Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, is a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico occupies a distinctive political and cultural space, bridging Latin American and North American influences. The multifaceted aspects of Puerto Rico, from its geography and history to its culture, economy, and global impact, reveal an island that continues to evolve while maintaining its unique identity.

Puerto Rico's landscape rises dramatically from coastal plains to towering peaks, creating a topographical diversity that belies the island's compact size. The mountainous interior, locally known as "La Cordillera Central," forms the geological backbone of this Caribbean archipelago, hosting ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth and serving as the watershed for the island's vital freshwater resources. These ancient formations, sculpted by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion, continue to shape the climate, culture, and economy of Puerto Rico.

The Caribbean archipelago showcases a striking geological tapestry of volcanic peaks and ancient mountain ranges. Rising from crystalline waters, these landscapes represent millions of years of tectonic activity and eruptions. From Cuba's Sierra Maestra to Jamaica's Blue Mountains and Dominica's rainforests to the Dominican Republic's Cordillera Central, the Caribbean's mountains create microclimates that support rich biodiversity and serve as cultural landmarks shaping the history and identity of island nations.

Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean's most geographically diverse and strategically located territories. Situated in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, this U.S. territory includes the main island of Puerto Rico along with several smaller islands, such as Vieques, Culebra, and many uninhabited cays. Its geography features dramatic topographical differences, from mountain interiors to coastal plains, creating a complex mosaic of ecosystems and climate zones that have significantly influenced human settlement and economic growth throughout its history.

The Greater Antilles, an enchanting region in the Caribbean, comprises the islands of Cuba, Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Together, these islands make up nearly 90% of the landmass of the entire West Indies, offering a rich mosaic of culture, history, and natural splendor.

Vieques and Culebra, two remarkable islands located east of Puerto Rico's main island, are among the Caribbean's most pristine and ecologically significant territories. These islands are integral municipalities of Puerto Rico and, therefore, part of the United States territory. Their designation as "Passage Islands" reflects their geographical position in the Virgin Passage, the strait separating Puerto Rico from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together, these islands offer an extraordinary combination of unspoiled natural beauty, complex historical narratives, and unique Caribbean ecosystems.