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Encyclopedia > Puerto Rico

Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Flag of Puerto Rico Coat of arms of Puerto Rico
Flag Coat of arms
MottoLatin: Joannes Est Nomen Eius
Spanish: Juan es su nombre
English: "His name is John"
Anthem"La Borinqueña"
Capital
(and largest city)
San Juan
Official languages Spanish and English[1]
Ethnic groups  Spanish, French, German, Irish, Italian, Corsican, Black, Taíno, Chinese
Demonym Puerto Rican
Government Republican three-branch government
 -  Head of State George W. Bush
 -  Federal Legislative Branch United States Congress

The statutory laws of the United States not locally inapplicable, ...shall have the same force and effect in Puerto Rico as in the United States.[2] For the island in the Caribbean that inspired this game, see Puerto Rico. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Puerto_Rico. ... Flag of Puerto Rico (1995 - present) Flag of Puerto Rico (1952 - 1995) Pro-independence Flag (1892) The Flag of Puerto Rico was designed in 1894. ... The coat of arms of Puerto Rico were first granted by the Spanish Crown in 1511, and are the oldest arms still used in the New World. ... For other uses, see Motto (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Here is a list of state mottos for the states of the United States. ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a countrys government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. ... asBold textelashely doesnt have anyfriends no1 likes her she is a bitch. ... Image File history File links LocationPuertoRico. ... Not to be confused with capitol. ... The population of the island of Puerto Rico has been shaped by Native settlers, European colonization, slavery, economic migration, and Puerto Ricos status as a United States Commonwealth. ... For other uses, see San Juan. ... An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in the countries, states, and other territories. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... The Spanish people or Spaniards are an ethnic group native to Spain, in southwestern Europe, who are primarily descended from the autochthonous pre-Indo-European Euskaldunak, Latin, Visigothic, Celtic and Moorish peoples. ... Various factors during the mid-19th century contributed to the Corsican immigration to Puerto Rico; among those factors were the social-economic changes which came about in Europe as a result of the Second Industrial Revolution, political discontent and widespread crop failure due to long periods of drought, and crop... Though most indigenous Africans possess relatively dark skin, they exhibit much variation in physical appearance. ... For other uses, see Taino (disambiguation). ... A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a people or the inhabitants of a place. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives President of the Senate President pro tempore Dick Cheney, (R) since January 20, 2001 Robert C. Byrd, (D) since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political... Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives President of the Senate President pro tempore Dick Cheney, (R) since January 20, 2001 Robert C. Byrd, (D) since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political...

Puerto Rico sends a non-voting Resident Commissioner who serves a four-year term.
 -  Head of Government Aníbal Acevedo Vilá
Sovereignty United States sovereignty.[3] 
Area
 -  Total 9,104 km² (169th)
3,515 sq mi 
 -  Water (%) 1.6
Population
 -  July 2007 estimate 3,994,259 (127th in the world; 27th in U.S.)
 -  2000 census 3,913,054 
 -  Density 438/km² (21st in the world; 3rd in U.S.)
1,115/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2007 estimate
 -  Total $77.4 billion (N/A)
 -  Per capita $19,600 (N/A)
Currency United States dollar (USD)
Time zone AST (UTC-4)
 -  Summer (DST) No DST (UTC-4)
Internet TLD .pr
Calling code +1  spec. +1-787 and +1-939

