The 14 Parishes of Jamaica: Complete List & Guide

Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes, which serve as the country's primary administrative divisions. These parishes are grouped into three historic counties—Cornwall, Middlesex, and Surrey—though the counties have no administrative function today.

Complete List of Jamaica's 14 Parishes

1. Kingston – The capital parish, smallest by area but most densely populated
2. Saint Andrew – Surrounds Kingston; together they form the Kingston Metropolitan Area
3. Saint Thomas – Eastern parish known for the Blue Mountains and Morant Bay
4. Portland – Northeastern parish famous for its lush scenery, waterfalls, and the Blue Lagoon
5. Saint Mary – North-central parish with beautiful beaches and historic sites
6. Saint Ann – "The Garden Parish"; home to Ocho Rios, Dunn's River Falls, and Bob Marley's birthplace
7. Trelawny – Northwestern parish known for sugar estates and Falmouth's Georgian architecture
8. Saint James – Home to Montego Bay, Jamaica's tourism capital
9. Hanover – Western tip; includes Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach (shared with Westmoreland)
10. Westmoreland – Southwestern parish; savanna landscapes and Negril
11. Saint Elizabeth – "The Breadbasket Parish"; agricultural heartland with Black River
12. Manchester – Inland, mountainous parish; capital Mandeville is a hill-station town
13. Clarendon – Central parish; bauxite mining and agricultural production
14. Saint Catherine – Largest parish by area; includes Spanish Town (former capital) and Portmore

Parish Capitals & Highlights

Each parish has its own distinct character, geography, and cultural heritage—making Jamaica a rewarding island to explore parish by parish.