Member Note

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. The territory of Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern Caribbean, to the east of the Dominic Republic, and to the west of the Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico consists of the main island, and several smaller islands including Vieques, Culebra and Mona. The island is often called "La Isla del Encanto" which means "The Island of Enchantment" in English.

Fast Facts

1. Languages: Spanish and English
2. Capitol: San Juan
3. Is a territory of the United States
4. Same laws as the U.S.
5. Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: Anibal Acevedo Vila
6. Currency: U.S. Dollar
7. Population: 3,994,259 (2007)
8. Symbols: Coqui Tree Frog (unofficial)

Puerto Rico is a "non incorporated territory" of the United States. Therefore, although it is not a state, federal law still applies to the territory. Residents of Puerto Rico are citizens of the U.S. Puerto Ricans are divided in political ideologies. Some seek independence from the U.S. while others seek statehood.

Puerto Ricans refer to the island as Borinquen. The word comes from the native Taino Indian name for the island. When explorer Christopher Columbus traveled to Puerto Rico on his second voyage, the Tianos were the only inhabitants of the island.

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