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Jamaica > Kingston

Kingston

Urban   Coastal   Beaches  

Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. It is a bustling metropolis that serves as the cultural, economic, and political heart of the country. The city is characterized by a vibrant mix of music, cuisine, arts, and diverse architecture, which includes historic colonial buildings and modern structures. Kingston is divided into two main sections: Downtown and Uptown. Downtown Kingston is the historic and administrative district, featuring landmarks such as the National Heroes Park and the Jamaica Conference Centre. Uptown Kingston, also known as New Kingston, is the business district with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city is a hub for reggae and dancehall music, with numerous recording studios and live music venues that attract locals and tourists alike. Kingston also offers a variety of museums, including the Bob Marley Museum, which celebrates the life of the legendary musician. Despite its urban environment, Kingston is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Blue Mountains to the north and the world-famous Kingston Harbour to the south. The city's proximity to the mountains and the sea provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports. Kingston is also known for its lively street markets, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to crafts, giving visitors a taste of local life.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Kingston is considered high, especially in areas such as New Kingston, where housing, goods, and services are priced at a premium due to the city's status as the capital and a major business hub.

Weather

Kingston has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather year-round and a wet season from May to November.

Living in Kingston

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Schools in Kingston

International Schools
Kingston is home to a number of international schools, including the American International School of Kingston, which offers an American-based curriculum with international standards, and Hillel Academy, which is known for its diverse student body and international baccalaureate program.

Bi-lingual Schools
Kingston has bilingual schools such as the Lycée Français de Kingston, which provides a French-English bilingual education following the French national curriculum, and the Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School, which offers Spanish as part of its curriculum.

Healthcare in Kingston

Kingston is home to several reputable medical facilities, including the University Hospital of the West Indies, which is a major teaching hospital and offers a wide range of services. There is also the Kingston Public Hospital, the largest multidisciplinary hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean, and the Bustamante Hospital for Children, which is the only specialist pediatric hospital in Jamaica.

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