Puerto Rico Guide and Resources

Check for available hotels in Puerto Rico

Location
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Size Comparison To U.S-located Area
slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Geographic Coordinates
18 15 N, 66 30 W

Capital
San Juan

Nationality
Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

Currency
US dollar (USD)

Languages Spoken
Spanish, English

Population
3,957,988 (July 2002 est.)

Total Population Ratio Based On Gender
0.93 male(s)/female (2002 est.)

Migrant Ratio
-2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Ethnic Groups
white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%

Religion Demographics
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Geographic Areas
Total :: 9,104 sq km
Land :: 145 sq km
Water :: 8,959 sq km
Coastline :: 501 km

Bordered By
None

Argentina Climate
tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain
mostly mountains, with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas

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

Natural Hazards
periodic droughts; hurricanes

Brief Geography Notes
San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

Government
commonwealth

Administrative Districts
none (commonwealth associated with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities