Puerto Rico, freely associated commonwealth of the United States, composed of one large island and several small islands. Officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Spanish: Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico is bordered on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by the Virgin Passage (which separates it from the Virgin Islands), on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the Mona Passage (which separates it from the Dominican Republic). San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, as well as its largest city. Puerto Rico is called the Island of the Enchantment. Also Puerto Rico is known for the biggest radio telescope of the world located outside the city of Arecibo (photo below).

Climate - Puerto Rico is a mountainous, tropical island directly in the path of the trade winds. These conditions account for its tropical rain forest and tropical wet and dry climates. Except at night, in the highest areas, the air is always warm. There is little difference from season to season in the energy received from the sun, and the length of the day remains fairly constant throughout the year. In addition, the average temperature of the seawater surrounding the island is about 27° C (about 81° F), with little variation during the course of the year. The mountain areas receive more rain than almost any other part of the United States. The southwestern coastal area generally receives the least rain in Puerto Rico and has a distinct dry season.

Population - According to the 1990 census, Puerto Rico had 3,522,037 inhabitants, an increase of about 10.2 percent over 1980. The average population density in 1990 was 387 persons per km² (1002 per mi²), a much higher density than for any state except New Jersey and Rhode Island. The great majority of Puerto Rico's inhabitants are of Hispanic background; English and Spanish are the official languages of the commonwealth.

Historical Sites - Puerto Rico's Spanish heritage is preserved in many sites in San Juan, especially in the insular part of the city known as Old San Juan. Among these sites are El Morro (left) and San Cristóbal fortresses, both part of San Juan National Historic Site; La Fortaleza (shown below), once a fortress and now the governor's palace, its oldest section completed in 1540; Old Santo Domingo Convent, built between 1523 and 1528; and Fort San Gerónimo (completed late 18th century).

Tourism - The warm year-round climate in Puerto Rico and its abundant sunshine and coastal beaches attract about 3.5 million tourists each year; spending by visitors exceeds $1.4 billion annually. Their primary destination is the San Juan area, where numerous luxury hotels are located. Luquillo Beach, (left) located at Puerto Rico’s northeastern corner, is one of the island’s most enchanting beaches. Tourists and Puerto Ricans alike flock to the beach during vacation months because of its beautiful blue-green water and magnificent resorts. Below is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse in the southwest corner of Puerto Rico.

Transportation - San Juan dominates the transportation system of Puerto Rico. It is the leading port and has the busiest airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Many visitors to Puerto Rico arrive on the island by cruise ship. These ships, which travel throughout the Caribbean, offer passengers the opportunity to visit many islands. The ships shown below are docked at San Juan. Near these docks were celebrated the "Fiestas de la Bahía" in honor of the 500^th Anniversary of the Puerto Rico Discovery by Columbus in 1492. Tourism contributes greatly to the island’s economy. Transportation facilities in the rest of the island are generally much poorer than on the mainland. Altogether, Puerto Rico is served by about 21,737 km (about 13,507 mi.) of roads, the great majority of which are paved.

Welcome to Puerto Rico

Escape to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Economy Development Administration

Arecibo Observatory

Puerto Rico Lo Hace Mejor! - Puerto Rico Does It Better!