Puerto Rico (IPA: /ˌpwertoˈriko/), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Spanish: "Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico" [literally, English: "Associated Free State of Puerto Rico"]), is a semi-autonomous territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands. The territory is composed of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands and keys, the largest of which are Vieques, Culebra, and Mona. The main island of Puerto Rico is the smallest by land area but third largest by population among the four Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico). The Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico is a nonvoting representative of the United States House of Representatives elected by Puerto Ricans every 4 years. ... The Governor of Puerto Rico is the Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. ... Aníbal Salvador Acevedo Vilá (born February 13, 1962) is the eighth and current insular governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a semi-autonomous unincorporated territory of the United States. ... “Sovereign” redirects here. ... This article is about the physical quantity. ... To help compare orders of magnitude of different geographical regions, we list here areas between 1,000 km² and 10,000 km². See also areas of other orders of magnitude. ... This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by area. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ... Map of countries by population for the year 2007 This is a list of countries ordered according to population. ... Population density per square kilometre by country, 2006 Population density map of the world in 1994. ... Population density by country, 2006 List of countries and dependencies by population density in inhabitants/km². The list includes sovereign states and self-governing dependent territories that are recognized by the United Nations. ... PPP of GDP for the countries of the world (2003). ... There are three lists of countries of the world sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year). ... Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head. ... This article includes two lists of countries of the world[1] sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita, the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year divided by the average population for the same year. ... USD redirects here. ... ISO 4217 is the international standard describing three letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ... Timezone and TimeZone redirect here. ... The Atlantic Standard Time Zone (AST) is a geographic region that keeps time by subtracting four hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). ... UTC redirects here. ... Although DST is common in Europe and North America, most of the worlds people do not use it. ... UTC redirects here. ... A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain used and reserved for a country or a dependent territory. ... .pr is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Puerto Rico. ... This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E.164. ... +1 can mean: +1, a jargon term, appearing mostly in Russian blog comments, used to agree with the parent post and show support. ... The area codes (787) and (939) (as an overlay), are the local telephone area codes of Puerto Rico. ... The area code (939) for Puerto Rico, operates as an overlay for the original local (787) telephone area code. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Look up autonomy, autonomous in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... West Indies redirects here. ... The Mergui Archipelago The Archipelago Sea, situated between the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands. ... A cay (also spelled key, but both are pronounced alike as key [IPA: ]) is a small, low island consisting mostly of sand or coral. ... Nickname: Location within Puerto Rico Coordinates: , Country Government  - Mayor Damaso Serrano López Area  - Total 348. ... Flag Seal Nickname: La Isla Chiquita (Little Island), Última Virgen (Last Virgin) Gentilic: Culebrenses Location Location of Culebra, Puerto Rico within Puerto Rico Government Founded October 27, 1880 Mayor Abraham Peña Nieves Political party PNP Senatorial district 8 - Carolina Representative district 36 Geographical characteristics Area Total 30. ... Mona Island redirects here. ... Location of the Greater Antilles (green) in relation to the rest of the Caribbean The islands of the Caribbean Sea, collectively known as the West Indies are sorted by size and location into the Bahamas (or Lucayan archipelago), the Lesser Antilles and the Greater Antilles. ... Early map of Hispaniola Hispaniola (from Spanish, La Española) is the second-largest and most populous island of the Antilles, lying between the islands of Cuba to the west, and Puerto Rico to the east. ...


Puerto Ricans often call the island Borinquen, from Borikén, its indigenous Taíno name.[4][5] The terms boricua and borincano derive from Borikén and Borinquen respectively, and are commonly used to identify someone of Puerto Rican heritage. The island is also popularly known as "La Isla del Encanto", which translated means "The Island of Enchantment." The term indigenous peoples has no universal, standard or fixed definition, but can be used about any ethnic group who inhabit the geographic region with which they have the earliest historical connection. ... For other uses, see Taino (disambiguation). ...

Contents

Geography

Map of Puerto Rico.
Map of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and various smaller islands, including Vieques, Culebra, Mona, Desecheo, and Caja de Muertos. Of the latter five, only Culebra and Vieques are inhabited year-round. Mona is uninhabited most of the year except for employees of the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. There are also many other even smaller islands including Monito and "La Isleta de San Juan" which includes Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra. Location: Image of Puerto Rico taken by NASA. Caribbean, archipelago between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 66 30 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: Total: 9,104 km² Land: 8,959 km² Water: 145... Map of Puerto Rico. ... Map of Puerto Rico. ... Nickname: Location within Puerto Rico Coordinates: , Country Government  - Mayor Damaso Serrano López Area  - Total 348. ... Flag Seal Nickname: La Isla Chiquita (Little Island), Última Virgen (Last Virgin) Gentilic: Culebrenses Location Location of Culebra, Puerto Rico within Puerto Rico Government Founded October 27, 1880 Mayor Abraham Peña Nieves Political party PNP Senatorial district 8 - Carolina Representative district 36 Geographical characteristics Area Total 30. ... Mona Island redirects here. ... Desecheo Island is located 20 km from the west coast of the main island of Puerto Rico, in the northeast of Mona Passage. ... Beach in Caja de Muerto Island Shot Caja de Muerto is an island south of Puerto Rico that is protected by the Federal Reserve of Natural Resourses, because of native turtle traffic. ... Monito Island is an unhabited island about 5 kilometers northwest of Mona Island. ... Main article: San Juan, Puerto Rico Map of Old San Juan. ... Puerta de Terra is a neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico. ...


