Overview of Puerto Rico

Profile

Puerto Rico consists of a main island of approximately 9,100 km2 at the easternmost point of the Greater Antilles, plus several smaller islands, and enjoys high autonomy as a U.S. Commonwealth. While Spanish and English are official languages, Spanish dominates daily life, and Latin cultural elements are strong in music, food, and festivals. The economy is supported by rum and pharmaceutical manufacturing, service industries, and especially tourism, with millions of visitors annually. Under a tropical maritime climate, diverse natural landscapes include El Yunque tropical rainforest and world-class bioluminescent bays.

Official name: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Common name: Puerto Rico
Numeric code: 630
Alpha-3 code: PRI
Alpha-2 code: PR
Population: approximately 3.2 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 352 people/km2
Primary languages: Spanish, English
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)
National anthem: La Borinqueña
Calling code: +1-787 / +1-939
Internet TLD: .pr

History

Became a Spanish colony following Columbus' arrival in 1493, ceded to the U.S. after the Spanish-American War in 1898, and achieved internal autonomy in 1952 to present.

The island, called "Borinquen" by the indigenous Taíno, was encountered by the European world during Columbus' second voyage in 1493. Spanish rule continued from the 16th century to the late 19th century, establishing the fortified city of San Juan. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris, and the Foraker Act of 1900 established civil government. In 1917, island residents were granted U.S. citizenship. Following mid-20th century autonomy expansion movements, the Commonwealth Constitution was enacted in 1952. While debates continue regarding independence, maintaining current status, or statehood, the territory has focused on recovery after Hurricane Maria (2017) and fiscal crises.

Geography & climate

Central mountains and karst plateau run through the island, with coral reefs and white sand beaches along the coast. North features rainy tropical rainforest, south features dry savanna.

Tropical maritime climate

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 9104 km²
Capital: San Juan
Largest city: San Juan
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Limestone, Marble, Copper, Trace nickel, Forests, Fishery resources, Fertile volcanic soil, Solar energy, Wind power, Beautiful coastlines, Freshwater rivers, Underground caves

Politics

Government: Autonomous unincorporated territory of the United States (Commonwealth-type republic)

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): 70.4 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 169.5 billion international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish, English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

European Hispanic, African descent, Mixed (Mestizo), Taíno indigenous ancestry, Asian, Other

Life expectancy

79.5 years

Literacy rate

94%

National sports

Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Volleyball, Track and field