Puerto Rico, like so many other countries in the Caribbean, is characterized by foreign influences. This is where Spanish and American culture dominate. Magnificent colonial palaces are crowded next to glittering shopping malls. Spanish and American are heard everywhere – but usually in the form of something the Puerto Ricans themselves call “Spanglish”. Underwater life is as varied as on land. A number of fish species – one more colorful than the other – live in harmony with each other between the corals.
Population: 3.6 million
Capital: San Juan
Language: Spanish
- Since Puerto Rico still belongs to the United States, the United States’ only rainforest is right here.
- the world’s largest telescope is here. It is 305 m in diameter and has contributed a lot of new knowledge about our galaxy.
Geography of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the easternmost point of the Greater Antilles. The archipelago, which is the smallest in the Greater Antilles, consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands and skerries. Puerto Rico is a so-called sanctuary under the United States but has its own government with a governor at the helm. Puerto Ricans are US citizens but may not vote in presidential elections or influence other political decisions in the United States.
Puerto Rico’s landscape is dominated by a mountain range that runs through the entire island from east to west with the highest point in Cerro de Punta at 1,388 m. Several small rivers flow down from the inactive volcanoes and nourish the soil used for growing sugar cane, coffee and tobacco. The watercourses eventually end up on the sandy beaches that run largely around the entire island. The climate is tropical with an average temperature of 28 degrees with only a few variations during the year. The northern side of the mountain range receives quite a lot of precipitation, especially from May to October, while the area south of the mountains is very dry. Between June and November, hurricanes are not an uncommon phenomenon.
History of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s nearly four million people are of African, European, and Native American descent. These different peoples are so intertwined that it is not possible to speak of different ethnic groups, but rather of a united Puerto Rican people. The native Indians of Puerto Rico, who inhabited the island for centuries, were first joined by Europeans in 1493 when Columbus passed by on his second voyage. The foundation stone for the capital San Juan was laid in 1508 and today the city can take the honor of being the oldest in the United States. The Indians were replaced by Spaniards and African slaves as the island’s rainforest was cleared in favor of land and plantations. In addition to growing sugar cane on the island, the Spanish colonial masters also established strong fortifications. Puerto Rico’s strategic location made the island interesting for both French, Dutch and British conquerors – however, the country remained Spanish. One of these impregnable fortresses, La Fortaleza in San Juan – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well worth a visit. Puerto Rico’s strong fortifications lasted until 1898, when the island fell into American hands after a three-and-a-half-month battle in the Spanish-American War. During the first decade as an American colony, Puerto Rico was ruled with a rigid hand from the mainland, but in 1952 the island gained full autonomy, though still as a sanctuary under the United States. Since then, there has been disagreement among the population as to whether but should be admitted as a state in the United States, have full independence or maintain the status quo. Puerto Rico’s strong fortifications lasted until 1898, when the island fell into American hands after a three-and-a-half-month battle in the Spanish-American War. During the first decade as an American colony, Puerto Rico was ruled with a rigid hand from the mainland, but in 1952 the island gained full autonomy, though still as a sanctuary under the United States. Since then, there has been disagreement among the population as to whether but should be admitted as a state in the United States, have full independence or maintain the status quo. Puerto Rico’s strong fortifications lasted until 1898, when the island fell into American hands after a three-and-a-half-month battle in the Spanish-American War. During the first decade as an American colony, Puerto Rico was ruled with a rigid hand from the mainland, but in 1952 the island gained full autonomy, though still as a sanctuary under the United States. Since then, there has been disagreement among the population as to whether but should be admitted as a state in the United States, have full independence or maintain the status quo.
Puerto Rico attractions
Most trips to Puerto Rico start for natural reasons in the capital San Juan. The city is filled to the brim with colonial houses in bright colors and balconies that abound in glorious floral splendor. The atmosphere in the old town with its narrow cobbled streets and Spanish architecture is completely unique – and very Spanish. At the same time, San Juan is a modern city with lots of opportunities for fun and shopping. Among the city’s exciting attractions is the cathedral, the Catedral de San Juan, with the tomb of the conqueror Juan Ponce de Leon, his house Casa Blanda, the large fort that is dramatically located at the far end of a headland. Here is also the Bacardi distillery where you can follow the production of the famous Bacardi rum. A vacation in Puerto Rico does not have to be just about cities and colonial history. One of Puerto Rico’s absolute highlights in terms of magnificent scenery is El Yunque National Park. The National Park is the only rainforest in the United States and contains three quarters of Puerto Rico’s rainforest. Some of the park’s trees are over 1,000 years old and between these live several completely unique animal species that are not found anywhere else in the world. One of these is the little coqui frog that is recognizable in the distance by its loud, croaking sounds. Here you can also experience the green Puerto Rican Amazon, which is one of the world’s rarest birds. However, it takes a certain amount of luck to be able to see one of the only 30 copies left. The indigenous people of Puerto Rico, the Taino Indians, believed that the area was inhabited by the god of good fortune. After a walk along the winding paths of the national park and a dip under the roaring waterfalls surrounded by orchids, one is inclined to agree with them. Another inviting destination during a trip to Puerto Rico is the beautiful, white palm-fringed beaches and the gentle Caribbean waves that attract bathers, divers and other water sports enthusiasts.
