Puerto Rico Sections Getting There Where To Stay Activities Visitor Tips Getting Married Calendar Weather Maps Information Request Puerto Rico CTW Main	Description Excellent scuba diving, spectacular surfing, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, parasailing, challenging golf courses, tennis, sun drenched beaches, Puerto Rico offers these and much more to the active traveler. A perpetual summer weather beckons you to enjoy the outdoors! Puerto Rico is a 110 by 35 mile island. Endless activities, coupled with first-class hotels, easy access from the US, affordable dive accommodation packages, and a choice of rural or urban settings, it is gaining popularity as an all-around vacation spot for visitors to the Caribbean. Puerto Rico is located at the eastern end of the Greater Antilles chain, and has the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean to the south. Vieques and Culebra islands lie to the east, and Mona Island is to the west. There are 3.5 million residents of Puerto Rico, with about one million in the San Juan metropolitan area. Background Populated 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 to retain commonwealth status.         Puerto Rico At A Glance - Language: Spanish, English Government: Commonwealth (associated with the US) Capital: San Juan Size: 9,104 sq km, 501 km of coastline Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic Climate: Tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation Electricity: 110 volt, 60 cycles - same as U.S. standard. Currency: US dollar (USD) Driving: Drive on right. Roads are clearly marked and maps are available. Note that speed limits are indicated in miles per hour, but distances are shown in kilometers. Rentals: International and local rental companies are numerous. A valid dirivers license is required and most major companies require a credit card.
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