Puerto Rico at a Glance

Puerto Rico Quick Facts

Explore Puerto Rico’s vibrant landscape, a dynamic blend of rich history, diverse culture, and lush landscapes.

This comprehensive overview will cover the island’s government, economy, and demographics, offering insights into how Puerto Rico thrives as a unique Caribbean gem.

Join us as we explore Puerto Rico at a glance, everything from the bustling streets of San Juan to the serene beauty of its coastal waters.

Puerto Rico at a Glance

Puerto Rico is an island country in the Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic, separated by the Mona Passage. It consists primarily of the main island and smaller surrounding islands, including Vieques, Mona, and Culebra.

The main island of Puerto Rico is the easternmost and smallest of the Greater Antilles. It is nearly rectangular, 180 km long and about 60 km wide.

It covers an area of 9,104 km² and has a population of approximately 3.28 million as of 2020. The capital, San Juan, was founded in the early 16th century by Juan Ponce de León.

Puerto Rico, an island nation, has its lowest point at sea level, with a coastline spanning 501 kilometers along both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Its highest point is Cerro de Punta, also known as La Puntita, which reaches an elevation of 1,338 meters above sea level.

Puerto Rico’s geological evolution is tied to the development of the Greater Antilles, which was characterized by volcanic activity, limestone sedimentation, and tectonic folding during the Primary Era.

In the Secondary (Mesozoic) Era, further sedimentation was followed by erosion and uplift. Significant folding and erosion shaped the island’s current topography by the Tertiary Period.

Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

The island features deep oceanic trenches, rugged mountains, and karst formations. Significant elevations shape the northern and coastal landscapes, prominently featuring the Central Range and the San Juan Bay.

• Geographic Location: Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles, between 18 15 N latitude and 66 30 W longitude.
• Island Composition: Besides the main island, the archipelago includes Vieques, Mona, and Culebra, along with several islets (Cayo Icacos, Palomino, Desecho, Isla de Cabras, Caja de Muertos, and Isla Piñeros) and numerous cays and reefs.
• Physical Geography: Puerto Rico is almost rectangular, measuring 180 km in length and about 60 km in width, and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
• Central Mountain Range: The Cordillera Central runs through the island’s interior.
• Highest Point: The island’s maximum elevation is approximately 1,338 meters at Cerro Punta.
• Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea, at sea level (0 meters).

• Total Population: 3,285,874 (as of 2020 Census) in Puerto Rico with an additional 5,771,813 (as of 2018 Census) in the United States. New York City and Orlando have larger Puerto Rican populations than San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico.
• Capital: San Juan
• Municipalities: 78
• Major Cities: Bayamón, Ponce, Carolina, Caguas, Mayagüez, Arecibo, Guaynabo, and San Juan
• Area: 9,104 km²
• Languages: Spanish and English
• Religions: Catholicism and Protestantism
• Citizenship: United States of America
• Demonym: Puerto Rican (from Puerto Rico), Boricua or Borincano (from Borinquen)
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
• Official Time Zone: GMT-4
• Major Airports: Luis Muñoz Marin – Isla Verde (SJU), Ponce (PSE), Aguadilla (BQN)
• Ports: San Juan, Ponce, Guayama, Guanica, and Guayanilla

Historical Names

• Indigenous Name: Boriken or Borinquen
• Assigned Name: San Juan Bautista (1493)
• Official Country Name: Puerto Rico (1521)
• Political Status since 1952: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico)

Puerto Rico Flag

The flag of Puerto Rico consists of five alternating red and white stripes and a white star resting in a blue triangle. Inspired by the Cuban flag, it was adopted by the Puerto Rican independence movement in 1895.

The red stripes represent the blood shed for liberty, the white stripes symbolize individual liberty and rights, and the blue triangle represents the sky and coastal waters.

The solitary star represents the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, making this flag a powerful symbol of Puerto Rican identity and pride.

In addition to San Juan, the primary population centers in Puerto Rico (as of 2020) include:

• Bayamón with approximately 185,180 residents
• Caguas with 127,200 residents
• Carolina with 154,800 residents
• Guaynabo with 89,700 residents
• Mayagüez with 73,000 residents
• Ponce with 137,490 residents

Other smaller cities include:

• Yauco
• Yabucoa
• Villalba
• Vega Alta
• Trujillo Alto
• Santa Isabel
• Sabana Grande
• Rincón
• Quebradillas
• San Sebastián
• Morovis
• Moca
• Fajardo

Puerto Rico’s demographics reflect a diverse population with a rich cultural heritage, predominantly of Hispanic origin. As of the last census (2020), the population was around 3.28 million, declining due to migration and a low birth rate.

