One of the best known vacation destinations in the world is the island of Jamaica. Many people every year head to Jamaica either as the main stop on their vacation or as a stop on a cruise vacation. Jamaica is much more than that though, it has a rich history in the area stretching back to the time of European settlement. Here are seven things you don’t know about the island of Jamaica.

1. The island of Jamaica was seized by the British in 1655, this move was led by Admiral William Penn who was the father of William Penn of Pennsylvania fame.

2. Jamaica did not achieve full independence from the United Kingdom until 1962.

3. Jamaica is divided up by 14 parishes, half of them are named after saints: Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Mary, Saint Andrew and Saint Thomas.

4. Ian Fleming, author of the best selling James Bond novels, lived a large portion of his adult life in the nation of Jamaica.

5. Hollywood legend Errol Flynn, famous for roles such as Robin Hood, kept a home in Jamaica for many years.

6. In 2005, Jamaica had the highest per capita murder rate in the entire world.

7. The country of Jamaica operates nine lighthouses to aid in the shipping industry that is a large part of their economy.

Jamaica has a long and colorful history, but is best known as a tropical paradise that caters to romantic getaways. This reputation is much deserved to as some of the nicest weather, beautiful stretches of beaches, and secluded surroundings are found in Jamaica. But, Jamaica is much more than suntanning on a beach - Jamaica has a history and industrial world that most people don’t know about at all.