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Jamaica

The Interior Uplands Most of Jamaica’s interior is mountainous terrain. These “inland uplands” begin their rise in the western half of the island. They run through the mid- dle of the island, growing taller and taller as they extend eastward. The tallest mountain peak in Jamaica, Blue Mountain Peak, is in the east. It is part of the Blue Mountain range. Standing 7,401 feet (2,256 meters) tall, Blue Mountain Peak overlooks the entire island. On a clear day at the top of Blue Mountain Peak, visitors can see the island of Cuba, which is almost 100 miles (160 km) to the north. To the west of the Blue Mountains are the Port Royal Mountains. The highest peak in the Port Royals is St. Catherine’s Peak. It stands a majestic 5,069 feet (1,546 meters) tall. Along the eastern edge of the country, in Portland Parish , are the John Crow Mountains. These mountains rise to a height of approximately 3,700 cay— a small island made of coral. Greater Antilles— an island chain that includes Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. limestone— a type of soft, chalky rock. parish— a political subdivision of a country, often corresponding with an original religious community. plateau— a flat area of land at high elevation. Words to Understand in This Chapter