The island has a high urban concentration, with major population centers in and around San Juan. Aging is a significant demographic trend as the median age increases and the proportion of older adults grows, posing healthcare and social services challenges.

Population Insights

Puerto Rico’s population was approximately 3.28 million as of 2020, with a density of about 361 inhabitants per square kilometer. The country experienced rapid demographic growth during the 20th century due to significant decreases in mortality rates.

By the 1990s, this growth had moderated due to lower birth rates. Life expectancy is relatively high, averaging 78.69 years for men and 85.27 for women. The population is ethnically of Spanish descent, with a significant presence of Black and mixed-race individuals.

• Languages: Spanish and English are official. Spanish is the most spoken, with a significant bilingual population and the use of ‘Spanglish‘ due to U.S. influences.
• Bilingual Society: Spanish is the primary language, with English also recognized officially.
• Rich Heritage: Influences from Spanish, African, and Taino cultures.
• Music and Dance: Known for genres like Salsa, Reggaeton, Bomba, and Plena.
• Festivals: Vibrant celebrations such as the San Sebastián Street Festival.
• Art: Diverse, with notable contributions in painting, sculpture, and crafts.
• Literature: Strong tradition featuring authors like Luis Rafael Sánchez and Julia de Burgos.

Puerto Rico’s comprehensive infrastructure encompasses a robust network of roads, an extensive public transit system, and major ports and airports that facilitate domestic and international travel.

The island is well-connected through several highways and a public transportation system, including buses and a metro in the San Juan area.

Key infrastructure also includes telecommunications and energy systems, although these have faced challenges such as recovery from hurricane damage. Efforts to modernize and enhance resilience are ongoing, with significant investments in renewable energy sources.

Puerto Rico generates approximately 18.182 billion kWh through petroleum, natural gas, coal, and other renewable sources of energy production (such as hydroelectric power).

Puerto Rico has one of Latin America’s most dynamic and diverse economies. Previously dominated by agriculture, particularly sugar cane, significant investments in infrastructure and incentive programs have transformed its economy since the mid-20th century.

Today, manufacturing and service industries, including tourism, have overtaken agriculture as the primary income generators. The economy saw a downturn from 2001 to 2003 due to the slowdown in the U.S. economy but began recovering in 2004.

As of 2022, the key economic indicators include:

• GDP per capita: $34,989, with a growth of 3.7%.
• Total GDP: $113.4 billion.
• GDP composition: 43% manufacturing, 23.3% finance (including insurance and real estate), 14% services.
• Inflation rate: 3.1%
• Trade details: In 2019, exports totaled $63.6 billion and imports $56.3 billion, leading to a trade surplus of $7.3 billion.
• Labor force: 1.2 million, distributed as 36% in services, 24.7% in trade, 15.8% in government, 9.1% in manufacturing.
• Unemployment rate: 6.0%.

Industry

The industrial sector is the primary income source for Puerto Rico’s economy, significantly enhanced by establishing the Industrial Development Company in 1942, later renamed the Economic Development Administration.

This agency facilitated the entry of American and European capital firms. Key industries include petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, prevalent in cities like Barceloneta and Carolina, along with machinery, metalworking, food processing, and textile manufacturing.

Trade and Tourism Sector

Puerto Rico has maintained a positive trade balance, exporting products valued at approximately $63.6 billion and importing goods worth about $56.3 billion in 2022.

The island mainly imports chemicals, petroleum products, electrical equipment, machinery, and consumer goods, including food items. The United States is its largest customer and supplier, absorbing 71.8% of its exports and providing 56.9% of its imports.

Additionally, Puerto Rico has become a significant tourist destination, benefiting from its tropical climate and serving as a popular port for Caribbean cruises.

Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth associated with the United States, structured into 78 municipalities without further administrative divisions. Its constitution was enacted on July 25, 1952, after U.S. Congress approval on July 3, 1952. Voting is universal for residents over 18 years. The head of state role aligns with the U.S. presidency.

• Political Status: Commonwealth associated with the United States of America
• Administrative Division: 78 municipalities
• Constitution: Ratified on March 3, 1952; approved by the U.S. Congress on July 3, 1952, and effective from July 25, 1952.
• Suffrage: Universal for those over 18 years.

Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms of Puerto Rico features a green shield with a lamb holding a flag atop a book with the seven seals of the Apocalypse, symbolizing the Book of Revelation.

This emblem, which echoes the island’s strong Christian heritage, is topped by a castle turret and flanked by F and I letters, representing Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.

The border contains the emblems of Castile, León, and Granada. The motto, “Joannes Est Nomen Eius” (John is his name), underscores the connection to Saint John the Baptist.

Governance

• Head of State: President of the United States
• Executive: Governor
• Legislative: Bicameral Legislative Assembly consisting of a Senate (28 seats) and a House of Representatives (54 seats)
• Judicial: Supreme Court, Superior Court, Municipal Courts
• Political Parties: New Progressive Party (current government), Popular Democratic Party, Puerto Rican Independence Party, and others.

Great Seal of Puerto Rico

The Great Seal of Puerto Rico reflects the island’s history and connection to Spain. At the center, it features the same elements as the Coat of Arms: a green shield with a lamb on a book with seven seals, symbolizing peace and Christianity.

The seal is adorned with a banner at the bottom stating “Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico,” emphasizing its status as a Commonwealth associated with the United States.

This emblem encapsulates Puerto Rico’s cultural heritage and its evolution from a Spanish colony to its current political status.

The United States strongly influences education in Puerto Rico. It provides a comprehensive system that includes public and private schooling from kindergarten through 12th grade and numerous universities and colleges.

The island has a literacy rate of 92.4%, reflecting its emphasis on education. Puerto Rican schools follow a curriculum that is largely bilingual, accommodating both Spanish and English, aiming to prepare students for local and international opportunities.

The University of Puerto Rico, the largest public university on the island, is a notable center for higher education, research, and development.

Healthcare in Puerto Rico is characterized by a mix of public and private services, offering residents a range of options similar to those found in the United States.

The system includes a network of hospitals and clinics across the island, providing basic and specialized care. Puerto Rico is known for its skilled healthcare professionals and has several highly regarded medical schools.

The system faces challenges such as funding and resource allocation yet continues to provide essential services to the population.

Puerto Rico is a vibrant tourist destination renowned for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich history. Visitors are drawn to its tropical climate and diverse landscapes, from the serene beaches of Vieques to the bustling streets of Old San Juan.

The island offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, hiking in El Yunque National Forest, and exploring historic sites like San Felipe del Morro.

With its blend of cultures, Puerto Rico provides a unique and enriching experience that combines natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Puerto Rico’s varied topography and climatic conditions shape its complex hydrographic system. The island features four drainage basins: the southern (Caribbean Sea), northern (Atlantic Ocean), eastern (Vieques Passage), and western (Mona Passage).

It has 54 main rivers, with diverse flows depending on their proximity to the mountains and the rainfall they receive. Notable rivers include the Gaujataca, Camuy, and Grande de Arecibo. The island also features several deep but small lakes such as Guajataca and Loíza.

Major Rivers of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to numerous rivers, each playing a crucial role in the island’s ecology and geography. Key rivers include:

• Río Arecibo
• Río Camuy
• Río Culebrinas
• Río Grande de Añasco
• Río Grande de Arecibo
• Río Grande de Loíza
• Río Guanajibo
• Río La Plata
• Río Loíza
• Río Manatí

These rivers are essential for Puerto Rico’s hydrological systems, contributing to the island’s agricultural lands and diverse ecosystems.

Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm and humid conditions due to the influence of the northern equatorial current, which moderates extreme temperatures. Year-round, temperatures typically range between 70°F to 90°F.

The island experiences significant rainfall, particularly from May to August, influenced by moist trade winds.

These winds bring large clouds that release heavy rain when they encounter the island’s mountainous regions, contributing to an average annual precipitation of about 4 inches to 6 inches.

Puerto Rico’s rich and abundant flora is largely due to its geographic location, climate, and varied terrain, supporting a lush tropical forest ecosystem.

Puerto Rico’s flora is diverse and vibrant, consisting of various native and introduced species that thrive across its climate zones.

The island is home to lush rainforests, such as El Yunque, which support an array of tropical plants, including towering ferns, exotic orchids, and the iconic Puerto Rican hibiscus, known locally as Flor de Maga.

This rich botanical diversity not only adds to the island’s natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.

Puerto Rico boasts a unique and diverse fauna influenced by its Caribbean location. The island is home to various endemic species, such as the endangered Puerto Rican parrot and the tiny coquí frog, symbolically linked to Puerto Rican culture.

