Puerto Rico Geography, Politics, and Culture

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is considered an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. It is an island with the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea surrounding it. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people, Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Puerto Ricans have been American citizens since 1917; however, they do not have a vote in Congress or in Presidential elections.

Puerto Rico has a tropical rainforest climate, as well as sandy beaches along the coast. Tourism has been a very important part of its economy, although recently devastated by Hurricane Maria. Modern Puerto Rican culture is a mix of European, African, North, and South American influences. The official languages are Spanish and English and Catholicism, the dominant religion.