Puerto Rico has an area of 5,325 sq mi (13,790 km²), of which 3,425 sq mi (8,870 km²) is land and 1,900 sq mi (4,921 km²) is water.[6] The maximum length from east to west, from Punta Puerca to Punta Higuero, is 110 miles (180 km), and the maximum width from north to south, from Isabela to Punta Colón, is 40 miles (64 km).[7] Puerto Rico is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined, but slightly smaller than Connecticut. It is mostly mountainous with large coastal areas in the north and south of the main island. The main mountain range is called "La Cordillera Central" (The Central Range). The highest elevation in Puerto Rico, Cerro de Punta (4,390 feet; 1,338 m),[8] is located in this range. Another important peak is El Yunque, one of the highest in the Sierra de Luquillo at the El Yunque National Forest, with an elevation of 3,494 feet (1,065 m). The capital, San Juan, is located on the main island's north coast. This article is about the U.S. State of Delaware. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Official language(s) none (de facto English) Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport[2] Largest metro area Hartford Metro Area[3] Area  Ranked 48th in the US  - Total 5,543[4] sq mi (14,356 km²)  - Width 70 miles (113 km)  - Length 110 miles (177 km)  - % water 12. ... La Cordillera Central (The Central Mountain ranges) is the main mountainous range in Puerto Rico. ... Cerro de Punta is the highest Peak of Puerto Rico measuring 1,338 meters above sea level. ... This article refers to the mountain, for information on the forest typically called El Yunque see Caribbean National Forest. ... El Yunque National Forest, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, is located on the island of Puerto Rico. ... Not to be confused with capitol. ... For other uses, see San Juan. ...


Geology

Puerto Rico is composed of Cretaceous to Eocene volcanic and plutonic rocks, overlain by younger Oligocene and more recent carbonates and other sedimentary rocks.[citation needed] Most of the caverns and karst topography on the island occurs in the northern region in the carbonates. The oldest rocks are approximately 190 million years old (Jurassic) and are located at Sierra Bermeja in the southwest part of the island. They may represent part of the oceanic crust and are believed to come from the Pacific Ocean realm. // The Cretaceous Period (pronounced ) is one of the major divisions of the geologic timescale, reaching from the end of the Jurassic Period (i. ... hfajhfiudshfas == == == --24. ... This article is about volcanoes in geology. ... In geology an intrusion is usually a body of igneous rock that has crystallized from a molten magma below the surface of the Earth. ... The Oligocene epoch is a geologic period of time that extends from about 34 million to 23 million years before the present. ... Carbonate is an anion with a charge of -2 and an empirical formula of CO32-. An aqueous solution of carbon dioxide contains a minute amount of H2CO3, called carbonic acid, which dissociates to form hydrogen ions and carbonate ions. ... Two types of sedimentary rock: limey shale overlaid by limestone. ... Alternate meanings: Cave (disambiguation) The outside world viewed from a cave A cave is a natural underground void. ... Karst topography occurs when a landscape is marked by underground drainage patterns. ... The Jurassic Period is a major unit of the geologic timescale that extends from about 199. ... Age of oceanic crust Oceanic crust is the part of Earths lithosphere that surfaces in the ocean basins. ...


Puerto Rico lies at the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates and is being deformed by the tectonic stresses caused by their interaction. These stresses may cause earthquakes and tsunamis. These seismic events, along with landslides, represent some of the most dangerous geologic hazards in the island and in the northeastern Caribbean. The most recent major earthquake occurred on October 11, 1918 and had an estimated magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale.[9] It originated off the coast of Aguadilla and was accompanied by a tsunami. Plate has several meanings: A plate electrode in a vacuum tube. ... ... Global earthquake epicenters, 1963–1998. ... For other uses, see Tsunami (disambiguation). ... Seismology (from the Greek seismos = earthquake and logos = word) is the scientific study of earthquakes and the movement of waves through the Earth. ... This article is about geological phenomenon. ... A Geologic Hazard is one of several types of adverse geologic conditions capable of causing damage or loss of property and life. ... Brick house in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico destroyed by the earthquake. ... is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... The Richter magnitude scale, or more correctly local magnitude ML scale, assigns a single number to quantify the amount of seismic energy released by an earthquake. ... Aguadilla is a small beach town in Northwest Puerto Rico. ... For other uses, see Tsunami (disambiguation). ...

Illustration of the Puerto Rico Trench.
Illustration of the Puerto Rico Trench.

The Puerto Rico Trench, the largest and deepest trench in the Atlantic, is located about 75 s (120 km) north of Puerto Rico in the Atlantic Ocean at the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates.[10] It is 1,090 miles (1,754 km) long and about 60 miles (97 km) wide. At its deepest point, named the Milwaukee Deep, it is 27,493 feet (8,380 m) deep, or about 5.2 miles (8.38 km).[10] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1500x1076, 330 KB)Perspective view of the sea floor of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1500x1076, 330 KB)Perspective view of the sea floor of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. ... Location map Puerto Rico trench - USGS The Puerto Rico Trench is an oceanic trench located on the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. ... KM, Km, or km may stand for: Khmer language (ISO 639 alpha-2, km) Kilometre Kinemantra Meditation Knowledge management KM programming language KM Culture, Korean Movie Maker. ... Milwaukee Deep is the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean, with a maximum depth of 28,232 feet (8605 meters) and is part of the Puerto Rico Trench. ...


