geography
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean archipelago which lies at the easternmost end of the Greater Antilles. To its north lies the Atlantic ocean and to its south is the Caribbean Basin. The nation also incorporates the three smaller islands of Culebra, Vieques, and Mona. There are many nature preserves throughout the island despite its primarily urban landscape. The entire land mass totals 3,427 square miles.
Much of the island is dominated by the rugged mountainous terrain of Cordillera Central which is situated in between a dry southern plain and a coastal northern plain. Industrialization has replaced agriculture in the once fertile areas.
Its tropical climate has moderate temperatures and trade winds throughout the year with a pronounced rainy season from April to November. The influence of the hurricane season can be seen as the Spanish word huracan is thought to come from the indigenous Taino's word for the natural force, the juracan.
Much of the island is dominated by the rugged mountainous terrain of Cordillera Central which is situated in between a dry southern plain and a coastal northern plain. Industrialization has replaced agriculture in the once fertile areas.
Its tropical climate has moderate temperatures and trade winds throughout the year with a pronounced rainy season from April to November. The influence of the hurricane season can be seen as the Spanish word huracan is thought to come from the indigenous Taino's word for the natural force, the juracan.
brief history
Puerto Rico has a rich history beginning with the Taino Indians who called their island home Tierra del Alto Senor, or the Land of the Noble Lord. European domination started with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. The island was dubbed San Juan Bautista at first but was changed in 1508 when Juan Ponce De Lone became governor and called it Puerto Rico or "Rich Port" after its major harbor. The Taino's population was decimated throughout this time and its remaining members became enslaved or fled to the highlands. Slavery from Africa was introduced and added to the diversity of the island population.
Due to its strategic position, Puerto Rico has always been dominated by larger forces from the 400 year rule by the Spanish to its acquisition in 1898 by the United States following the Spanish American War. At that time Puerto Rico was placed under US military jurisdiction. The next fifty years saw exploitation and impoverishment of the island and repeated attempts at revolution. In answer to the unrest, the country was granted the right to adopt their own constitution and organize local government in 1952. Puerto Rico adopted the name of Estado Libre Asociado or "Free Associated State" and became the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Leadership comes from both the president of the United States, which Puerto Ricans cannot vote for, and a self elected governor. In November of this year a referendum on the possibility of Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state was held where over half of the respondents voted to reject the current US status and a greater percentage when questioned favored statehood as the an alternative status. At this time, most aspects of government are directed by the United States, including public health which is of primary interest to this website.
Due to its strategic position, Puerto Rico has always been dominated by larger forces from the 400 year rule by the Spanish to its acquisition in 1898 by the United States following the Spanish American War. At that time Puerto Rico was placed under US military jurisdiction. The next fifty years saw exploitation and impoverishment of the island and repeated attempts at revolution. In answer to the unrest, the country was granted the right to adopt their own constitution and organize local government in 1952. Puerto Rico adopted the name of Estado Libre Asociado or "Free Associated State" and became the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Leadership comes from both the president of the United States, which Puerto Ricans cannot vote for, and a self elected governor. In November of this year a referendum on the possibility of Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state was held where over half of the respondents voted to reject the current US status and a greater percentage when questioned favored statehood as the an alternative status. At this time, most aspects of government are directed by the United States, including public health which is of primary interest to this website.
people
A snapshot of Puerto Rico shows the total population of Puerto Rico in 2011 was 3.75 million people with 98.91% living in an urban population. The life expectancy is 79.07 years which is similar to the United States. Eighty five percent of the population consider themselves Roman Catholic. Family is extremely important as a core unit and extended support. Children are taught the notion of respect or respeto which is highly valued in their culture.
From the times of Columbus, Puerto Ricans have developed a unique cultural make up. Interracial relations between the Taino Indians and Spanish were common and the long era of slavery brought Africans into the fold. In 1815, the Spanish Crown in an effort to keep Puerto Rico from gaining its independence, printed a decree offering commercial ties and free land in Puerto Rico to neighboring European countries ushering in a wave of immigration of non-Spanish European families. Neighboring Caribbean peoples have also migrated to the island most notably the influx of Cubans during the 1959 revolution. At this time Puerto Ricans describe themselves as a mixture of Taino, Spanish and African.
Spanish is primarily spoken throughout the country despite previous efforts by the United States to promote bi-linguialism or dispel the language altogether. Puerto Ricans are proud of their heritage and their unique blend of Spanish with Taino and African influences is a part of their national identity.
From the times of Columbus, Puerto Ricans have developed a unique cultural make up. Interracial relations between the Taino Indians and Spanish were common and the long era of slavery brought Africans into the fold. In 1815, the Spanish Crown in an effort to keep Puerto Rico from gaining its independence, printed a decree offering commercial ties and free land in Puerto Rico to neighboring European countries ushering in a wave of immigration of non-Spanish European families. Neighboring Caribbean peoples have also migrated to the island most notably the influx of Cubans during the 1959 revolution. At this time Puerto Ricans describe themselves as a mixture of Taino, Spanish and African.
Spanish is primarily spoken throughout the country despite previous efforts by the United States to promote bi-linguialism or dispel the language altogether. Puerto Ricans are proud of their heritage and their unique blend of Spanish with Taino and African influences is a part of their national identity.