Puerto Rico, Discover a Magnificent and Unique Island, Full of Adventures and Experiences
Puerto Rico, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico), is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico is only 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, making it the smallest island of the Greater Antilles. Puerto Rico (Spanish for "rich port") consists of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and several islands: Vieques, Culebra, Mona and numerous islets.
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Puerto Rico is a vibrant and culturally rich island with a diverse range of attractions and features. To learn more about what makes the island magnificent and unique, consider exploring the following topics:
Attractions
Explore hundreds of activities and attractions for all ages and budgets. Puerto Rico is a great place to explore, the possibilities are endless.
History
Discover Puerto Rico's rich history, detailed in a timeline that spans over the last 500 years.
People
The people of Puerto Rico is characterized by a rich blend of cultural and racial diversity, shaped by centuries of historical influences, immigration, and cultural assimilation.
Cuisine
Puerto Rican cuisine is rich and flavorful, reflecting a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Puerto Rico at a Glance
Puerto Rico pronunciation: por • tuh ree • kow
Capital: San Juan, located on the north east of the island.
Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic.
Coordinates: 18°15'N, 66°30'W
Climate: Tropical Marine, average temperatures year round between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 70 °F (21.1 °C).
Seasons in Puerto Rico
Rainy Season - April through November
Dry Season - December through March
Hurricane Season - June to November
Time zone: Atlantic Standard (UTC - 4:00)
Currency: United States Dollar (USD) $
Population: 3,019,450 (2024 est.)
Nationality: Puerto Rican
Primary ethnicity: Hispanic
Ethnic composition: White (Hispanic) (42.7%), Other (Hispanic) (23.9%), Two+ (Hispanic) (23.2%), Black or African American (Hispanic) (8.63%), and White (Non-Hispanic) (0.831%) (2022 est.)
National anthem: La Borinqueña
Language: Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico.
Government: Democracy, Republic
Total area: 9,104 sq km (3,515 sq mi)
Explore the Cities of Puerto Rico
Ponce
With a population of 194,636, Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest city. The heart of Ponce dates from the late 17th century and has been declared a national treasure. It consists of plazas and churches and highly decorative colonial homes, some glorious fountains and a unique fire station.Culebra
Culebra is a popular weekend destination because of its many pristine and beautiful beaches. Snorkelers wander through its coral kingdoms, nodding good-day to an astounding variety of sea creatures.Vieques
Beauty and history merge on this 21 by 4 mile island. Arawak Indians once lived here and it was an infamous heaven for pirates during the 17th century. Vieques is famous for its amazing beaches and there is a lot of them, ranging from pure white to soft black.Introducing: Beyond the Myths: Life in Puerto Rico
Get ready for a deeply personal and eye-opening journey into Puerto Rico—its culture, history, and everyday life—told through my experiences. Born and raised on the island and having spent 30 years in the U.S., I’ve seen Puerto Rico from the inside and outside.
In this series, I’ll debunk common myths, share the realities of growing up in Puerto Rico, and explore the traditions, food, and spirit that make the island so unique. From language and politics to the joys and struggles of daily life, I’ll take you beyond the tourist brochures and into the heart of what it truly means to be Puerto Rican.
Stay tuned—this is Puerto Rico, through my eyes.
Poverty in Puerto Rico is more than just statistics — it’s a lived reality. Join me as I share some of my personal stories and the challenges many still face.