Puerto Rico, the mountainous island state in the Caribbean, is not only a popular holiday destination because of the wide sandy beaches and fantastic waterfalls in the middle of lush green rainforests. Rare tropical plants and historical buildings from the time after the discovery by Christopher Columbus also attract tourists.
Especially San Juan with the old fortresses El Morro and San Cristóbal gives a good impression of the history. The same applies to the impressive governor’s palace, which was also a Spanish bastion in the past. The old town of Ponce is just as beautiful to look at with its extensive parks and squares. The second largest radio telescope in the world could be described as a sight. This is called the Arecibo Observatory and is located in a valley near Arecibo.
Since Puerto Rico was discovered by the Americans as a vacation island, many recreational opportunities have developed here. Golf and tennis are just as popular on the islands as cockfighting.
Among the sports in Puerto Rico, baseball is the national sport. It even has its own baseball league with six clubs. The largest of the stadiums is in San Juan Santurce. Around 18,000 visitors can watch the baseball games here.
In addition to baseball, basketball and volleyball are also very popular. In addition, Puerto Rico has already celebrated six Olympic medals in the past.
In addition to sport, music and art are also very important. Especially those traditional Sounds are still very much in demand here. Some Puerto Ricans have also been able to get along in the pop business international make a name. They include Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez.
Puerto Rico is at the top of many wish lists for a reason Vacationers. The wonderful landscape, the diverse possibilities for leisure activities and the residents are simply terrific and contribute to an all-round successful stay.
Puerto Rico: important dates for your trip to the Caribbean
Area: 13,790 km² (land: 8,870 km², water: 4,920 km²)
Population: 4.0 million (July 2011, CIA). White (mostly Spanish Roots) 80.5%, blacks 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asians 0.2%, mixed roots and others 10.9%.
Population density: 289 people per km²
Population growth: 0.254% per year (2011, CIA)
Capital: San Juan (417,150 residents, 2006)
Highest point: Cerro de Punta, 1,339 m
Lowest point: Caribbean, 0 m
Form of government: Puerto Ricohas been an autonomous US state since 1951. The bicameral parliament was formed on the model of the USA. The governor has executive power and is directly elected every 4 years. Although Puerto Rican residents are US citizens, they do not have the right to vote in US elections.
Head of Government: Governor Alejandro Javier García Padilla, since January 2, 2013
Head of State: US President Barack Obama, since January 20, 2009
Language: The official languages in Puerto Rico are Spanish and English.
Religion: 85% Catholics, Protestants and others: 15%.
Local time: CET – 5 h.
In Puerto Rico there is no change between summer and winter time.
The time difference to Central Europe is -5 hours in winter and -6 hours in summer
International phone code: +1 (787) and +1 (939)
Internet identifier:.pr
Mains voltage: 110 V, 60 Hz. American flat plugs are used, so adapters are required.
Puerto Rico (USA): geography and map
The island state of Puerto Rico is located in the west of the British Virgin Islands and in the east of the Dominican Republic. The coast of the main island is preceded by several small islands such as Mona, Vieques and Culebra.
In the Puerto Rico, the surrounding ocean is very deep: to the north of the island is the 9,219 m deep Milwaukee Depth in the Atlantic Puerto Rico Trench, to the south the Caribbean Venezuelan basin, which is up to 5,649 m deep.
The island is mountainous in large parts, the central mountain range is surrounded by fertile coastal plains. The highest point is the 1,339 m high Cerro de la Punta in the center of the island. The capital – San Juan is located on the northeast coast.
Originally Puerto Rico was heavily forested, but the rainforest has declined significantly due to clearing in favor of agriculture. In the north-eastern region, a national park was proclaimed to protect the remaining forest.
At 97 km, the Rio de la Plata is the longest river on the island.
Puerto Rico climate
The Caribbean island Puerto Rico is located in the east of the Greater Antilles and is part of the US outlying areas.
The climate in Puerto Rico is tropical, here it is mild all year round temperatures fluctuate only slightly over the course of the year. The daily maximum temperatures are between 27 and 30 ° C. In the slightly cooler months of December to March, the nighttime temperatures drop to around 21 ° C, otherwise the lowest temperatures are around 24/25 ° C. In the mountains of Puerto Rico it is of course a bit cooler.
The hurricane season in Puerto Rico is between May and November, especially high is the risk in the months of August, September and October.
The precipitation falls on Puerto Rico over the whole year, with February and March being slightly drier than the other months, the noticeable rainy season is between April and November. Most of the rain falls in the mountains and in the north of Puerto Rico, while the south of the island receives the least rainfall.
