Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a tropical island in the Caribbean Sea. It is a territory of the United States, which means people born there are American citizens. Puerto Rico has beautiful beaches, rainforests, and a rich blend of cultures. The island is known for its music, food, and warm people.

Land and People

About 3.2 million people live in Puerto Rico. The capital and largest city is San Juan. The island has mountains in the center, beaches along the coast, and a tropical rainforest called El Yunque. The weather is warm and sunny most of the year.

Culture and Fun Facts

Puerto Rico has a mix of Spanish, African, and Taino Indian cultures. People speak both Spanish and English. The island is famous for its salsa music and delicious food like mofongo and arroz con gandules. Old San Juan has colorful buildings and cobblestone streets from hundreds of years ago.

Fun Facts

• El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System.
• Puerto Rico has bioluminescent bays where the water glows blue-green at night.
• Old San Juan is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas.

Did You Know?

Puerto Rico has bays where tiny living things in the water glow bright blue-green when you disturb them. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world.