PUERTO-RICOMore about Puerto-Rico Information about travelling to Puerto-RicoPuerto-Rico is located in Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic |
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Facts about Puerto-Rico
General info about Puerto-Rico
Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status.
Languages spoken Spanish, English Ethnic division white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed 4.2%, other 6.7% (2000 census) HIV/AIDS prevalence rate NA Climate tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation Resources some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil Economy Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income, with estimated arrivals of nearly 5 million tourists in 2004. Growth fell off in 2001-03, largely due to the slowdown in the US economy, recovered in 2004-05, but declined again in 2006-07. Environment erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages Cities in Puerto-Rico |
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The Cheers Travel World / Puerto Rico travel