Puerto Rico Location:
Puerto Rico is an island located between the Caribbean Sea (south) and the North Atlantic Ocean (north), lying east of the Dominican Republic. It covers an area around three times the size of Rhode Island. Puerto Rico enjoys a mild, tropical marine climate with little seasonal temperature variation. The terrain is comprised mostly of mountains with a coastal belt to the north, mountains also on the west coast and sandy beaches along most coastal areas. Natural resources include some copper and nickel plus the potential for onshore and offshore oil.
Puerto Rico People:
About 3.9 million people live in Puerto Rico. Spanish and English are both official languages, but Spanish is the primary language used. Ethnically, the country is Latino (80.5%) with black (8%), Amerindian (0.4%), Asian (0.2%), and other (10.9%). The two main religious groups are Roman Catholic (85%) and Protestant denominations (15%).
Puerto Rico Government:
The country is officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and is associated with the US. There are no first-order administrative divisions, but there are 78 municipalities throughout the country. Its capital is San Juan, located in the northeast region. Its constitution was ratified, approved by the US, and put into effect in 1952. While the President of the United States is the nation's chief of state, the governor is elected by popular vote to a four-year term. Major political parties active in the last election are the New Progressive Party (PNP), the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), the National Democratic Party, and the National Republican Party.
Puerto Rico Economy:
Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean. A diverse industrial sector has surpassed agriculture as the country's primary source of economic activity and income. The nation's association with the United States brings it certain benefits, including the US minimum wage laws and heavy investment from US firms. The gross domestic product (GDP) is comprised of agriculture (1%), industry (45%) and services (54%). Tourism has also been an important source of income.
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