Neither a state nor independent, Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States since 1898. (Other U.S. territories are the island of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands.)

Puerto Ricans are American citizens by birth. But they can’t vote for president in U.S. elections.

Puerto Rican culture is a blend of Spanish, African, and native Caribbean.

Millions of tourists provide an important boost to the island’s economy each year. But many islanders have left for the U.S. mainland. They grew frustrated with Puerto Rico’s poverty, lack of jobs, government debt, and mismanagement of resources. And don’t forget frustration with the slow recovery from Hurricane Maria two years ago!

Puerto Rico Facts:

Size: 3,500 square miles—about three times the size of Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state

Geography: Located in the Caribbean Sea along a major shipping lane. San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean.

Religion: Christian 90% (mostly Catholic)

Capital: San Juan

Population 3.3 million

Languages: Spanish, English

Life expectancy: 81 years

Literacy: 93% can read and write

Puerto Rico Timeline:

1493—On his second trip to America, Christopher Columbus lands on the island and claims it for Spain.

1508—The first European settlement is started by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León.

1500s—The native Amerindian Taíno population is almost wiped out by disease and violence. African slaves are first brought to the island.

1868—People rebel, but the uprising is put down by Spanish rulers.

1898—Spain gives Puerto Rico to the United States as part of the ending of the Spanish-American War.

1917—Puerto Ricans are given U.S. citizenship, but the government of the United States maintains strict control over the island.

1940s—Puerto Ricans are allowed to elect some of their own leaders—governors.

1952—Puerto Rico becomes a self-governing commonwealth of the United States. Under the United States it grows economically.

1960-80s—Macheteros (Cane Cutters) and other groups fighting for independence carry out bombings and killings.

1998—In a vote, Puerto Ricans decide they want to continue as a U.S. commonwealth.

2012—Puerto Ricans vote for the island to become a U.S. state.

2017—Puerto Rico declares bankruptcy. Once again, a vote calls for U.S. statehood, and Puerto Rico struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria.