How Much Do You Know About Puerto Rico?

• Puerto Rico was discovered by Columbus in 1493.
• The impressive, well-preserved Fort San Felipe del Morro Castle was built in Old San Juan starting in 1539 to protect the island from invaders. Today it is a World Heritage Site.
• Spain ruled the island from 1539 to 1898.
• In 1898, under the Treaty of Paris, Puerto Rico became a US sovereignty. This marked the end of the Spanish-American War.
• Since 1917, Puerto Rican residents have been serving in US wars.
• Since 1947, Puerto Ricans have been able to hold democratic elections to vote for their own Governor.
• Puerto Ricans are US citizens, but residents are not able to vote in American national elections, nor do they have senators. However a commissioner from the island expresses his opinions to the House of Representatives. But he too is not able to cast an official vote.
• Other than federal employees, Puerto Rican residents do not pay US income taxes.
• Puerto Rico is located 1,100 miles southeast of Miami.
• The Dominican Republic is located to the west of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are located to the east.
• Puerto Rico is 100 miles wide and 35 miles long, and the Capital, San Juan is situated on the northeast section of the island.
• The island is marked by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.
• The Caribbean side of the island is home to a mountain range and the small El Yunque Rainforest.
• The climate of Puerto Rico is subtropical, similar to South Florida.
• Hurricane Hugo caused more than $1 billion in damages to Puerto Rico in 1989.
• Travel to and from Puerto Rico from any of the 50 US States does not require a passport or customs.
• Luggage undergoes Agricultural Inspection before leaving the island to any US  State.
• US currency is used in Puerto Rico.

the walls of del Morro Castle overlooking the Atlantic

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