Places / North & Central America / United States
Puerto Rico
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Caribbean
- Capital
- San Juan
- Population
- 3.2 million (2024)
- Area
- 8,870 km²
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +1
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Before you go
Overview
Puerto Rico is a self-governing territory of the United States in the north-eastern Caribbean. Its residents are US citizens, and Spanish and English are both official languages.
History
The Taíno people lived on the island before Spain colonised it in 1493. Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States in 1898.
Food & culture
Mofongo (mashed plantains), arroz con gandules and lechón asado are national dishes.
Wildlife
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, and the coquí frog is a national symbol.
Festivals & events
The San Sebastián Street Festival in Old San Juan in January is the biggest party of the year.
Things to see
Old San Juan, El Yunque, the bioluminescent bays of Vieques and Fajardo, and Culebra's Flamenco Beach.
Interesting facts
Mosquito Bay on Vieques is often called the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
Neighbours
No land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Puerto Rico
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.