Puerto Rico: The Island of Enchantment

Known affectionately as La Isla del Encanto (The Island of Enchantment), Puerto Rico is an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States. Located in the Caribbean, this vibrant archipelago blends a rich colonial history with a modern American influence, creating a unique cultural identity. From the bustling streets of San Juan to the lush rainforests and pristine coastlines, Puerto Rico serves as a pivotal hub of culture and commerce in the region.

Key Facts

Spanish Planter of Puerto Rico with House Slave, ca.1808

Official Status: Unincorporated and organized U.S. territory (Commonwealth).
Capital: San Juan, the largest municipality.
Official Languages: Spanish and English.
Population: Approximately 3.28 million (2020 Census).
Currency: United States Dollar (USD).
Geography: An archipelago with a total area of 13,792 km².

Geography and Climate

Beach and coastline at Patillas, in southeast Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from mountainous interiors to coastal plains. The island measures approximately 177 km in length and 65 km in width, with its highest elevation reaching 1,338 meters. The surrounding waters are marked by significant features, including the Puerto Rico Trench.

NOAA Bathymetry Image of Puerto Rico (2020)[92]

The climate is primarily classified as rainforest and monsoon types under the Köppen system. This tropical environment supports immense biodiversity, including the famous coquí, a small tree frog endemic to the island.

Köppen climate types in Puerto Rico indicating that the island primarily has rainforest and monsoon climate types

In this image there is a brown coquí. The species resembles a small frog. — Common coquí

However, the region is also prone to extreme weather. The island frequently faces hurricanes, such as Hurricane Maria, which brought devastating rainfall totals and highlighted the vulnerability of the island's infrastructure.

History and Evolution

The history of Puerto Rico is a tapestry of indigenous roots and European conquest. Long before European arrival, the island was inhabited by the Taíno people. Evidence of their society remains in archaeological sites across the island.

A 20th-century reconstruction of an 8th-century Taíno village, located at the spot in which their remains were discovered in 1975, in the aftermath of Hurricane Eloise[59]

Following the Spanish conquest, Puerto Rico served as a Captaincy General under Spain for centuries. This era left a lasting mark on the island's architecture, religion, and language. The Spanish period ended on December 10, 1898, when the island was ceded to the United States.

Map of the departments of Puerto Rico during Spanish provincial times (1886)

Under U.S. administration, Puerto Rico transitioned through various political stages, eventually adopting its current constitution on July 25, 1952, establishing it as a Commonwealth (Estado Libre Asociado).

Government and Politics

U.S. military installations and other federal lands in Puerto Rico (including the U.S. Virgin Islands) throughout the 20th century

Puerto Rico operates as a devolved presidential constitutional dependency. While it is under the sovereignty of the United States, it maintains its own internal government led by a Governor and a bicameral Legislative Assembly consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

The Capitol of Puerto Rico, home of the Legislative Assembly in Puerto Rico

The political landscape is largely defined by the competition between the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and the New Progressive Party (PNP). These parties often cycle through power, with the PPD ruling for 36 of the past 64 years and the PNP ruling concurrently for 16 years.

The difference between the incumbent party, the PPD, and its opponent, the PNP, was a mere 0.6% in the last election. This difference is common as the political landscape experiences political cycles between both parties, with the PPD ruling all branches of government for 36 of the past 64 years. The PNP, on the other hand, has ruled both the executive and legislative branch concurrently for 16 years. The other 12 years experienced a divided government.

Administratively, the island is divided into 78 municipalities, including the islands of Vieques and Culebra, each with its own municipal government.

A map of Puerto Rico showing its 78 municipalities; the islands of Vieques and Culebra have their own municipal governments.

Economy and Infrastructure

Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland, Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, 1997

The economy of Puerto Rico is heavily reliant on pharmaceutical manufacturing, which stands as a primary sector. Despite this, the island has faced significant fiscal challenges, including a substantial public debt crisis.

Tourism is another vital economic driver, drawing visitors to the historic forts of Old San Juan and the natural beauty of the coastlines.

Transportation is facilitated by a network of interstate highways and the Tren Urbano in the metropolitan area. Shipping is governed by the Jones Act, which regulates merchant marine routes between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland.

A map of the Jones Act merchant marine shipping routes for Puerto Rico

Demographics and Culture

Real GDP per capita development of Puerto Rico

The population of Puerto Rico is predominantly Hispanic or Latino (98.9%). According to the 2020 Census, the racial composition is diverse, with 49.8% identifying as Mixed, 17.1% as White, and 7.0% as Black.

Largest ethnic minority in Puerto Rico by municipio, per the 2020 census[231]

Population age pyramid of Puerto Rico in 2020

Culture is a cornerstone of Puerto Rican identity. This is evident in the architecture of Old San Juan, the influence of painters like José Campeche, and the island's culinary traditions. Arroz con gandules is widely regarded as the national dish.