Puerto Rico

Overview

Puerto Rico is part of the Commonwealth of the United States. The latter's influence is clear as are those of its earlier Spanish colonial rulers. The mix results in destinations for those who want resorts or quieter beaches. The majority of the larger hotels are in the capital San Juan. However, it is easy to move around the island to find somewhere to surf, go snorkelling or simply relax. The colonial past has been preserved in the larger towns. Older examples of civilization on the island can be seen at the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Centre where the site is still being excavated.

The natural world holds some interesting attractions with the Camuy Cave Park, Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve and Togo Negro Forest Reserve which has dense forests, making hiking quite exciting, not forgetting the phosphorescent beauty of the creatures at Mosquito Bay. A rather unusual place to visit is the Arecibo Iconospheric Observatory whose visitor centre explains about the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.

History

Populated for centuries by Taino indians, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Columbus' second voyage to the Americas. Like many other Spanish colonies in the caribbean region (Cuba ,Venezuela) Spanish culture became dominant with a blend of, in Puerto Rico's case, Taino roots and African influence due to the slaves that were introduced in the 18th century. By the end of the 19th century a Puerto Rican national identity was being formed within the sovereignty of Spain. In 1868 the first independence revolt against the Spanish regime occurred in the mountain region municipality of Lares and was named 'Grito de Lares'. In 1898, after 400 years of Spanish colonial rule , Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted statutory U.S. citizenship in 1917, and popularly elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for self-government as a commonwealth associated to the U.S. (official name in spanish: Estado Libre Associado). Even though Puerto Rico is not a sovereign state it has been considered a country by the United Nations since 1953. Puerto Rico participates as a nation in all international sport events and has its own national Olympic team. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose to retain U.S. commonwealth status, rather than become the 51st state of the United States of America or an independent nation. The federal...more