Puerto Rico is a Caribbean archipelago covering 3,500 square miles. It was first settled by Ortoiroids and later dominated by the Saladoid and Taíno. Columbus established a Spanish colony in 1493, and Puerto Rico was later ceded to the United States in 1898. It was granted autonomy and US citizenship in 1916 and declared a Commonwealth in 1950. Puerto Rico is a popular destination for US citizens due to its easy entry and beautiful natural features, including Río Camuy Cave Park and the El Yunque Preserve. San Juan is the main hub for flights and ferries to other Caribbean islands.
Puerto Rico is a small archipelagic nation in the Caribbean. It covers 3,500 square miles (9,100 square km), making it more than three times the size of the state of Rhode Island. The main island is located east of the Dominican Republic and west of the US Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico was first settled by Ortoiroids from mainland South America between the 4th and 2nd millennia BC By the 3rd century BC they had been displaced by the Saladoids. The Saladoid remained the dominant power until the arrival of the Arawaks in the 7th century, rising until the Taíno took over the domain in the 10th century.
In 1493 Columbus landed in Puerto Rico, establishing a Spanish colony. The Taíno were subjected to brutal conditions for the next two decades before a system of minor reforms promoted by the Catholic Church granted them some rights. African slaves were introduced to the island soon after and the Taínos population dwindled. Over the next few centuries a number of other European powers tried to gain control of Puerto Rico from the Spanish. While none could successfully defeat the Spanish, some would cause substantial damage to the young colony.
Beginning in the early 19th century, during a period of Spanish opposition to the Napoleonic Empire, Puerto Rico was given more rights as a territory. Puerto Ricans were given limited citizenship under Spanish law and much greater representation. Puerto Rico then became a free port, with innovative economic policies to encourage trade. However, this was relatively short-lived and after Napoleon’s defeat Spain reasserted its absolute power over Puerto Rico. In those decades, however, Puerto Rico’s demographics changed markedly, and the territory’s brief taste of greater autonomy would remain.
In the late 19th century, a widespread independence movement swept Puerto Rico, with a series of riots and protests taking place throughout the territory. By the end of the 19th century the territory had acquired great autonomy, having been granted independent government under Spain. Elections were held in the 19th and an autonomous government took power.
Later that year, following Revolutionary Party assistance in Puerto Rico, the United States invaded. They were largely unopposed, and by the end of the year, Spain had ceded Puerto Rico, along with Guam and the Philippines, to the United States. For the next two years, the United States kept Puerto Rico under military rule, implementing a series of governmental reforms to bring the region’s policies more into line with those of the United States. In 1900, a civilian government was created and more political groups arose.
In 1916, U.S. citizenship was granted to all Puerto Ricans, and the region was designated an unincorporated territory. In 1950 Puerto Rico was declared a Commonwealth and allowed Puerto Rico to create its own Constitution. Violence broke out that year, in response to a perceived abandonment by the Puerto Rican government of an independence agenda. Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to assassinate US President Truman at this time, but this violence ceased relatively soon.
Puerto Rico is an obvious destination for Americans who want to travel, but don’t want to worry about visas and passports. As a Commonwealth of the United States, US citizens can easily enter and stay in the region. Puerto Rico has amazing beaches, a beautiful undeveloped coastline and some amazing natural features. Río Camuy Cave Park is one of the main destinations on the island, with some strange geological formations. The El Yunque Preserve is the only tropical forest in the United States and as such is a major attraction for many people. The city of San Juan also offers a great mix of eclectic architecture and modern amenities, ensuring there is something for everyone who chooses to stay in the city.
San Juan is the main hub in the Caribbean, so flights arrive from all major airports around the world several times a day. Smaller island-hopping flights also connect Puerto Rico to other Caribbean islands. And ferries connect Puerto Rico to the US Virgin Islands, which US citizens can visit even without a passport.
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