Facts About Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and U.S. territory with a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforest.
Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful beaches and Spanish Caribbean culture with an American twist.
Bright, colorful homes line the coast, while American fast food chains can be found in larger cities like San Juan.
Puerto Rico is an interesting blend of cultures with a rich history.
Quick Facts
Capital of Puerto Rico: San Juan
Population: 3.5 million
Nickname: Island of Enchantment
Original Name: San Juan Bautista
Key Cities: San Juan, Bayamón, Carolina, Ponce, Caguas
Postal Abbreviation: PR
Major Industries: Manufacturing, finance, real estate, tourism
History of Puerto Rico
How did Puerto Rico get its name: When Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico in 1493, he originally called the island San Juan Batista.
Soon, the island became known as Puerto Rico (“rich port” in Spanish) instead because of the gold that could be found in its rivers and streams. The capital city took the name San Juan instead.
Date admitted to the Union: Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898, following the Spanish-American War. On March 2, 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship.
San Juan is the oldest European city under the American flag, and Puerto Rico is the world’s oldest colony. Since Christopher Colombus “found” the island in 1493, Puerto Rico has been a colony.
Geography
The country of Puerto Rico is the smallest island of the Greater Antilles Archipelago found in the Caribbean. It is located east of the Dominican Republic.
What is the size of Puerto Rico: 3,515 sq. miles (9,104 km2)
Lowest point: Caribbean Sea at sea level
Highest point: Cerro de Punta at 4,553 ft.
Counties: 78 (called municipalities or “municipios”)
Famous locations: El Yunque National Forest, Old San Juan, El Morro, La Fortaleza, San Juan Cathedral
Languages of Puerto Rico
Being an Unincorporated Territory of the United States, the official languages are English and Spanish. “Spanglish” can commonly be heard as well due to the influence of the United States on the native Spanish speakers.
Currency of Puerto Rico
Puerto Ricans use the U.S. dollar, but they often refer to it as the “peso” or “dolar.”
Famous Puerto Ricans
Ricky Martin- singer
Jennifer Lopez- singer/actress
Benicio del Toro- actor
Roberto Clemente- baseball player
Carlos Beltran- baseball player
Rita Moreno- actress
Weather in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico boasts a warm and tropical climate often common in the tropics. Temperature ranges from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Occasionally in the summer, there are some afternoon showers.
Population
The population of Puerto Rico is estimated to be around 3.6 million people. With another 5 million Puerto Ricans living in the United States.
Puerto Rico is one of the world’s most densely populated islands (most people per square mile).
People and Culture
The heritage of native Puerto Ricans is a mixture of Taíno Indian, African, and European (mostly Spanish).
Yuca a potato-like vegetable was brought by the Taino Indians. The Africans bought plantains and the Spanish brought their rice.
Lechón which is a roasted Pork dish, rice, and beans, mofongo which is mashed fried plantains, and fried empanadas, and alcapurrias make up the most popular dishes on the island.
Fruits such as Guava, Mango, Pineapple, Passion-Fruit, and Tamarind are used and eaten commonly.
Flora, Fauna, and Topography
There is a rich variety in the plants and animals found on the island. The northern side of the Islands is covered in Tropical Rainforests whereas scrub vegetation is found on the southern side of the island.
The royal poinciana flower and the African tulip tree are among the flowering trees which cover the mountain ranges of Puerto Rico with patches of vivid color against a rich green tree line.
The islands are also home to a rich variety of birds. Land animals such as snakes, lizards, mongooses, and the coqui are predominant.
The coqui is a small frog that can be found only in Puerto Rico. It’s about an inch long and makes a unique, high-pitched song: “ko-kee, ko-kee,”, especially at night.
The frogs are a beloved symbol of Puerto Rico.
The seas also boast a rich aquatic life but commercial fishing is carried out only at a limited scale.
Alcohol in Puerto Rico
The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is only 18 years old.
It is also home to the most extensive Rum Factory in the world, Casa Bacardi.
The popular Pina Colada was invented in Puerto Rico
The Beaches and Caves of Puerto Rico
The island has more than 270 miles of Beaches.
Flamenco beach, in the region of Culebra, has been ranked as one of the Top 10 beaches in the world.
For visitors who get tired of the beautiful beaches (if that’s possible), there are also over 200 caves to explore in Puerto Rico’s Rio Camuy Cave Park.
Experts believe there are still hundreds of undiscovered caves on the island.
Government
Being neither a State nor a Country but an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States means Puerto Ricans has its own government. Puerto Ricans can elect their own governor and members of their Senate and House of Representatives to make laws.
They cannot vote for the US President but instead vote for a Representative called a Resident Commissioner who speaks on behalf of Puerto Rican interests in the US Government.
Fun Facts
- Puerto Rico is one of the world’s most densely populated islands (most people per square mile).
- It’s about the size of Connecticut, the 3rd smallest U.S. state, and is home to over 3.5 million people.
- Barceloneta in Puerto Rico is famous for its blue beaches and pineapple plantations, earning it the nickname “Pineapple City.”
- It also has one of the biggest pharmaceutical complexes in the world.
- That’s because the water is so pure it can be used in pharmaceutical products with almost no treatment (a process that improves water quality).
- Puerto Rico has produced five Miss Universe winners.
- Puerto Rico is an archipelago, which means there will be many islands to admire during your travels.
- According to legend, it features a “wild west coast” with some of the best surfing and diving in the Caribbean.
- Although residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico is technically not a state, so Puerto Ricans don’t vote in U.S. elections.
- You don’t need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico, and residents of the island can also travel freely to the United States.
- Weather is around 75 degrees throughout the year, which makes it a great place to travel to any time.
- The Arecibo Observatory, the world’s 2nd largest telescope, is located here.
- In Puerto Rico, you drive on the right side of the road, but the signs are in Spanish, and gas is measured in liters.
- The streets are strewn with blue cobblestones, which give the area a beautiful feel
- On the way to ‘Salta de Doa Juana,’ there is a massive 120-foot waterfall with crystal clear water, where waterfall photos are encouraged, but diving is not!
Conclusion
Puerto Rico is a fascinating location with a colorful past, stunning scenery, and distinctive culture. The island is home to a wide variety of species, gorgeous beaches, and tropical rainforests. Kids in Puerto Rico have a tonne of fun learning about the island’s culture, geography, and history. With its ties to the United States and Spanish influences, Puerto Rico is a wonderful location that offers kids a never-ending supply of fun and educational activities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are some popular sports or recreational activities in Puerto Rico?
Both locals and visitors can engage in a range of sports and leisure pursuits in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico loves baseball and has produced several players for the Major League Baseball league. Basketball, boxing, and surfing are among additional popular sports. Hiking in the El Yunque National Forest, visiting the breathtaking beaches for swimming and snorkeling, or engaging in water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are all options for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. What is the traditional cuisine of Puerto Rico?
Spanish, African, and indigenous Tano cultures all had an impact on the rich and varied food of Puerto Rico. Arroz with gandules (rice with pigeon peas), mofongo (fried plantains mixed with garlic and pork cracklings), lechón (roast pork), and tostones (fried plantain slices) are a few of the foods that are widely consumed. Coquito, an alcoholic beverage made from coconut, and flan, a caramel custard, are two other delectable delicacies.
3. What is the weather like in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico typically experiences tropical weather with mild temperatures all year round. In the cooler months, the average temperature is 70°F (21°C), whereas, in the warmer months, it is 85°F (29°C). Rainfall is frequent, with the rainy season lasting from April to November. It may be rather humid, especially during the summer.