Climate

Located in the tropics, Puerto Rico enjoys an average temperature of 82.4 °F (28 °C) throughout the year. The temperature does not change drastically with a change in season. The temperature in the south is usually a few degrees higher than the north and temperatures in the central interior mountains are always cooler than the rest of the island. Hurricane season spans June to November. The all-time low in Puerto Rico has been 40 °F (4 °C), registered in Aibonito.[citation needed] A noontime scene from the Philippines on a day when the Sun is almost directly overhead. ... ... Aibonito is a small mountain town in Puerto Rico. ...


Puerto Rico has 17 lakes, all man-made,[11] and more than 50 rivers, most originating in the Cordillera Central. Rivers in the northern region of the island are typically longer and of higher water flow rates than those of the south, since the south receives less rain than the central and northern regions. For other uses, see Lake (disambiguation). ... This is a list of rivers in the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico Aibonito River Añasco Big River Angeles River Anasco Big River Anon River Anton Ruiz River Apeadero River Arecibo Big River Arenas River Arroyata River Bairoa River Barbas River Barranquitas River Bauta River Bayagan River Blanco... In fluid dynamics, the volumetric flow rate, also volume flow rate and rate of fluid flow, is the volume of fluid which passes through a given volume per unit time (for example gallons per minute or squeaks per parsec). ...


Fauna

Main article: Fauna of Puerto Rico

Species endemic to the archipelago are 239 plants, 16 birds and 39 amphibians/reptiles, recognized as of 1998. Most of these (234, 12 and 33 respectively) are found on the main island.[12] The most recognizable endemic species and a symbol of Puerto Rican pride is the Coquí, a small frog easily identified by the sound of its call, and from which it gets its name. Most Coquí species (13 of 17) live in the El Yunque National Forest, a tropical rainforest in the northeast of the island previously known as the Caribbean National Forest. El Yunque is home to more than 240 plants, 26 of which are endemic to the island. It is also home to 50 bird species, including one on the top 10 endangered birds in the world, the Puerto Rican Amazon. Across the island in the southwest, the 10,000 acres (40 km²) of dry land at the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve contain over 600 uncommon species of plants and animals, including 48 endangered species and 16 endemic to Puerto Rico. A Common Coquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui), arguably the most recognizable species of Puerto Ricos fauna The fauna of Puerto Rico is similar to other island archipelago faunas, with high endemism, and low, skewed taxonomic diversity. ... In biology and ecology endemic means exclusively native to a place or biota, in contrast to cosmopolitan or introduced. ... For other uses, see Plant (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Bird (disambiguation). ... ‹ The template below (Citations missing) is being considered for deletion. ... Reptilia redirects here. ... Species See text Coquí is the common name for several species of small frogs native to the archipelago of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, onomatopoeically named for the loud sound (sometimes reaching as high as 100 dB) the males make at night. ... El Yunque National Forest, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, is located on the island of Puerto Rico. ... Tropic wet forests in the World Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, also known as tropical wet forests, are a tropical and subtropical forest biome. ... Yunque waterfall The Caribbean National Forest located in the island of Puerto Rico, and commonly known as El Yunque (named after the Taino Indian spirit Yuquiyú, and meaning Forest of Clouds) is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forrest System. ... The Siberian Tiger is a subspecies of tiger that are critically endangered. ... Binomial name Boddaert, 1783 Subspecies A. v. ...


History

Puerto Rico The history of Puerto Rico began with the settlement of the archipelago of Puerto Rico by the Ortoiroid people between 3000 and 2000 BC. Other tribes, such as the Saladoid and Arawak Indians, populated the island between 430 BC and 1000 AD. At the time of Christopher Columbus...

Pre-Columbian era

Taíno Village at the Tibes Ceremonial Center
Taíno Village at the Tibes Ceremonial Center

The history of the archipelago of Puerto Rico (Spanish for "Rich Port") before the arrival of Christopher Columbus is not well known. What is known today comes from archaeological findings and from early Spanish accounts. The first comprehensive book on the history of Puerto Rico was written by Fray Iñigo Abbad y Lasierra in 1786, 293 years after the first Spaniards arrived on the island.[13] Image File history File links Taino_Village. ... Image File history File links Taino_Village. ... Christopher Columbus (1451 – May 20, 1506) was a navigator, colonizer, and explorer and one of the first Europeans to explore the Americas after the Vikings. ... Viage a la América Fray Iñigo Abbad y Lasierra (1745 - 1813), born in Estadilla, Spain, was a Benedictian monk and the first historian to extensively document Puerto Ricos history, nationality and culture. ...


