Nathan's Insights

Official Name: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Established: 1898 (Cession from Spain), 1952 (Current constitution)
Population: 3,205,691 (2023 estimate)
Country Size: 8,868 square kms
Religion: 69.7% Catholic, 25.1% Protestant
Language: Spanish, English
Currency: USA Dollar (USD)
Capital: San Juan
Order of Visit: Eighty Sixth
First Visit: 29 December 2024
Last Visit: 29 December 2024
Duration: 1 Day
Highlights: Exploring Castillo San Cristobal, Governor’s Mansion, the amazing Sunset over San Juan
Puerto Rico Journal Entry
Cities: San Juan
Published 15 October 2024 | 10 March 2025

Location and Geography

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States and is located about 1,600 kms southeast of Miami, Florida, between the Dominican Republic in the Greater Antilles and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Lesser Antilles

Puerto Rico has a total area of 8,868 square kms.  Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and various smaller islands, including Vieques, Culebra, Mona, Desecheo, and Caja de Muertos.  The main island (Puerto Rico) is mostly mountainous with large flat areas in the northern and southern coasts.

Puerto Rico lies at the boundary between the Caribbean and North American Plates and is being deformed by the tectonic stresses caused by their interaction. These stresses may cause earthquakes and tsunamis.

The climate of Puerto Rico is mostly tropical rainforest. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round, averaging 29c in lower elevations and 21c in the mountains.

History and Culture

The history of Puerto Rico began with the settlement of the Ortoiroid people before 430 BC. At the time of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World in 1493, the dominant indigenous culture was that of the Taínos.

Puerto Rico formed a key part of the Spanish Empire from the early years of the exploration, conquest and colonization of the New World. The island was a major military post during many wars between Spain and other European powers for control of the region in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Puerto Rico was a stepping-stone in the passage from Europe to Cuba, Mexico, Central America, and the northern territories of South America.

In 1898, during the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was invaded and subsequently became a possession of the USA. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917 and can move freely between the island and the mainland. However, Puerto Ricans who do not reside in a U.S. state are disenfranchised from federal elections, do not pay USA Federal income tax and have no voting power in US Congress.  So, Puerto Rico is both a part of the USA but also very separate entity.

In 2009, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization approved a draft resolution calling on the U.S. government to expedite a process that would allow the Puerto Rican people to exercise fully their inalienable right to self-determination and independence.

What has drawn me to visit Haiti?

The main reason to visit Puerto Rico is I wanted to undertake a cruise of the Caribbean and see and experience a little of this region.  I know on a cruise the experience will mostly be on the landscape and waters with little interaction with local culture which is a shame but at least for Haiti is probably necessary with all the security and criminal issues.

I’m hoping to at least learn a little of the history of Puerto Rico and its unique position as both part of and separate from the USA in many ways.  I know Puerto Rico have suffered major earthquakes and hurricane which has likely impacted the development and the way of life significantly. 

I hope I get to understand Puerto Rico’s role in establishing this region and beyond as a major stepping stone for European countries to Central and South America.

What I experienced in Puerto Rico

I got to experience a few hours in San Juan the capital of Puerto Rico. I undertook a ghost tour of the city and visited many historical sites the best being the Fort Castillo San Cristobal. Exploring the fort and its grounds provided a lot of insight into the history of Puerto Rico and the reason many countries wanted to control this region.

The bar scene was a big feature of this town as well. This went alongside the churches and the religious symbols. I learnt of the tax advantages for USA citizens moving to Puerto Rico.

A major highlight of this visit was the stunning sunset over the Atlantic coast and San Juan.