Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles southeast of the mainland U.S.A, between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is an archipelago, consisting of the eponymous main island and several smaller islands. The capital and largest city is San Juan.
Originally populated by the indigenous Taíno people, Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain in 1493. Spanish rule led to the displacement and assimilation of the Taino, the forced migration of African slaves, and settlement from the Canary Islands and Andalusia. By the late 19th century, a distinct Puerto Rican identity began to emerge, centered around a fusion of indigenous, African, and European elements. In 1898, following the Spanish–American War, the United States acquired Puerto Rico.
Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, and can move freely between the island and the mainland. However, as residents of an unincorporated territory, Puerto Ricans are disenfranchised at the national level, unable to vote for the president, and having no representation Congress. Puerto Rico is represented federally only by one non-voting member of the House of Represenatives.
Thousands of years ago, Puerto Rico was the sight of the Kree Empire's Primagen experiements, which led to the creation of the first Inhumans.
Type
Geopolitical, Province
Capital
Alternative Names
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico | Spanish: Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico | Taino: Boriken / Borinquen
Demonym
Puerto Rican | Spanish: Puertorriqueño | Taino: Boricua
Power Structure
Dependent territory
Parent Organization