Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. It consists of one main island and several smaller islands and islets. Its capital and largest city is San Juan.

Puerto Rico was originally inhabited by the Taíno people until the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Spain colonized the island, and it remained under Spanish rule until the Spanish-American War in 1898, when it was ceded to the United States.

Puerto Rico has a population of over 3 million people and is predominantly Spanish-speaking. Its economy is diverse, with tourism, manufacturing, and services being the main sectors. It is also home to a number of universities and colleges, and has a rich culture that blends Spanish, African, and indigenous influences.

As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico is not a U.S. state, but its residents are U.S. citizens. Puerto Ricans do not have full voting rights in U.S. federal elections, but they do vote in primaries and can vote in U.S. presidential elections if they move to a state.

Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and rich history and culture. It is a popular destination for tourism and has a number of cultural landmarks, including the historic forts of Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and the bioluminescent bays of Vieques and Fajardo.

Telephone Code
787, 939

Local Emergency Phone
911

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation

Currency (Code)
US $ (USD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
Spanish, English

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested for non-US citizens.

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
El Yunque National Rainforest; Old San Juan & El Morro Castle; Cabo Roho Lighthouse; Coamo Thermal Hot Springs; Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay; Fort San Cristobal

Major Sports
Baseball, boxing, basketball, volleyball

Cultural Practices
Puerto Ricans believe that directness is rude and will attempt to use euphemisms to avoid it.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 15-20% of the total bill for restaurant staff is appropriate.

Souvenirs
Vejigante festival masks, cigars, coffee, rum, woven straw items, carved santos figures, stringed instruments, mundillo lace

Traditional Cuisine
Arroz con gandules — a one-pot dish consisting of yellow rice, pigeon peas, and sofrito (a sauce made with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, cilantro, and coriander); may also be garnished with pork, bacon, chorizo, or olives

Geography
Area
total: 9,104 sq km
land: 8,959 sq km
water: 145 sq km

Climate
tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation

Natural resources
some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil

People and Society
Population
3,057,311 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
White 75.8%, Black/African American 12.4%, other 8.5% (includes American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and others), mixed 3.3% (2010 est.)

Languages
Spanish, English

Religions
Roman Catholic 56%, Protestant 33% (largely Pentecostal), other 2%, atheist 1%, none 7% (2014 est.)

Population growth rate
-1.29% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
unincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches; note - reference Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act, 2 March 1917, as amended by Public Law 600, 3 July 1950

Capital
name: San Juan

Economy
Economic overview
US Caribbean island territorial economy; hit hard by COVID-19 and hurricanes; declining labor force and job growth after a decade of continuous recession; capital-based industry and tourism; high poverty; energy import-dependent

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$106.5 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$32,600 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, plantains, bananas, poultry, tomatoes, mangoes/guavas, eggs, oranges, gourds, papayas

Industries
pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism

Exports
$73.17 billion (2017 est.)

Exports - partners
Italy 15%, Netherlands 15%, Belgium 9%, Japan 8%, Germany 8%, Austria 8%, Spain 7%, China 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
packaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, hormones, orthopedic and medical appliances, sulfur compounds (2019)

Imports
$49.01 billion (2017 est.)

Imports - partners
Ireland 38%, Singapore 9%, Switzerland 8%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, refined petroleum, medical cultures/vaccines, cars (2019)