Its rich ecosystems, from coastal areas to lush rainforests, support an array of wildlife, including various species of bats, the Puerto Rican boa, and myriad bird species that add to the island’s vibrant biodiversity. The island’s fauna is particularly fascinating, and it has numerous endemic species.

Notable among these are:

• Puerto Rican coquí frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui)
• Mona iguana (Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri)
• Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates inornatus)
• Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata vittata)
• Spindalis (Spindalis portoricensis)
• Elfin-woods warbler (Dendroica angelae)

El Yunque National Forest, located in the Luquillo Mountain Range, is a highlight within Puerto Rico’s network of 23 protected areas, which cover about 295 km² or 3.5% of the country’s total area.

This network also includes the Ceiba and Toro Negro forests, known for their significant biological, natural, and scenic values.

Protected Natural Areas and State Forests

Here is the list organized in alphabetical order:

• Bosque de los Tres Picachos
• Bosque Estatal de Aguirre
• Bosque Estatal de Boquerón
• Bosque Estatal de Cambalache
• Bosque Estatal de Carite
• Bosque Estatal de Guajataca
• Bosque Estatal de Guánica
• Bosque Estatal de Guilarte
• Bosque Estatal de Maricao
• Bosque Estatal de Piñones
• Bosque Estatal de Río Abajo
• Bosque Estatal de Susúa
• Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro
• Bosque Estatal de Vega
• Bosque Urbano del Nuevo Milenio
• Ciénaga Las Cucharillas
• La Parguera
• Las Cabachuelas
• Refugio de Vida Silvestre de Humacao
• Refugio de Vida Silvestre Laguna Cartagena
• Reserva Forestal Cambalache
• Reserva Natural Caño Tiburones
• Reserva Natural de Ceiba
• Reserva Natural de Las Cabezas de San Juan
• Reserva Natural Isla Caja de Muertos
• Reserva Natural Isla de Mona
• Reserva Natural La Cordillera
• Reserva Natural Laguna Joyuda
• Reserva Natural Laguna Tortuguero
• Reserva Natural Río Espíritu Santo

Currently, sugar cane production in Puerto Rico is mainly confined to the western part of the island and has significantly declined to around 400,000 tons annually.

Other primary agricultural products include bananas, plantains, pineapples, coconuts, mangos, and avocados. Regarding livestock, the island prominently raises cattle, pigs, and poultry.

Puerto Rico also boasts a substantial dairy industry. The local fishing industry primarily engages in subsistence fishing, barely sufficient to meet internal market demands, with most catches sold directly at fishing ports.

Salsa and merengue are Puerto Rico’s most popular music styles; salsa originated on the island and gained popularity among Puerto Ricans in New York as a form of expression.

Although merengue originated in the Dominican Republic, it has been warmly embraced in Puerto Rico. Other traditional rhythms include bomba and plena, which rely heavily on percussion instruments like the cuatro, güiro (or güicharo), congas, and maracas.

Notable classical musicians from Puerto Rico include Antonio Paoli, Justino Díaz, and Pablo Elvira.

Architecture

The architectural development in Puerto Rico began with the colonization era, incorporating Spanish styles evident in early constructions like Ponce de León’s residence in Caparra.

Old San Juan’s architecture, characterized by vibrant colored buildings and cobblestone streets, beautifully exemplifies Puerto Rico’s rich colonial history, blending Spanish colonial styles with modern influences.

Notable Spanish fortifications include Forts Santa Catalina and El Morro. The distinct Puerto Rican architecture featuring the ‘casona‘ family homes emerged in the 18th century, primarily in Old San Juan.

Sculpture

Puerto Rican sculpture is marked by traditional wood carvings of saints, a craft that dates back to the 16th century. Prominent sculptors include Tomás Batista and Luisa Géigel de Gandía.

Art

Puerto Rico’s art scene is enriched by figures like José Campeche, the island’s first known painter; Francisco Oller, who introduced Impressionism; and prominent modern artist Lorenzo Homar.

Craftsmanship

Several organizations protect and promote the island’s craftsmanship, focusing on traditional crafts such as “vejigante” masks and religious statuettes.

Cuisine

Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, Puerto Rican cuisine reflects a blend of Indigenous Taíno, Spanish, and African influences. Staple dishes include mofongo and arroz con habichuelas.

The Last Stop

Puerto Rico offers a captivating mix of vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, making it an exceptional tourist destination.

Whether you’re drawn to its bustling cities or serene landscapes, the island promises an enriching experience that captures the heart of the Caribbean.

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