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Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the vibrant island of Puerto Rico is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and natural wonders. Apart from its stunning beaches and year-round sunshine, there’s more to Puerto Rico that draws visitors from far and wide. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves learning everything about your next destination, here are some fun facts about Puerto Rico to capture your undivided attention! It Isn’t a State, But Puerto Ricans Are Americans Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning that while it is self-governing, it is still subject to U.S. jurisdiction. All Puerto Rican residents are granted citizenship by birth and American passports. They can travel to the American mainland as well. Luckily, American citizens can also travel to the islands without a passport. Despite their birthright citizenship, Puerto Ricans don’t share the same rights as Americans; they can’t vote in the Presidential or Vice-Presidential elections. Yet, Puerto Ricans can have dual citizenship (Puerto Rican and U.S.), provided they were either born on the island or have one parent who was born on the island. It Isn’t the Archipelago Puerto Rico is easily mistaken to be a single island when, in fact, it is an archipelago of many islands. While Puerto Rico is the main island, with the capital San Juan, the other islands include Vieques – seven miles off Puerto Rico’s east coast; Culebra – 16 miles from Puerto Rico or nine miles to the north of Vieques; and other uninhabited islands. Island of Enchantment: Unveiling Puerto Rico’s Nickname Thanks to its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Puerto Rico is often called “La Isla del Encanto” (The Island of Enchantment). The lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and breathtaking mountains are a sight to behold. The Glory of San Juan Old San Juan, a historic district in Puerto Rico’s capital city, features colorful colonial buildings dating back to the 16th century. Its cobblestone streets add charm to its narrow alleyways. The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in San Juan, initially established in 1521, is the oldest church under the U.S. flag. Other historic landmarks in San Juan include the museum, Casa Blanca – the oldest residence in San Juan (originally built for Juan Ponce de León), Castillo San Cristóbal – a 27-acre fortress, and Castillo San Felipe del Morro – one of the most extensive fortifications built in the Caribbean 16th century. Puerto Rico’s Glowing Waters: A Bioluminescent Marvel Fancy a swim in glowing waters at night? Puerto Rico is home to several bioluminescent bays, such as Mosquito Bay in Vieques, where microorganisms called dinoflagellates in the water have a glowing effect when disturbed by touch or movement. Other bioluminescent bays include Laguna Grande near Fajardo on mainland PR and La Parguera near Lajas. The Birthplace of Piña Colada If you’re a Piña Colada lover, you have Puerto Rico to thank for it. This famous cocktail was reportedly created here in the 1950s. While the exact origin is hotly debated, it is mostly agreed that the drink was created in San Juan. El Yunque: A Rainforest U.S. National Treasure Prepare to be amazed when you visit the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The El Yunque is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. It’s called a rainforest for a reason; the area around the El Yunque National Forest receives up to 200 inches of rain per year, placing it among the wettest places in the inhabited world. That’s not all; the Yokahú Tower in El Yunque offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Caribbean. World’s Largest Telescope Once Lived Here Until its collapse in 2020, the Arecibo Observatory housed the world’s largest single-aperture radio telescope. The telescope appeared in films like “Golden Eye” and was used for decades to study distant planets and asteroids and explore our atmosphere, among other things. It could also detect radio waves and faint pulses emitted from objects in space. Unfortunately, the telescope was decommissioned for safety reasons after its collapse in 2020. A Festival for Every Occasion: Puerto Rico’s Vibrant Celebrations Puerto Rico has one of the longest Christmas seasons, culminating in the celebration of Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes) on January 6. With Puerto Ricans celebrating numerous festivals throughout the year, other notable festivals include Carnival in Ponce and Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. The Flavor of Puerto Rico: Local Culinary Delights Puerto Rican cuisine includes dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains), arroz can gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and lechón (roast pig). Arroz can gandules is also the national dish of Puerto Rico. It’s commonly consumed on Christmas Eve and found at restaurants at any time of the year. The dish’s distinctive crunch of pigeon peas has its flavors elevated by salted pork and sofrito. Casa Bacardi The world-famous Bacardi Rum distillery – Casa Bacardi, is in Cataño, Puerto Rico. It produces more than 100,000 liters of rum daily. Visitors can take tours of the facility and learn about rum production while enjoying tastings. Home of the Coqui: The Chirping Frogs These tiny frogs, native to Puerto Rico, are typically 1.3 - 1.6 inches long. Their distinctive “cokee” sound, as they search for insects in the trees at night, gives them their name – Coqui frogs. America’s Tallest Statue The bronze statue, The Birth of the New World, is 360 feet tall (about 200 feet higher than the Statue of Liberty). The sculpture depicts Christopher Columbus at the helm of his ship. It was originally designed as a monument to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage. While you can visit Arecibo to view the statue, nobody can approach it. However, the government of Arecibo intends to open a park around it sometime soon. Historical Facts The Name: Puerto Rico means rich port, referring to the bounty of gold found on the island by Spanish colonists. The First Inhabitants: The Taínos, an indigenous group, lived on the island for centuries before the European colonists arrived. These inhabitants had named the island “Boriquen.” The History: As part of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, Spain surrendered Puerto Rico to the U.S., ending the Spanish-American War. It was only in 1917, with the Jones Shafroth Act, that Puerto Rico officially became an unincorporated territory of the U.S.A., granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans. General Travel Facts U.S. Citizens: American travelers can enter the Island without carrying a passport. Also, they don’t require international calling plans for their phones. The Climate: Puerto Rico has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 85oF (29oC) in summer to 70oF (21oC) in winter. The Currency: The U.S. Dollar is the currency used in Puerto Rico. However, locals call it a “peso” or “dolar.” The Languages: The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English, with Spanish being the most widely spoken language. You may come across people who speak a mix of both, or “Spanglish,” considering the influence of the U.S. here. The Visitors: Approximately 5 million visitors flock to San Juan yearly to explore the island’s beaches, history, and landscapes. The Population: The densely-populated island has approximately 3.2 million inhabitants in 5,515 square miles. For context, this is as big as Connecticut and has the third-highest population density in the U.S. Other Fun Facts About Puerto Rico Individual Representation: With its own Olympic team, Puerto Rico competes separately from the United States in international sporting events. They also send their own contestants to the Miss Universe pageant. Did you know Puerto Rico has won the Miss Universe title five times? Salsa Music: Puerto Rico is considered one of the birthplaces of salsa music, a genre of global popularity. It originated here during the 1960s and remains popular today. Puerto Rican Parrots: Once near extinction, the Puerto Rican parrot (or Iguaca) symbolizes Puerto Rican wildlife conservation efforts. Camuy River Cave Park: This park features one of the largest cave systems in the world, with stunning views of underground caverns. Love for Baseball: Baseball is a beloved sport in Puerto Rico, with many professional players hailing from the island. Top Ranking Beach: The island is known for its beautiful beaches, including Flamenco Beach, which has been ranked in the top ten beaches in the world. With over 300 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico also has nearly the same number of beaches. Famous Personalities: Puerto Rico has produced many renowned artists and musicians like Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, and Rita Moreno. Shopping: The largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Americas, is in Puerto Rico. Legal Drinking Age: The legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in Puerto Rico is 18 years. Final Thoughts Puerto Rico, a vibrant island with a rich cultural heritage, is the birthplace of piña colada, home to the only tropical rainforest of the U.S. National Forest System, and features bioluminescent bays that glow at night. It’s clear that the island is much more than just a picturesque destination. The fun facts about Puerto Rico paint a picture of a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its historical landmarks, lounging on its sun-kissed beaches, or dancing to the rhythm of its music, Puerto Rico will provide an experience that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable.