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PUERTO RICOPopulated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status. WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from mid-December to mid-April. Budget travelers will find rates that are far more reasonable during the off-season, also called the hurricane season. FACTS ABOUT PUERTO RICO - Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic
- Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 66 30 W
- Area: 13,790 sq km
- Coastline: 501 km
- Max elevation: Cerro de Punta 1,339 m
- Population: 3,958,128
- Capital: San Juan
- Government: Unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President
- Currency: US dollar (USD)
- Internet Country Code: .pr
- Calling Code: 787 and 939
- Ethnic groups: white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%
- Languages: Spanish, English
- Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%
- Major Industries: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism
- Natural resources: Some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil
- Environmental issues: Erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages
- Climate: tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
- Average sea surface temp: 27 °C
- Average annual rainfall: 508 mm
- Annual tourist arrivals: 1.6 million
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