The first settlers were the Ortoiroid people, an Archaic Period culture of Amerindian hunters and fishermen. An archaeological dig in the island of Vieques in 1990 found the remains of what is believed to be an Arcaico (Archaic) man (named Puerto Ferro man) dated to around 2000 BC. Between AD 120 and 400, the Igneri, a tribe from the South American Orinoco region, arrived. Between the 4th and 10th centuries, the Arcaicos and Igneri co-existed (and perhaps clashed) on the island. Between the 7th and 11th century the Taíno culture developed on the island, and by approximately 1000 AD had become dominant. This lasted until Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492.[14][15] The Ortoiroid people are first human settlers of the Caribbean. ... In the sequence of North American pre-Columbian cultural stages first proposed by Gordon Willey and Philip Phillips in 1958, the Archaic period was the second period of human occupation in the Americas, from around 8000 BC to 1000 BC although as its ending is defined by the adoption of... For other uses, see Native Americans (disambiguation). ... This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... For other uses, see Orinoco (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Taino (disambiguation). ... Christopher Columbus (1451 – May 20, 1506) was a navigator, colonizer, and explorer and one of the first Europeans to explore the Americas after the Vikings. ...


Spanish colony

When Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico during his second voyage on November 19, 1493, the island was inhabited by a group of Arawak Indians known as Taínos. They called the island "Borikén" or, in Spanish, "Borinquen".[16] Columbus named the island San Juan Bautista, in honor of Saint John the Baptist. Later the island took the name of Puerto Rico while the capital was named San Juan. In 1508, Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León became the island's first governor to take office.[17] Christopher Columbus (1451 – May 20, 1506) was a navigator, colonizer, and explorer and one of the first Europeans to explore the Americas after the Vikings. ... is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1493 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Arowak woman (John Gabriel Stedman) The term Arawak (from aru, the Lokono word for cassava flour), was used to designate the Amerindians encountered by the Spanish in the West Indies. ... Native Americans (also Indians, Aboriginal Peoples, American Indians, First Nations, Alaskan Natives, or Indigenous Peoples of America) are the indigenous inhabitants of The Americas prior to the European colonization, and their modern descendants. ... For other uses, see Taino (disambiguation). ... For the hip-hop producer with the same name, see John the Baptist (producer). ... For other uses, see San Juan. ... A Conquistador (Spanish: []) (English: Conqueror) was a Spanish soldier, explorer and adventurer who took part in the gradual invasion and conquering of much of the Americas and Asia Pacific, bringing them under Spanish colonial rule between the 15th and 19th centuries. ... Juan Ponce de León (c. ... Since 1949, the Governor of Puerto Rico is elected by the people of Puerto Rico to a four year term. ...

Garita at fort San Felipe del Morro
Garita at fort San Felipe del Morro

The Spanish soon colonized the island. Taínos were forced into slavery and were decimated by the harsh conditions of work and by diseases brought by the Spaniards. In 1494, The Spanish were attacked, but survived and won the battle.[citation needed] African slaves were introduced to replace the Indians. Puerto Rico soon became an important stronghold and port for the Spanish Empire. During the late 17th and early 18th centuries colonial emphasis was on the more prosperous mainland territories, leaving the island impoverished of settlers. By the early 18th century there were less than 10,000 Taíno Indians, who primarily inhabited the central mountainous region (Las Cordillas), the areas currently consisting of the municipalities of Orocovis, Morovis, Ciales, and Corozal. Sentinel Station - El Morro Castle File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Sentinel Station - El Morro Castle File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Guerite at Fort de Chartres Garita at El Cañuelo A guerite is a type of sentry box. ... An anachronous map of the overseas Spanish Empire (1492-1898) in red, and the Spanish Habsburg realms in Europe (1516-1714) in orange. ... Slave redirects here. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... An anachronous map of the overseas Spanish Empire (1492-1898) in red, and the Spanish Habsburg realms in Europe (1516-1714) in orange. ... For other uses, see Taino (disambiguation). ... Image:Orocovis seal. ... Image:Morovis seal. ... Image:Corozal seal. ...


Various forts and walls were built over the centuries to protect the port of San Juan from European enemies — such as La Fortaleza, El Castillo San Felipe del Morro and El Castillo de San Cristóbal. France, The Netherlands and England made several attempts to capture Puerto Rico but failed to wrest long-term occupancy. La Fortaleza (or The Fortress in English) is the current residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. ... Aerial view of El Morro. ... The Castillo de San Cristóbal is a Spanish fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. ... Motto: Je Maintiendrai (Dutch: Ik zal handhaven, English: I Shall Uphold) Anthem: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe Capital Amsterdam1 Largest city Amsterdam Official language(s) Dutch2 Government Parliamentary democracy Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Beatrix  - Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende Independence Eighty Years War   - Declared July 26, 1581   - Recognised January 30, 1648 (by Spain... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ...


In 1809 a populist assembly based in Cádiz recognized Puerto Rico as an overseas province of Spain with the right to send representatives to the Spanish Court. The representative, Ramon Power y Giralt, died soon after arriving in Spain. These constitutional reforms were reversed soon afterwards when autocratic monarchy was restored. Nineteenth century reforms augmented the population and economy, and expanded the local character of the island. After the rapid gaining of independence by the South and Central American states in the first part of the century, Puerto Rico and Cuba became the sole New World remnants of the large Spanish empire. Location Location of Cádiz Coordinates : Time Zone : General information Native name Cádiz (Spanish) Spanish name Cádiz Postal code – Website http://www. ... The Cortes Generales (English: General Courts) is the Spanish legislature. ... Admiral Ramon Power y Giralt Admiral Ramon Power y Giralt (October 21, 1775 - June 10, 1813 born in San Juan, Puerto Rico), was, according to Puerto Rican historian Lidio Cruz Monclova, among the first native born Puerto Ricans to refer to himself as a Puerto Rican and to fight for... For other uses, see Central America (disambiguation). ...

The Original Lares Revolutionary Flag.
The Original Lares Revolutionary Flag.

Toward the end of the 19th century, poverty and political estrangement with Spain led to a small but significant uprising in 1868 known as "Grito de Lares". It began in the rural town of Lares but was easily and quickly crushed when rebels moved to the neighboring town of San Sebastián. Leaders of this independence movement included Ramón Emeterio Betances, considered the "father" of the Puerto Rican nation, and other political figures such as Segundo Ruiz Belvis. In 1897, Luis Muñoz Rivera and others persuaded the liberal Spanish government to agree to Charters of Autonomy for Cuba and Puerto Rico. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Roman Catholic Church of Lares and Monument to the Grito at the Plaza de la Revolución El Grito de Lares (The Cry of Lares)—also referred as the Lares uprising, the Lares revolt, Lares rebellion or even Lares Revolution—was the revolt against Spanish rule in Puerto Rico on... Lares (pl. ... San Sebastián is a municipality of Puerto Rico. ... Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán (April 8, 1827 – September 16, 1898) was a Puerto Rican nationalist. ... Segundo Ruiz Belvis (May 13, 1829 – November 3, 1867) born in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico was a dedicated abolisionist who also fought for Puerto Ricos right to independence. ... Luis Muñoz Rivera Luis Muñoz Rivera (July 17, 1859 - November 15, 1916) was a poet, journalist and a politician from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico. ...


In 1898, Puerto Rico's first, but short-lived, autonomous government was organized as an 'overseas province' of Spain. The charter maintained a governor appointed by Spain, which held the power to annul any legislative decision, and a partially elected parliamentary structure. In February, Governor-General Manuel Macías inaugurated the new government under the Autonomous Charter, which gave town councils complete autonomy in local matters. Subsequently, the governor had no authority to intervene in civil and political matters unless authorized to do so by the Cabinet. General elections were held in March and the autonomous government began to function on 17 July 1898.[18][19][20] is the 198th day of the year (199th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ...


Under United States sovereignty

On July 25, 1898 during the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was invaded by the United States with a landing at Guánica. As an outcome of the war, Spain ceded Puerto Rico, along with Cuba, the Philippines, and Guam to the U.S. under the Treaty of Paris.[21] Puerto Rico began the 20th century under the military rule of the U.S. with officials, including the governor, appointed by the President of the United States. The Foraker Act of 1900 had given Puerto Rico a certain amount of popular government, including a popularly-elected House of Representatives. By 1917, the Jones-Shafroth Act granted Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship - which they still hold — and provided for a popularly-elected Senate to complete a popularly-elected bicameral Legislative Assembly. Until the first gubernatorial election in 1948, the Presidency of the Senate and the Resident Commissioner seat in Congress were held by Puerto Rico's top politicians. is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Combatants United States Republic of Cuba Philippine Republic Kingdom of Spain Commanders Nelson A. Miles William R. Shafter George Dewey Máximo Gómez Emilio Aguinaldo Patricio Montojo Pascual Cervera Arsenio Linares Ramón Blanco Casualties 3,289 U.S. dead (432 from combat); considerably higher although undetermined Cuban and... Guánica is a municipality in southwestern Puerto Rico consisting of a land area of 37. ... The Treaty of Paris of 1898, signed on December 10, 1898, ended the Spanish-American War. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... The Foraker Act, also known as the Organic Act of 1900, established civilian government on the island of Puerto Rico newly acquired by the United States as a result of the Spanish-American War. ... This act applies to the grant of citizenship to all citizens of Puerto Rico. ... // Possession of Citizenship U.S. citizens have the right to participate in the political system of the United States (with reservations for prisoners, ex-prisoners, and naturalized persons), are represented and protected abroad by the United States (through U.S. embassies and consulates), and are allowed to reside in the...


