Page last updated on January 31, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Christopher 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 with the US, but the results of a 2012 vote left open the possibility of American statehood.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 15 N, 66 30 W
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 13,790 sq km
country comparison to the world: 163
land: 8,870 sq km
water: 4,921 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
501 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 6.76%
permanent crops: 4.51%
other: 88.73% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
220.4 sq km (2005)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
periodic droughts; hurricanes
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)
adjective: Puerto Rican
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
white (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian 0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Spanish, English
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,645,648 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 130
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 18.4% (male 346,794/female 330,221)
15-24 years: 14.6% (male 272,689/female 264,761)
25-54 years: 38.6% (male 675,854/female 743,449)
55-64 years: 11.9% (male 198,952/female 239,538)
65 years and over: 16.4% (male 261,345/female 340,606) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Dependency ratios:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total dependency ratio: 50.1 %
youth dependency ratio: 29.3 %
elderly dependency ratio: 20.9 %
potential support ratio: 4.8 (2013)
Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 38.2 years
male: 36.4 years
female: 40 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-0.47% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 224
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
11.28 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 173
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8.23 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 92
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-7.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 202
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 99% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
SAN JUAN (capital) 2.73 million (2009)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Maternal mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
20 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 141
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 8 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 158
male: 8.82 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 79.07 years
country comparison to the world: 45
male: 75.56 years
female: 82.79 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.64 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
84.1%
note: percent of women aged 18-44 (2002)
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7,397 (1997)
country comparison to the world: 110
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.3%
male: 89.7%
female: 90.9% (2011 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 26.6%
country comparison to the world: 35
male: 28.9%
female: 23.1% (2012)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
conventional short form: Puerto Rico
Dependency status:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
commonwealth
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: San Juan
geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous 1900 (Organic Act, or Foraker Act); latest ratified 3 March 1952, approved 3 July 1952, effective 25 July 1952; note - constitutional amendments introduced in 2012 were rejected in a referendum (2013)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
civil law system based on the Spanish civil code and within the framework of the US federal system
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal; note - island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor Alejandro GARCIA Padilla (since 2 January 2013)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the legislature
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 6 November 2012 (next to be held in November 2016)
election results: Alejandro GARCIA Padilla elected governor with 48.2% of the vote
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 6 November 2012 (next to be held in November 2016); House of Representatives - last held on 6 November 2012 (next to be held in November 2016)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPD 18, PNP 8, PIP 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPD 28, PNP 23
note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor, he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last held 6 November 2012 (next to be held in November 2016); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 1
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 associate judges)
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; judges serve until compulsory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; First Instance Court comprised of superior and municipal courts
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
National Democratic Party [Roberto PRATS]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Boricua Popular Army or EPB (a revolutionary group also known as Los Macheteros)
note: the following radical groups are considered dormant by Federal law enforcement: Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance, Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNWTO (associate), UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (territory of the US)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; the white star symbolizes Puerto Rico; the three sides of the triangle signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of the government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters; red symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, while white represents liberty, victory, and peace
note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Puerto Rican spindalis (bird); coqui (frog)
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "La Borinquena" (The Puerto Rican)
lyrics/music: Manuel Fernandez JUNCOS/Felix Astol ARTES
note: music adopted 1952, lyrics adopted 1977; the local anthem's name is a reference to the indigenous name of the island, Borinquen; the music was originally composed as a dance in 1867 and gained popularity in the early 20th century; there is some evidence that the music was written by Francisco RAMIREZ; as a commonwealth of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region, however, growth has been negative for the past four years, and unemployment rose to nearly 16% in 2011. The industrial sector has surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Mainland 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 more than 3.6 million tourists in 2008. Closing the budget deficit while restoring economic growth and employment remain the central concerns of the government.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$64.84 billion (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 86
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$93.52 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-5.8% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 217
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$16,300 (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 87.8%
government consumption: 15.4%
investment in fixed capital: 14.6%
investment in inventories: 0.3%
exports of goods and services: 106.4%
imports of goods and services: -124.4%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 0.8%
industry: 48.9%
services: 50.3% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock products, chickens
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.286 million (March 2012)
country comparison to the world: 138
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 19%
services: 79% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
16% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $6.7 billion
expenditures: $9.6 billion (FY99/00 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.2% of GDP (FY99/00)
country comparison to the world: 212
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-3.1% of GDP (FY99/00)
country comparison to the world: 123
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
93.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 16
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 July - 30 June
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.6% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 75
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$NA
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$67.3 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 52
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$49 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 57
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$56.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 59
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the US dollar is used
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
20.02 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 73
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
19.43 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 70
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 122
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.571 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 74
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
97.2% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 62
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 168
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.8% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
673.7 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 114
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 173
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 112
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 177
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 122
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
151,600 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
176,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 183
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
770 million cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 171
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
750 million cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 62
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 186
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
28.53 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 77
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
780,200 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 87
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.06 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 130
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: modern system integrated with that of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with high-speed data capability
domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services
international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2011)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
more than 30 TV stations operating; cable TV subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations (2007)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.pr
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
469 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 184
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 100
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
29 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 119
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 17
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 5 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 12
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m:
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 26,862 km (includes 454 km of expressways) (2012)
country comparison to the world: 99
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de Ponce, San Juan
container port(s) (TEUs): San Juan (1,484,595)
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 700,443
females age 16-49: 786,035 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 30,517
female: 29,010 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of the US