Mandeville, the capital of Manchester parish in Jamaica, is the largest town in the region. As of 2005, it had a population of about 50,000, with a total of 72,000 including the surrounding suburbs. Situated on an inland plateau at an altitude of 628 meters (2,061 feet), Mandeville enjoys a cooler climate compared to much of the island, making it an attractive area for residents, particularly those returning from North America and the UK. The town is located 103 kilometers (64 miles) west of Kingston and stands out as the only parish capital in Jamaica not near the coast or a major river.
