Puerto Rico

By Christopher Ramos Period 5

Puerto Rico Flag

How did the U.S. acquire this territory? When? The U.S. Acquired it on July 25, 1898 during the Spanish American war, it was invaded by the U.S. By landing at Guanica. Since Spain lost the Spanish-American war it ceded Puerto Rico with Guam, Cuba and the Philipines. Idealy it was used as as a stop point because back then a coal powered steam ship could go only go so far before being needed to restock. Also since it was between North America and South America it was used as harbor for shiping and exporting goods. Later on in served as base in WW2 and many ships were deployed there. The Capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan named after a Saint John the Bapist. Originaly the entire island was called San Juan and the capital was called Puerto Rico but accidently got switched up. Major cities : Bayomon, Carolina, Ponce , Mayaguez and Caguas Economy : Puerto Rico has the most dynamic ecocomy in the Caribbean. Sugar plantation dominated the economy before the growth of industrialism in the 1940's. Even now sugar is a big part of the economy since this is what is grown the most I the island and is one of puerto rico's main exports. Their industries are pharmaceuticals, electronics, proceeded foods, many different kinds of clothing and textures. Puerto Rico also depends on fincaial aid from U.S. Since it is one of its terrotories Currency: of Puerto Rico is the U.S. Dollar. Tourism: There is much tourism in the island due to it being both beautiful and the Caribbean. On average several million people visit the island and tourism provides many jobs and is one of the main business of Puerto Rico. They usually get the most number of tourist in the summer season where they gross the most income. Natural resources: Are copper and nickel and potential for onshore and offshore oil. It does not have many natural resources Before 2003 it was used as a naval base but the residents voted against and the navy left. Militarist aid from the U.S. Serves as its milatary since it does not have one . They are charged to protect as part of the U.S. And defend it from possible invaders.

Ethic groups: There are nearly 4 million people in the island. 80.5% are white from Spanish descent, black 8%, 12% mixed There major religion is Roman Catholic and Protestant being the second most common religion The literacy rate in Puerto Rico is 94% which is one of the top in the world The main language is Spanish since it was a territory of Spain until a hundred years ago but English is also used more commonly now. Additional Information When Christopher Columbus arrived there in 1493 the island was mostly inhibited by indian tribes but settlers mixed with them explaining the large number of spanish descendents. Also it is not a state and has turned down statehood several times and it is unknown if it will ever become an official part of the U.S.