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_Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to discover the island of Puerto Rico on Nov. 19, 1493
_The Spanish newcomers originally named the island San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist, and named the capital Puerto Rico, which means rich port. Later, the names were switched, making the capital San Juan and the island Puerto Rico.
_In 1521, concerned about threats from European enemies, Spain began constructing massive defenses around the city of San Juan.
_Sugar became Puerto Rico's most important agricultural product, helping establish a thriving economy.
_During the 1600s, Puerto Rico's settlements expanded with the establishment of such areas as Arecibo, San Blas de Illescas (later renamed Coamo), and Ponce.
_In 1809, Puerto Rico was recognized as an overseas province with the right to send representatives to the Spanish government. |
_In 1897, Puerto Rico was granted a Letter of Autonomy from Spain, allowing it to enter into free commerce with the United States and European colonies.
_In 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States _ In 1521, concerned about threats from European enemies, Spain began constructing.
_The 20th century saw phenomenal growth for the island. In 1917, the U.S. Congress granted Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship and, two decades later, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the Puerto Rican Reconstruction Administration, which provided agricultural development, public works, and electrification of the island. By 1951, Puerto Rico acquired the right to establish a government with its own constitution and, in 1952, was declared a semi-autonomous commonwealth territory of the United States.
The 1970 census showed Puerto Rico was mostly urban for the first time in its history.
_During the past quarter century, as Puerto Rico's diversified into commerce and services , the island's status once again dominated its politics |
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Official Name: |
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (July 25,1952) |
Flag: |
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Capital: |
San Juan |
Population: |
3,878,532 (2003 estimate) including about 1.5 million people who live in San Juan and its suburbs. Other major urban centers are Ponce, Mayagüez, Caguas, Arecibo and Aguadilla. Average life expectancy is 73.8 years. |
Citizenship: |
U.S. |
Languages: |
Spanish & English |
Location Map: |
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Size: |
100 by 35 miles (160 by 56 kilometers), roughly the size of the state of Connecticut |
Climate: |
Tropical. Average annual temperature is 82° F (28° C) with constant mild easterly trade winds. The U.S. Weather Bureau never recorded temperatures in San Juan below 64° F or higher than 97° F, 365 days a year, day or night |
Time Zone: |
Atlantic Standard Time (AST). One hour later than U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) from October to April, and the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Time from April to October. For exact time, call (787) 728-9595 |
Government: |
Democratic election every four years |
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The island of Puerto Rico is almost rectangular in shape, and is the smallest and the most eastern island of the Greater Antilles. Its coasts measures approximately 580 km, and if the adjacent islands Vieques and Culebra are included the coast measures approximately 700 km. To the north and south seas capes measure 8.525 m for the Grave of Puerto Rico and 5.000 m for the Grave of Tanner. In addition to the principal island, the Commonwealth includes: Vieques, Culebra, Culebrita, Palomino (known by some by the Spanish Virgin Islands), Mona, Monito and various others isolated islands. Deep oceans waters fringe Puerto Rico. The Mona Passage, which separates the island from Hispaniola to the west, is about 75 miles (120 km) wide and more that 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) deep. Off the northern coast is the 28,000 feet (8,500 meters) deep Puerto Rico Trench, and to the south the sea bottom descends to the 16,400 feet (5,000 meters) deep Venezuelan Basin of the Caribbean. |
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The favorite of San Juaneros, Isla Verde beach is partially lined by condominiums and luxury hotels. Extending from where Ocean Park ends to where Boca Cangrejos begins, certain choice sections have been given special names like El Alambique, a preferred site for beach festivals, and Punta El Medio, which borders the new Ritz-Carlton. Past the hotels and condos behind the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is the public beach. This is one of the 13 balnearios on the Island and is equipped with parking facilities, showers and other amenities. The white sand beach is lined with trees such as sea grapes, almond trees and coconut palms that provide a welcome respite from the tropical sun. |
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People-watching is the favorite sport of Condado beach regulars. The westernmost corner, at the end of Puente Dos Hermanos, is the most popular spot along the strip. A natural rock barrier making for calm, clear waters protects this small, shady beach. It is fully accessible to the public, while the beach front hotels and condos have almost entirely limited access to most of the rest of the beach. The lagoon, on the other side of the bridge, is great for kayaking and windsurfing, especially for beginners. Running east to west, it is long and calm as a lake, with steady parallel winds. |
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Visitors to Puerto Rico will find as many attractions in the busy capital city of San Juan as out on the rest of the island . Fine restaurants, shops, beach- front and mountainside hotels and inns are found island wide . the seven square block area of Old San Juan , an UN-designated national Historic Zone, is a 500 year old cobblestoned walled city full of fascinating colonial architecture, museums, art galleries and vibrant modern day life.
Historical tours include to 16th and 17th century churches, restored houses and impressive forts which afford stunning views of the ocean and city. Boutiques and sidewalk cafes are pleasant stops during leisurely walks. The peaceful countryside, out on the island, offers Spanish Colonial towns, great seaside restaurants, beautiful beaches and dramatic mountain scenery |
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