Puerto Rico: Caribbean Island Facts, Culture & History

Puerto Rico: Island Details and Rich Heritage

Key Facts About Puerto Rico

• Official Status: United States territory
• Location: Northeastern Caribbean archipelago
• Capital: San Juan
• Official Languages: Spanish (predominant) and English
• Population: Approximately 3.6 million people
• Administrative Divisions: 78 municipalities
• Major Cities: Ponce, Caguas, Mayagüez
• Geographic Position: The island is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic (about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida).

Governance and Political Status

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship, share common currency, and defense with the United States. However, residents generally cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections.

In 1914, a desire for independence from the USA was expressed, but it was rejected because it was considered unconstitutional at the time.

The island is led by a Governor, and as a U.S. territory, it falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. President. (Historically, during certain periods, the U.S. President was, for example, Barack Obama, and the Governor of Puerto Rico was Alejandro García Padilla).

Cultural Identity and Symbols

Motto: "Ioannes est nomen eius" (John is his name).

National Symbols

• National Bird: Reina Mora (Puerto Rican Spindalis)
• National Flower: Flor de Maga (Thespesia grandiflora)
• National Tree: Ceiba (Kapok Tree)

First Inhabitants

The first inhabitants of the island were the Taíno Indians.

Heraldry and Vexillology

The Coat of Arms

Spain granted Puerto Rico its coat of arms on November 11, 1511. Its symbolism is as follows:

• Shield Background: Green, representing vegetation.
• Central Figure: The Lamb of God and a cross flag on the shield are symbols traditionally associated with St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the island.
• Border Elements: The border is made up of 16 different elements: castles and lions to represent the Kingdom of Castile and the Kingdom of León, a flag with the arms of the Crown of Castile and León, and The Cross of Jerusalem to stand for the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
• Royal Insignia: The gold-crowned F and the arrows (Spanish: flechas) represent Ferdinand II of Aragon, while the Y and the yoke (Spanish: yugo) represent Ysabel, i.e., Isabella I of Castile, who were the Catholic monarchs when Puerto Rico was discovered.

The Flag of Puerto Rico

The flag of Puerto Rico consists of five stripes that alternate from red to white. Three of the stripes are red, and the other two are white. To the left of the flag is a light blue triangle that houses one white five-pointed star. Each part of this flag has its own meaning:

• The three red stripes: Represent the blood from the brave warriors.
• The two white stripes: Represent the victory and peace that they would have after gaining independence.
• The white star: Represented the island of Puerto Rico.
• The blue triangle: Represents the sky and blue coastal waters. The triangle also represents the three branches of government.

Demographics

Religion

The primary religious affiliations in Puerto Rico are:

• Catholics: 56%
• Protestants: 33%
• Unaffiliated: 8%
• Other: 2%

Diaspora

(There are more Puerto Ricans living in the rest of the United States than on the island of Puerto Rico itself.)