1. Basic Facts
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory in the Caribbean, about 1,600 miles (2,600 km) southeast of New York City. Its capital is San Juan, and its official languages are Spanish and English. As of July 2025, about 3.18 million people live there, roughly 97,000 fewer than in 2020. The island covers about 8,870 km², which is around 4.8 times the size of Jeju Island.
2. History and Politics
The Taíno people originally lived on the island. After Columbus arrived in 1493, it was a Spanish colony for about 400 years, and it became a U.S. territory through the Treaty of Paris in 1898. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917. However, they cannot vote in presidential elections, and their one representative in Congress has no vote. Because of this, there is an ongoing debate about whether Puerto Rico should become a state, become independent, or keep its current status. The current governor, Jenniffer González, took office in January 2025.
3. Economy
Manufacturing drives the economy, especially pharmaceuticals and electronics. Services such as finance, insurance, and tourism are also important.
4.Culture
Puerto Rico is a center of salsa and reggaeton music, and it is home to Bad Bunny and the hit song "Despacito." Its signature dish is mofongo, made from mashed fried plantains. Popular sights include El Morro fortress in Old San Juan, the El Yunque rainforest, and bioluminescent bays where the water glows at night. Baseball is very popular, and the island has produced MLB stars like Roberto Clemente.
