19 Facts About Puerto Rico You Probably Didn’t know

In this article you’ll learn some interesting facts about Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and territory of the United States. Located approximately 1,000 miles off the coast of Florida, Puerto Rico is home to amazing beaches, welcoming locals, delicious food, and tons of opportunities for adventure. It’s one of the most underrated Spanish-speaking places you can visit.

To help you get familiar with this incredible destination, here are 19 things you probably didn’t know about Puerto Rico! 

1. Puerto Rico’s Official Name

The official name of Puerto Rico is the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or in Spanish “El Estado libre asociado de Puerto Rico” (free associated state of Puerto Rico).

2. Puerto Ricans Are Born US Citizens

All Puerto Ricans are born US citizens. That has been the case since 1917. Prior to US acquisition of the island, Puerto Rico was part of the Spanish Empire.

3.  You Can Visit Without a Passport

US citizens and residents can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport. 

4.  It Has Hundreds of Beautiful Beaches

Puerto Rico has almost 300 beaches, including some incredibly beautiful ones like Flamenco Beach in Culebra. We’ve also been to Vieques, and the beaches there are gorgeous as well.

5.  Puerto Rico is a US Territory

Puerto Rico has been an unincorporated US territory since 1898. That means residents cannot vote for the US president and are not represented in the US Congress.

6. They Use the US Dollar

The dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico. Although many people here call it the peso, what they mean is the dollar.

7. Puerto Rico is Bigger Than You Might Think

If Puerto Rico were a state, it would be the 29th largest (by population). There are almost 3 million people here, although it can be hard to measure accurately as the population has been decreasing as more and more people relocate to the mainland.

8. Puerto Rico’s Original Name is Borinquen

The island’s original name is Borinquen. It was given that name by the Taino, the indigenous population who lived on the island prior to the arrival of Spanish colonists. The Taino were declared extinct in 1550. 

9. Puerto Ricans Call Themselves “Boricuas”

Since Puerto Rico used to be called Boringquen, the locals often refer to themselves as “Boricuas.” A common saying on the island is “Yo soy Boricua, pa’que tu lo sepas!” which means “I’m Puerto Rican, just so you know!” This phrase was popularized by a song of the same name by an artist called Taíno.

10. Puerto Rico’s Official Languages are Spanish and English

The three main languages spoken in Puerto Rico are English, Spanish, Spanglish. However, less than 10% of the population speaks English. We definitely noticed the mixing of the two languages here during our stay

11. The US Postal Service Operates on the Island

The United States Postal Service (USPS) operates here just like the rest of the United States and you can get Amazon Prime. However, it takes a week to get things instead of just two days. That said, there’s still free shipping to an island which is pretty good!

12. Puerto Rico is More Than One Island

Puerto Rico isn’t just one island. There are one hundred and forty-three islands, islets, and atolls that make up Puerto Rico. The main islands are Puerto Rico, Culebra, and Vieques. Only these 3 islands are inhabited. 

13. Puerto Ricans Have Fought in Every US War Since Becoming a Territory

That’s right! Puerto Ricans started defending the US ever since it became an incorporated territory of the US in 1898. Don’t forget that many people on the island fight for your liberties, even when they don’t have the same representation on the Federal level as a state.

14. Puerto Rico Has No Voting Representation

Puerto Ricans can’t vote for president. This is the norm for US territories. Puerto Rico has one non-voting representative in congress.

15. National Debt Per Capita is Less Than That of the US

Puerto Rico has debt, but not as much as you might have heard. In the continental US, the debt per capita is around $70,000 per person. In Puerto Rico, it’s “only” $12,000.

16. Puerto Rico Has the Only Tropical Rainforest in the US

Puerto Rico is home to the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. It is called El Yunque National Forest and is one of the most visited places on the island. (Over 600,000 people visit each year).

17. The Popular Sports Are Baseball, Boxing, and Basketball

Puerto Rico’s most popular sports are baseball, boxing, and basketball. I’d say baseball here is way more popular than football in the US.

18. Its Mascot is a Tree Frog Called the Coqui

Puerto Rico’s unofficial mascot is a tiny tree frog native to the island called a coquí. You’ll hear them from dawn till dusk all over the island.

19. Puerto Rico is Home to Bioluminescent Bays

Puerto Rico is home to three out of the world’s five bioluminescent bays. These are bays that naturally glow at night thanks to the microorganisms that live in them. We went to one of them (Mosquito Bay in Vieques) and it was absolutely incredible! 

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Puerto Rico is one of the most underrated travel destinations we’ve been to. With its beautiful weather, affordable prices, delicious food, and ease of travel from the continental US, Puerto Rico is a destination that should be on your travel list — even if you’re not interested in learning or practicing Spanish!