 square miles. It's 145 miles from east to west, and 20 and 50 miles from north to south.

Jamaica is dominated by mountains, mostly covered with lush, green forests. Blue Mountain is the highest point, at 7,402 feet.

White beaches suround this tropical island, and over 100 small rivers flow from the mountains to the Caribbean coast.

Located 95 miles south of Cuba, Jamaica is known for many things - but certainly on top of any list are the numerous idyllic beach resorts, local pirate history, Reggae music, culture and food, and of course, delicious Blue Mountain Coffee.