Puerto Rico is a US Caribbean territory with Spanish-language culture, the historic colonial walled city of Old San Juan, El Yunque rainforest, and a status as a US Commonwealth since 1952.
Geography & climate
Puerto Rico lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately 18.2°N, 66.5°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 9,104 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Puerto Rico all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is San Juan, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 3.3M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Status & relationship to the United States
Puerto Rico is a United States territory rather than a state. Residents are US nationals (and in most cases US citizens), but representation in Congress is non-voting and many federal programmes apply differently. Local government, courts and schools operate under territorial law in coordination with federal agencies.
Symbols & emblems
Puerto Rico is nicknamed “The Island of Enchantment”, with the state motto Joannes est nomen ejus (John is his name). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Puerto Rico is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Puerto Rico.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Puerto Rico offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Puerto Rico can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | PR | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | San Juan | — |
| Largest city | San Juan | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | 3.3M | people |
| Area | 9,104 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | The Island of Enchantment | — |
| Motto | Joannes est nomen ejus (John is his name) | — |
| Latitude | 18.2 | degrees |
| Longitude | -66.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque — the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System.
