Kingston is the capital of Jamaica, the Caribbean island known for reggae music.
Kingston lies on Jamaica’s southeastern coast beside Kingston Harbour, one of the world’s largest natural harbours. It became Jamaica’s capital in 1872, replacing Spanish Town, which had served as the colonial capital.
The city is Jamaica’s political, commercial, and cultural centre. Important institutions include the Jamaican Parliament, the University of the West Indies at Mona, and the Bob Marley Museum. Kingston also hosted cricket and athletics events during Jamaica’s long sporting history.
Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are major tourist destinations, but neither is Jamaica’s capital. Spanish Town remains historically important because it was the island’s capital before Kingston took that role.