| Official name | Commonwealth of Puerto Rico |
| Type | Unincorporated territory |
| View of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico | |
| State | Caribbean (Greater Antilles) |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1898 (ceded by Spain to the U.S.) |
| Population | 3.2 million |
| Area (km²) | 9,104 |
| Time zone | Atlantic (AST, UTC−4) |
| ZIP code(s) | 00600–00999 |
| Area code(s) | 787, 939 |
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. Known for its vibrant culture, tropical climate, and strategic location, Puerto Rico is officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and has a unique blend of Spanish, African, and American influences.
Overview
- Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections unless residing in a U.S. state
- Governed under a local constitution with its own governor and legislature
- Represented in Congress by a non-voting resident commissioner
Capital
- The capital is San Juan, a major cultural and economic hub on the island’s northern coast
History
- Originally inhabited by the Taíno people
- Colonized by Spain in 1493 following Columbus’ second voyage
- Became a U.S. territory after the Spanish-American War in 1898
- Voted multiple times in referendums on potential statehood vs independence
Culture
- Official languages: Spanish and English
- Strong heritage in music (salsa, reggaetón, bomba), art, and dance
- Known for its cuisine, including mofongo, lechón, and arroz con gandules
Economy
- Economy includes manufacturing (pharmaceuticals, electronics), services, tourism, and agriculture
- Uses the U.S. dollar and follows U.S. banking and business laws
- Faces challenges such as debt crises, hurricanes (notably Maria in 2017), and migration
Tourism
- Popular destinations include **Old San Juan**, **El Yunque National Forest**, **Bioluminescent Bays**, and numerous beach resorts
- U.S. citizens can travel there without a passport
- Vibrant festivals, colonial architecture, and natural beauty draw millions of visitors
Education and Institutions
- Home to the **University of Puerto Rico** system and several private universities
- Education is delivered in Spanish, though English is widely taught
- Follows a system similar to U.S. public schooling
Transportation
- Served by Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- Well-developed highways; no intercity rail, but San Juan has a metro line
- U.S. traffic laws and licensing systems apply
Fun Facts
- Puerto Rico means "Rich Port" in Spanish
- Hosts the world’s second-largest single-dish radio telescope (Arecibo, before collapse)
- Home to several **Miss Universe winners**