The relatively small island of Puerto Rico has a comparatively large array of natural riches. Its central mountain range reaches an altitude of 1338m (4390ft) at Cerro de Punta; it is in possession of the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, El Yunque; and its beaches brag warm, turquoise waters and soft, yellow sand. Indeed, Puerto Rico's bionetwork succeeds in comprising unique characteristics, that are different to what can be found on US soil, despite being a 'commonwealth state' of the USA. This same uniqueness can be discovered in Puerto Rico's culture and way of life. Many of San Juan's buildings have proudly preserved their original Spanish style. This is still an island of fiestas and paella.

Puerto Rico was ‘discovered’ by Columbus in 1493 on his second voyage to the New World (despite the Taino Indians being the first Puerto Rican inhabitants). It was governed by Ponce de Leon from 1508. There therefore existed many years of Spanish rule before Puerto Rico (Rich Port) was eventually ceded to the USA in 1898 at the end of the Spanish-American War.

In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship and, in 1952, the island became a self-governing ‘Commonwealth in association with the USA’. Many people regard this situation as a compromise between full membership to the USA and full independence. In practice, this gives Puerto Ricans an American passport and makes them eligible for military draft but they do not pay US federal taxes and cannot vote in US elections.

This 'limbo' situation largely exists with support from the Puerto Ricans. Referendum after referendum has voted towards Puerto Rico retaining the status quo, albeit from sometimes a narrow majority. There is still a vocal lobby for full independence for Puerto Rico, and the issue remains a sensitive one. However, the country, for the most part, happily juggles both Spanish and US influence, plus the African influence that came when Spaniards shipped African slaves to Puerto Rico. Its geographical position in the center of the arc of the Antilles, and the outcome of history, has meant that Puerto Rico very much stands as a meeting of Hispanic, African and Anglo culture.

You can also hear the meeting of cultures in the island's infectious music, which pounds out the fast-paced rhythm of nightlife in Puerto Rico. Latino beats fuse with West African percussion, which in turn intermingles with swing and big band. What a wonderful way to enjoy multiculturalism!

Geography
Puerto Rico is an island east of the Dominican Republic and west of the British Virgin Islands. Also included are several smaller islands, such as Culebra, Mona and Vieques. The island is comparatively small, 8959 sq km (3459 sq miles), with a central mountain range reaching an altitude of 1338m (4390ft) at Cerro de Punta, and surrounded by low coastal plains. The capital is on the northeast shore. Much of the natural forest has been cleared for agriculture, but the trees in the northeast are protected as a national park. The other main towns are Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Carolina, Cayey, Farjardo, Guaynabo, Mayagüez and Ponce.