The island of Puerto Rico (Rich Port) has a large
array of natural riches. Its central mountain range reaches 1,338m (4,390ft) at
Cerro de Punta; it has the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System,
El Yunque; and its beaches brag warm, turquoise waters and soft, yellow sand.
Just as Puerto Rico's bionetwork boasts unique characteristics, the culture and
way of life is also distinct. Many of San Juan's buildings proudly preserve their
original Spanish style. This is still an island of fiestas and paella.
Columbus ‘discovered' Puerto Rico in 1493, but the Taino Indians were the first inhabitants. After centuries of Spanish rule, Puerto Rico was ceded to the USA in 1898. In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship and the island later became a self-governing ‘Commonwealth in association with the USA'. Thus Puerto Ricans can own an American passport but they do not pay US federal taxes and cannot vote in US elections.
There is still a vocal lobby for full independence,
but for the most part, the country happily juggles Spanish and US influence; not
to mention a strong African influence legacy of the slave trade.
You can hear the meeting of cultures in the island's infectious
music and fast-paced nightlife. Latino beats fuse
with West African percussion, swing and big band: the perfect soundtrack for this
vibrant, multicultural country.
Puerto Rico is an island east of the Dominican Republic and west of the British Virgin Islands. Also included are several smaller islands, such as Culebra, Mona and Vieques. The island is comparatively small, 8,959 sq km (3,459 sq miles), with a central mountain range reaching an altitude of 1,338m (4,390ft) at Cerro de Punta, and surrounded by low coastal plains. The capital is on the northeast shore. Much of the natural forest has been cleared for agriculture, but the trees in the northeast are protected as a national park. The other main towns are Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Carolina, Cayey, Farjardo, Guaynabo, Mayagüez and Ponce.
In 1998, the third referendum in 30 years asked Puerto Ricans to decide between becoming the USA's 51st state, becoming independent, entering a compact of free association or retaining the status quo. They narrowly voted for the status quo. Independence remains a sensitive issue, however, and its advocates received a boost in 2003 when the US military ended its use of the island of Vieques for military exercises after 60 years.At the end of 2004, Sila Maria Calderón of the PPD was opposed by Anibal Acevedo Vila. It was an extremely close race. After two months of wrangling and recounts, Acevedo Vila, leader of the pro-Commonwealth Popular Democratic Party, scraped through and was confirmed as the new head of government.In 2006, an appeal was taken to the US Supreme Court requesting that Puerto Ricans be given the right to vote in US presidential elections; however the appeal was rejected.
3.94 million (estimate 2007).
444.2 per sq km.
San Juan. Population: 442,447 (2004).
