Puerto Rico
Caribbean · territory
Puerto Rico is a territory in Caribbean, home to 3.2 million people, with an area of 9,104 km². Its capital is San Juan.
- Capital
- San Juan
- Population
- 3.2 million
- Area
- 9,104 km²
- Region
- Caribbean
- Density
- 351 / km²
- Status
- Dependency or territory
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Puerto Rico is known for
Puerto Rico is best known for Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest and Culebra Island.
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Puerto Rico at a glance
- Language
- Spanish and English are the official languages, with Spanish being the predominant language spoken
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Religion
- Catholicism is the predominant religion in Puerto Rico, with a significant minority of the population practicing Protestantism and other religions
- National dish
- As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rican cuisine is a fusion of African, Taíno, and Spanish influences. Some popular dishes include arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), mofongo (mashed plantains), and lechón (roasted pork)
- Climate
- Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with a distinct wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April
- Main industries
- Manufacturing, finance, tourism, and agriculture
- GDP
- $103.5 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
- Development
- Puerto Rico is considered a developed country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of N/A (2020)
Things to do in Puerto Rico
Some of the main tourist attractions in Puerto Rico include:
- Old San Juan a historic district in the capital city of San Juan known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and Spanish colonial architecture.
- El Yunque National Forest a rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico known for its biodiversity, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
- Culebra Island a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving.
- Bioluminescent Bay several bays around Puerto Rico, including Mosquito Bay in Vieques, that contain bioluminescent microorganisms that emit a blue-green glow at night.
- La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site a fortress in Old San Juan that dates back to the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Camuy River Cave Park a series of limestone caves and underground rivers located in northwestern Puerto Rico.
- Arecibo Observatory a radio telescope located in northwestern Puerto Rico that has been used for astronomy research and was featured in the movie "Contact."
- Flamenco Beach a beautiful beach located on Culebra Island that has been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
- Ponce Museum of Art a museum in the city of Ponce that houses a large collection of Puerto Rican and Caribbean art.
- Guánica Dry Forest Reserve a dry forest located on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico known for its unique flora and fauna.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Puerto Rico has to offer. The island's rich culture, history, and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Puerto Rico in pictures
Puerto Rico on video
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Puerto Rico compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of Caribbean.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | 3.2 million | 9,104 km² | San Juan |
 Jamaica | 2.8 million | 10,991 km² | Kingston |
 Trinidad and Tobago | 1.5 million | 5,130 km² | Port of Spain |
 Bahamas | 403,000 | 13,943 km² | Nassau |
Questions about Puerto Rico
What is the capital of Puerto Rico?
The capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan.
How many people live in Puerto Rico?
About 3.2 million people.
How big is Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico covers 9,104 km², in Caribbean.
What is Puerto Rico known for?
Puerto Rico is best known for Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest and Culebra Island.
What language is spoken in Puerto Rico?
Spanish and English are the official languages, with Spanish being the predominant language spoken.
What currency is used in Puerto Rico?
US dollar (USD).
Is Puerto Rico a country?
Puerto Rico is a dependency or overseas territory rather than a sovereign state, so it appears only when territories are switched on in the generator.