Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Last Updated: 02/16/2024 | |
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. It consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and several smaller islands and islets. The capital and largest city of Puerto Rico is San Juan. It has roughly 3.2 million residents. | |
- History: Puerto Rico was originally inhabited by the indigenous TaÃno people before it was colonized by Spain in the 16th century. It remained a Spanish colony until 1898 when it was ceded to the United States following the Spanish-American War. - Political Status: Puerto Rico is classified as an unincorporated territory of the United States, which means it is under the sovereignty of the U.S. but does not have the same political status as the 50 states. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections and do not have voting representation in the U.S. Congress, although they do have a non-voting representative. - Official Languages: The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English. Spanish is predominantly spoken by the population, while English is widely understood and used in official and business settings. - Economy: Puerto Rico's economy is classified as a high-income economy, mainly driven by manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and services. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture, attracting millions of tourists each year. - Natural Beauty: Puerto Rico is renowned for its natural beauty, including lush rainforests like El Yunque, pristine beaches such as Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, and the bioluminescent bay in Vieques, where the water glows in the dark due to microscopic organisms. - Commonwealth Status: Puerto Rico has debated its political status for many years. While some residents support statehood, others prefer maintaining the current commonwealth status or pursuing independence. Referendums have been held to gauge public opinion, but the political status of Puerto Rico remains a topic of ongoing discussion and debate. |
Gilligan's Island Place » Island Gilligan's Island, also known as Cayo Aurora, is a small island off the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, part of the Guánica Biosphere Reserve. Unlike the fictional island from the TV show, this Gilligan’s Island is a tropical paradise offering visitors clear waters, mangroves, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. 20 views 💖 1Puerto Rico | |
Bioluminescent Bay Place » Outdoors There are three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, all offering a magical experience for visitors. These bays are home to microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates that emit light when agitated by movement in the water. The result is a stunning display of blue light that creates an otherworldly atmosphere. 40 views 💖 1Puerto Rico | |
Castillo Serralles Place » Museum The Museo Castillo Serralles is a historic museum located in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It is housed in a mansion known as Castillo Serralles, which was originally built as a residence for the Serralles family, owners of the Destileria Serralles rum distillery. 43 views 💖 1Sector El Vigia, P. De La Cruceta, Ponce, 00730, Puerto Rico |