1961
3,800
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
6,287
Change
+2,487
Overview
This sun-soaked Caribbean island territory of the United States has the whole flock buzzing! Puerto Rico blends Spanish heritage, tropical vibes, and American ties into one woolly wonderful destination that's hard to baa-pass.
Geography
Puerto Rico sits in the northeastern Caribbean, featuring the central Cordillera Central mountain range, lush El Yunque rainforest, and beautiful coastlines. The island enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and occasional hurricane seasons.
History
Inhabited by Taíno people before Spanish colonization in 1493, Puerto Rico remained a Spanish colony for four centuries. The U.S. gained control after the 1898 Spanish-American War, and Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens in 1917.
Culture
Puerto Rican culture is a vibrant fleece of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. Salsa and bomba music fill the streets, while festivals like Las Navidades and Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián celebrate the island's rich, colorful heritage with great flair.
Economy
Puerto Rico's economy relies on pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, tourism, and finance. The island is a major global pharmaceutical producer. Economic challenges including debt restructuring and hurricane recovery have shaped recent decades, though resilience remains a defining trait.
Food
Lechón asado, mofongo, arroz con gandules, and tostones are beloved staples. Puerto Rican cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Taíno flavors using sofrito, plantains, and pork. Food here is a shear delight no hungry lamb should miss.
Tourism
Old San Juan's colorful colonial forts El Morro and San Cristóbal, El Yunque National Forest, bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in Vieques, and Flamenco Beach in Culebra are top draws attracting millions of visitors to this Caribbean gem annually.
People
Puerto Rico's roughly 3.2 million residents are predominantly of Spanish-speaking Hispanic heritage with African and Taíno roots. Notable Puerto Ricans include Rita Moreno, Roberto Clemente, and Ricky Martin, reflecting the island's outsized cultural and artistic contributions globally.
Nature
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. Puerto Rico hosts diverse wildlife including the endangered Puerto Rican parrot, leatherback sea turtles, coquí tree frogs, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Fun Facts
Puerto Rico's tiny coquí frog is a beloved national symbol whose nighttime chorus is unmistakable. The island has more than 270 miles of coastline. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is considered one of the world's brightest bioluminescent bays.
