The Breathtaking Country of Puerto Rico

Although Puerto Rico is technically United States territory, it remains an independent country, proud and strong. For more than 400 years, the Spanish Caribbean culture has flourished where today it meets all the modern conveniences of America. For years, San Juan has been a popular destination where people can g a m b l e, shop, and dine but unfortunately, many people still miss the magnificent countryside around this and other cities.

For example, you will discover the many incredible island mountains along with unspoiled coastal region in the west and south. If you love to scuba dive or snorkel, then you will fall in love with the spectacular coral reefs, taking you to an underwater world where some 30 species of fish live. Of course, sunbathing and swimming on the sandy, white beaches is a favorite pastime of both locals and tourists alike. The overall population of Puerto Rico is close to 4 million and 1.6 million in San Juan, the country’s capital.

History of Puerto Rico

Historians believe Puerto Rico was the site of the earliest inhabitants in all of the Caribbean. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, the Tainos people were already living there. Consisting of friendly tribes, these people were actually a little ahead of their time, having developed a sophisticated culture, religious system, and language. Unlike most other tribes, the Tainos had both female and male chiefs, with the females entitled to taking several husbands. Interestingly, the husband of the first female chief was burned with her upon her death.

This community is believed to have received numerous prophecies from the gods, as well as the dead through mind-altering  d r u g s  such as a  h a l l u c i n a t o r y  powder comprised of crushed shells and cohoba seeds. The Tainos people were also incredible sportsmen, often playing ball games. In fact, they were known for having invented the rubber ball and many contests. Sadly, the Tainos were not capable of defending themselves against armed Spanish settlers in 1508. Soon, the Tainos were enslaved and many of the Spanish conquistadors took the women as wives.

This resistance was still seen in some of the more remote areas of the country even in the 19th century but eventually, the majority of this community was overwhelmed by powerful weaponry and European diseases. Soon, the Spanish had settled in San Juan and for the next 100 years, fortified the city to provide protection from the Dutch, British, and French. Then, African slaves were imported by the country and various industries were tried to include plantations for cotton, sugar, and tobacco in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, with more money being made in the black market, these plantations did not really take off.

Over the course of time, Spain was unable to stop smuggling, which affected the moral of the island. With this, Puerto Rico created its own unique identity in the 18th century. With the number of immigrants growing and more and more coffee plantations being established, the New World experienced a revolution. The result was Spain letting up on trade policies, as a means of keeping both Puerto Rico and Cuba in the colonial mix.

Then for the first part of the 19th century, ongoing arguments occurred between the Puerto Rican nationalists and the Spanish loyalists concerning government. This led to an 1868 revolt, although unsuccessful but in 1897, some things were agreed on. However, when the United States invaded and occupied Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American Wan, these agreements quickly fell apart.

For the following 50 years, the country was ruled by the United States and then in 1917, Puerto Rico was granted US citizenship. The result was that the people of Puerto Rico were now eligible to become military personnel to fight in World War I. The economy took a boost but when the Great Depression of the 1930s hit, the island was devastated, which created a movement for independence that escalated into violence.

From that time on, Puerto Rico had to undergo the effects of World War II, the fight with the United States to remain a colony, attempts to gain independence from the US, and ups and downs with the economy. Today, Puerto Rico is a strong country that has high morals and a high standard of living, especially when compared with other Caribbean islands. Unfortunately, unemployment rates are still too high but the people are determined and the country absolutely, breathtaking!

When visiting today, you will discover a beautiful blend of African, Spanish, and Taino traditions, although there is another layer - American influence. The country has a large Latino population but this too is mixed with Creole and US cultures. Because of this type of cultural mixture, everything is multi-dimensional. Typically, people on the island speak English but other languages include African and Amerindian.

Puerto Rico is a land of music where you will hear local artists playing instruments such as Cuatro, which is a ten-stringed type guitar and Guiro, a gourd used for percussion sound. In addition to music, Puerto Rico also has many internationally known artists to include Jorge Zeno and Arnaldo Roche-Rabell. As far as national dishes, you will find a wonderful combination of ethnic foods to include lots of seafood, spicy dishes, and many tropical flavors.

Nestled between the Leeward Islands and the main portion of Hispaniola is the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. Keep in mind that the mainland of Puerto Rico is not that large, measuring just 100 miles by 35 miles. Even as a small island, Puerto Rico has much to offer, especially the mountain areas of this country that are among the most beautiful in the world. The vegetation covers every possible color and hue of green, and the island boasts incredible flora and fauna. Puerto Rico is indeed an excellent tourist spot, where you can enjoy outdoor adventures in the El Yunque rainforest or stay within the city to take in the fabulous shopping and nightlife.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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