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Puerto Rico |
Puerto Rico is a beautiful, fertile island about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) southeast of Florida. It forms part of the boundary between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The pleasant climate, sandy beaches, and resort hotels attract a large number of tourists from the United States mainland.
Capital: San Juan.
Government: Congress—Resident commissioner, who votes only in committees. Commonwealth legislature—senators, 27; representatives, 53. Local government—78 municipalities.
Area: 3,515 mi2 (9,103 km2), including Culebra, Mona, and Vieques islands and 56 mi2 (145 km2) of inland water. Greatest distances—east-west, 111 mi (179 km); north-south, 39 mi (63 km). Coastline—311 mi (501 km).
Elevation: Highest—Cerro de Punta, 4,389 ft (1,338 m) above sea level. Lowest—sea level along the coast.
Population: Estimated 2006 population—3,930,000; density, 1,118 per mi2 (432 per km2); distribution, 29 percent rural, 71 percent urban. 2000 census—3,808,610.
Chief products: Agriculture—milk, poultry products, coffee, fruit. Fishing industry—lobsters. Manufacturing—pharmaceuticals, food products, electrical products, machinery, clothing.
Flag and seal: Puerto Rico's flag, adopted in 1952, has a white star in a blue triangle on the left side. The flag has five red and horizontal stripes. The seal has a lamb that symbolizes peace and brotherhood. The letters F and I above the lamb stand for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.
Became a commonwealth: July 25, 1952.
Commonwealth abbreviations: P.R. (traditional); PR (postal).
Commonwealth motto: Joannes est nomen ejus (John Is His Name).
Commonwealth anthem: "La Borinquena." Music by Felix Astol y Artes.
Other Links:
www.terragalleria.com/america/puerto-rico/puerto-rico.html
www.gotopuertorico.com/index.php