Many Puerto Ricans served in the United States Armed Forces beginning in World War I. Natural disasters, including a major earthquake, a tsunami (1918 Puerto Rico earthquake) and several hurricanes, and the Great Depression impoverished the island during the first few decades under American rule. Some political leaders demanded change; some, like Pedro Albizu Campos, led a nationalist movement in favor of independence (the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party). Albizu-Campos and other nationalists lead a revolt against the United States (known as The Jayuya Uprising). The revolt took place on October 30, 1950, in the town of Jayuya, and went on for three days. The United States declared martial law in Puerto Rico and sent the Puerto Rico National Guard to attack Jayuya. The town was attacked by land with infantry and artillery and by bombers of the U.S. Air Force. Don Pedro Albizu Campos served many years in a federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia, for seditious conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government in Puerto Rico.[22] Luis Muñoz Marín initially favored independence, but saw a severe decline of the Puerto Rican economy and growing violence and uprisings, and opted to support the "commonwealth" option instead like some predecessors. The armed forces of the United States of America consist of the United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Coast Guard Note: The United States Coast Guard has both military and law enforcement functions. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... This article is about the natural seismic phenomenon. ... For other uses, see Tsunami (disambiguation). ... Brick house in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico destroyed by the earthquake. ... This article is about weather phenomena. ... For other uses, see The Great Depression (disambiguation). ... Pedro Albizu Campos Pedro Albizu Campos (September 12, 1891 – April 21, 1965) born in Tenerías Village in Ponce, Puerto Rico was the son of Alejandro Albizu and Juana Campos. ... Eugène Delacroixs Liberty Leading the People, symbolizing French nationalism during the July Revolution 1830. ... The Puerto Rican Nationalist Party was first organized on September 17, 1922. ... The Jayuya Uprising, also known as the Jayuya Revolt or El Grito de Jayuya, refers to the revolt against the Government of the United States in Puerto Rico which occured on October 30, 1950 in the town of Jayuya, Puerto Rico. ... is the 303rd day of the year (304th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jayuya is a municipality of Puerto Rico named after the Taino Cacique Hayuya. ... For other uses, see Martial law (disambiguation). ... The United States National Guard is a reserve forces component of the United States Army (the Army National Guard) and the United States Air Force (the Air National Guard). ... Atlanta redirects here. ... For the airport of the same name, see Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. ...


The internal governance changed during the latter years of the RooseveltTruman administrations, as a form of compromise led by Muñoz Marín and others. It culminated with the appointment by President Truman in 1946 of the first Puerto Rican-born governor, Jesus T. Piñero. In 1947, the U.S. granted the right to democratically elect the governor of Puerto Rico. Muñoz Marín became the first elected governor in the 1948 general elections, and served for 16 years, until 1964. FDR redirects here. ... For other persons named Harry Truman, see Harry Truman (disambiguation). ... Order: 1st Puerto Rican to be appointed governor by the government of the United States Term of Office: 1946–1949 Predecessor: Rexford Guy Tugwell Successor: Luis Muñoz Marín (1949) Date of Birth: April 6, 1897 Date of Death: November 16, 1952 Place of Birth: Carolina, Puerto Rico Profession... The Governor of Puerto Rico is the Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. ...


On November 1, 1950, Puerto Rican nationalists Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo attempted to assassinate President Harry S Truman. That year, the Truman Administration allowed for a democratic referendum in Puerto Rico whether Puerto Ricans desired to draft their local constitution.[23] A local constitution was approved by a Constitutional Convention on February 6, 1952, approved by Congress and President Truman on July 3 of that year and proclaimed by Gov. Muñoz Marín on July 25, 1952, the anniversary of the 1898 arrival of U.S. troops. Puerto Rico adopted the name of Estado Libre Asociado (literally translated as "Free Associated State"), officially translated into English as Commonwealth, for its body politic, the name customarily used to denote the current relationship with the U.S.[24][25] During the 1950s Puerto Rico experienced rapid industrialization, due in large part to Operación Manos a la Obra ("Operation Bootstrap"), an offshoot of FDR's New Deal, which aimed to transform Puerto Rico's economy from agriculture-based to manufacturing-based. is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Griselio Torresola (1925 – November 1, 1950) born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, was one of two Puerto Rican Nationalists who attempted to assassinate United States President Harry Truman. ... Oscar Collazo (1914 – February 21, 1994) born in Florida, Puerto Rico, was one of two Puerto Ricans who attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman. ... The assassination attempt on Harry S. Truman occurred on November 1, 1950. ... For the victim of Mt. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A referendum (plural referendums or referenda), ballot question, or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is the controlling government document of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico at the Commonwealth level. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1952 (MCMLII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... In the terminology of the United States insular areas, a Commonwealth is an organized territory or colony that has established with the Federal Government a more highly developed relationship, which may be embodied in a written mutual agreement. ... Body politic or body corporate and politic means a state or one of its subordinate civil authorities, such as a: province prefecture county municipality city district etc. ... Operation Bootstrap (Operación Manos a la Obra) is the name given to the ambitious projects which industrialized Puerto Rico in the mid-20th century. ...


Now Puerto Rico has become a major tourist destination and a leading pharmaceutical and manufacturing center. Yet it still struggles to define its political status. Three locally-authorized plebiscites have been held in recent decades to decide whether Puerto Rico should pursue independence, enhanced commonwealth status, or statehood. The relationship with the U.S. has remained unchanged due to narrow victories by commonwealth supporters over statehood advocates in the first two plebiscites, and an unacceptable definition of commonwealth by the pro-statehood leadership on the ballots in the third. In the latest status referendum of 1998, the "none of the above" option won over Statehood, a rejection by Commonwealthers of the definition of their status on the ballots, with 50.2% of the votes. Support for the pro-statehood party, Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) and the pro-commonwealth party, Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) remains about equal. The only registered pro-independence party, the Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP), usually receives 3-5% of the electoral votes, though there are several smaller independence groups like the Partido Nacionalista de Puerto Rico ("Puerto Rican Nationalist Party"), el Movimiento Independentista Nacional Hostosiano ("National Hostosian Independence Movement"), and the Macheteros - Ejercito Popular Boricua ("Boricua Popular Army"). The New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico —or Partido Nuevo Progresista de Puerto Rico (PNP) in Spanish— is a political party that campaigns for Puerto Rico to become a state of the United States. ... The Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico —or Partido Popular Democrático de Puerto Rico (PPD) in Spanish— is a political party that stands for Puerto Rico to be a free associated state of the United States, which is also known as a commonwealth status. ... The Puerto Rican Independence Party (Spanish: Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño, PIP) is a Puerto Rican political party that campaigns for the independence of Puerto Rico from the United States. ... Ejercito Popular Boricua logo. ...


On 25 October 2006, the Puerto Rico State Department conferred Puerto Rican Citizenship to Juan Mari Brás[26] . The Puerto Rico Supreme Court and the Puerto Rican Secretary of Justice determined that the Puerto Rican citizenship exists and was recognized in the Constitution of Puerto Rico, as in the Insular Cases (Casos Insulares in Spanish) of 1901 through 1922 of the U.S. Supreme Court. Since the summer of 2007, the Puerto Rico State Department has developed the protocol to grant the Puerto Rican citizenship to Puerto Ricans.[27] is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Juan Mari Brás (born December 2, 1925 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican independence advocate who founded the Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP). ... The Insular Cases are several U.S. Supreme Court cases decided early in the 20th century. ... The Supreme Court of the United States (sometimes colloquially referred to by the acronym SCOTUS[1]) is the highest judicial body in the United States and leads the federal judiciary. ...


Demographics

Demographic distribution

Whites redirects here. ... An African American (also Afro-American, Black American, or simply black) is a member of an ethnic group in the United States whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Africa. ... Note that this classification is now considered incorrect and should not be used in everyday writing. ... Alaskan Natives are Aboriginal Americans who live in Alaska. ... Asian people[1] is a demonym for people from Asia. ... In April of 1990, Daniel K. Akaka became the first native Hawaiian and Chinese American to serve in the United States Congress as a Senator from the State of Hawaii. ... Pacific Islands (or Pacific Person, pl: Pacific People, also called Oceanic[s]), is a geographic term used in several places, such as New Zealand and the United States, to describe the inhabitants of any of the three major sub-regions of Oceania. ... The population of the island of Puerto Rico has been shaped by Native settlers, European colonization, slavery, economic migration, and Puerto Ricos status as a United States Commonwealth. ...

Population and racial makeup

During the 1800s hundreds of Corsican, French, Lebanese, Chinese, and Portuguese families arrived in Puerto Rico, along with large numbers of immigrants from Spain (mainly from Catalonia, Asturias, Galicia, the Balearic Islands, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands) and numerous Spanish loyalists from Spain's former colonies in South America. Other settlers included Irish, Scots, Germans, Italians and thousands others who were granted land by Spain during the Real Cedula de Gracias de 1815 ("Royal Decree of Graces of 1815"), which allowed European Catholics to settle in the island with a certain amount of free land. This mass immigration during the 19th century helped the population grow from 155,000 in 1800 to almost a million at the close of the century. A census conducted by royal decree on S