What is the history of Puerto Rico?

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Puerto Rico is the smallest of an archipelago of four islands in the North eastern Caribbean Sea. This island is famous for its white sandy beaches, exotic locales, mountains and the very spirit of enjoying life which is why it is a very sought after tourist destination. The term Puerto Rico is a Spanish word meaning ‘rich port’. Puerto Rico is a territory of United States which explains why its inhabitants are U.S. citizens. It is officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. The capital of Puerto Rico is its largest city – San Juan. The official languages spoken here are Spanish and English. There is a very strong connect to Spanish culture here owing to the Spanish rule for over four centuries.

What is the history of Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico was home to native tribes called the Tainos. The island of Puerto Rico was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to America and his discovery was handed over to Spain in the 16th century. As a colony under Spanish rule, its inhabitants were forced into slavery and fell prey to deadly diseases which came from Europe. Until the 19th century, Spain held possession of Puerto Rico despite attempts to take over by countries like France, Netherlands and England. However by the end of the 19th century, the historical Spanish-American war saw Spain losing this island to U.S in 1898. Ever since, Puerto Ricans have enjoyed a republic and elect their own governor. They still cannot vote for the U.S. Presidential elections but the legislative assembly in U.S. takes care of their fundamental rights.

What is the chief occupation of the people of Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is a high income economy as certified by World Bank. This is because of the prosperous manufacturing industry which includes petrochemical industries, pharmaceutical industries and technology industry. However Puerto Rico has always been famous for its cash crop – Sugar and so agriculture has also been an important occupation of the Puerto Ricans. One of the notable occupations of services industry here is Tourism. Since Puerto Rico adjoins the famous U.S.Virgin islands and British Virgin islands and is located in the Caribbean Sea, this island is a famous tourist destination. Other services in which Puerto Ricans are employed are Government sector, Education, Banks, Schools, Hotels, Hospitals and Retail.

What is the cultural heritage of Puerto Rico?

Centuries of Spanish rule over Puerto rico are the reason why Roman Catholic religion is predominant, Spanish is the most spoken language and Spanish traditions are followed with fervor. The Puerto Rican culture however is a mix of Spanish, African and American cultures. This is specially observed in their music which is their favorite form of fine arts. Among sports, Baseball is a common sport played in Puerto Rico.

How is Puerto Rico connected to the rest of the world?

Puerto Rico consists of an excellent network of roads, highways, expressways, railways, airports and ports to connect the cities and towns within it. Public transport comprises of buses, metro rail, ferries and taxis. There are three airports in Puerto Rico among which the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in the city of Carolina and is the largest aerial transportation hub as well as caters to the highest passenger and cargo movement in the whole world. There are many ports in Puerto Rico among which the San Juan port is the biggest and most crucial port for the cargo movement and trade in Puerto Rico.

How does the flag of Puerto Rico look?

The Puerto Rican flight consists of 5 horizontal stripes of red and white color placed alternately. On the hoist side of the flag is a blue triangle inside which is a five pointed star. What is to be noted is that the flag of Puerto rico is never flown alone. It is always accompanied by the U.S. national flag.

What is the currency of Puerto Rico?

The United states Dollar is the currency in Puerto Rico.

 

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