Jamaica: Land of inspirationJamaica is full of diversity. From religion to ancestry and even geography, Jamaica is constantly changing. From towering mountains to warm, sandy beaches, Jamaica is a sight to behold. However, Jamaica has not always been a happy and carefree place. The Jamaican people suffered from war, disease and slavery. Jamaica is a small and beautiful country that thrives on its culture and should be studied by everyone in the world. Geography and Climate Jamaica has a wide range of geography. The geography varies from mountains to forests, coastal plains, scattered hills and also plateaus (“History”). Although Jamaica is a small country, it is the largest island in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Along the south coast of Jamaica are many small islands. Jamaica is 118 miles west of Haiti and 90 miles south of Cuba (“Geography”). Climate varies as much as geography. The climate of Jamaica's beaches will be different from that of the mountains. At sea level, the climate is tropical. In mountainous areas, the climate is temperate. May and October are the two wettest months of the year (“History”). History Jamaica's history is marked by war and slavery. Because of these things, it was more difficult for the Jamaican people to prosper. The Arawaks from South America were the first to settle in Jamaica. In 1517, the Spanish brought the first African slaves to Jamaica. When the Spanish invaded, they began exterminating the Arawaks, but they were also wiped out by years of disease and slavery. 138 years after the first slaves arrived in Jamaica, the British seized the island and took full control. In 1834, slavery was abolished by the British Parliament ("Ja...... middle of paper ...... plays a role in making Jamaica what it is today. Works cited “Geography of Jamaica.” Princeton University Web, May 19, 2014. “Historical Notes: Information on the Culture and Heritage of Jamaica.” National Library of Jamaica, nd Web, May 15, 2014. “General Notes.” on the countries of the world. » February 2012. Web. May 12, 2014. « Jamaican cuisine, a “carnival of tastes and flavors” » Student Research Center, September 12, 2012. Web, May 15, 2014. « Jamaican cuisine. ; Np, February 25, 2007. Web, May 15, 2014. Ruhlmann, William. “What is World Music?” 2014. Witherbee Amy. “Jamaica Student Research Center,” 2011. Web.. 2014.