Introduction to Puerto Rico

Quick Overview

A territory associated with the United States with the status of a commonwealth while awaiting potential statehood as the 51st state of the Union, Puerto Rico is traversed widthwise by a partly forested mountain range and surrounded by magnificent beaches. It is the easternmost island of the Greater Antilles, including its dependencies Vieques, Culebra, and Isla Mona. The whole is a curious blend of American and Spanish influences against a Caribbean backdrop.

Beyond American aid and the Puerto Rican diaspora established in New York and other U.S. cities, the local economy (not always thriving) relies on tourism revenue, primarily from North Americans, which nonetheless suffered greatly from Hurricane Maria in 2017 and its aftermath.

Key Facts

• Localisation: in the Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic.

• Latitude/longitude: 18.15' N, 66.30' W.

• Heure locale: Heure : 2743

• Capitale: San Juan.

• Nature de l'état: Unincorporated territory of the United States.

• Langue officielle: Spanish and English.

• Monnaie: US dollar.

• Population: 3,294,626 inhabitants (2018).

• Superficie: 13,791 km².

• Densité: 235 inhabitants/km².

• Point le plus haut: Cerro de Punta (1,338 m).

• Point le plus bas: sea level.

• Littoral: 501 km.

• Conduite: on the right.

• Drapeau: [drapeau: Puerto Rico]

Tourism

Tourism is a vital component of Puerto Rico's economy, generating over two billion dollars annually and making the island one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean. More than 3 million people visit Puerto Rico each year (3.068 million in 2018), predominantly—and logically—from the United States, arriving by plane or via one of the many cruise ships that dock there. However, following Hurricane Maria in 2017, this sector has suffered significantly, with both revenue and visitor numbers declining sharply.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France-San Juan for 550/900 € round trip.

• Entry requirements: passport + Esta form (same as for the USA).

• Currency to bring: US dollar.

• Taux de change:

• Daily "backpacker" budget: from $60 to $80 per person.

• Best for accommodation: guesthouses or, alternatively, campsites.

• Best for getting around: car and, alternatively, buses/minibuses.

• Risks: low health risks and relatively low to medium security risks.

• Best period for climate/crowds/prices: April, June to early July, or early December.

• Intérêts (on ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★/ ★★; Culture ★★/ ★★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★★

Addresses in France

Tourist Office: online only.

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life":

• GDP per capita: $39,400 (2017)

• Average monthly income: $1,609 (2013)

• Inflation: +1.8% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 10.8% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line:

• Life expectancy: 81 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -16.9 (2017)

• Population growth: -1.7% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 93.3% (2015)

• Urban population: 93.6% (2018)

• Press freedom:

• Political regime:

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook