Puerto Rico
Abby Lineberger
Puerto Rico
- Capital: San Juan
- Founded: December 10,1898
- Location: Puerto Rico located between the Northeastern Caribbean, near the Dominican Republic and the United States.
- Currency: United States Dollar
- Population: 3.548 million(2014)
- National Holiday: November 19 (The Discovery of Puerto Rico date)
Basic Facts
- Major Cities: Ponce, Caguas, Mayaguez, Bayamón, Carolina, Guaynabo, Cayey, Aguadilla, and Fajardo
- Metropolitan Area: San Juan, Bayamón, Carolina, Guaynabo, Trujillo Alto and Caguas.
- Climate: The climate is Tropical Marine, Puerto Rico enjoys year round summer temperatures, an average annual temperature of 80°F (26°C).
- Language: Spanish and English are the official languages, Spanish is without a doubt the dominant language.English is required in all federal matters. English is spoken in all major tourist areas (80% Spanish, 20% other).
- Motto: Joannes Est Nomen Eius (John is his name)
- Tourism Motto: Puerto Rico lo hace mejor! (Puerto Rico does it better!)
The Flag
The Puerto Rican flag consists of 5 alternate red and white stripes. On the left of the flag is a single white five-pointed star resting in a blue triangle. The symbolism is explained thus. The white star stands for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico while the three sides of the equilateral triangle together represent the three branches of the Republican government (executive, legislative and judicial branches). The three red strips symbolize the blood that feeds those parts of the government. The two white stripes symbolizing the rights of man and the freedom of the individual.
Food
Although Puerto Rican cooking is somewhat similar to both Spanish, Cuban and Mexican cuisine, it is a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences, using such indigenous seasonings and ingredients as coriander, papaya, cacao, nispero, apio, plantains, and yampee. Locals call their cuisine "cocina criolla".
The Archipelago
‘The rich city’. It is an archipelago which includes the main island of Puerto Rico and some small other islands like Vieques, Culebra, and Mona.
Traditional Puerto Rican Music