The island of Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean Sea. Together with the adjacent reefs and islands, it belongs to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This state is owned by the United States. Therefore, management functions are carried out by American structures. English and Spanish are used as official languages.
The history of the island of Puerto Rico is shrouded in mystery. It is known that earlier these lands were inhabited by tribes who were ousted by the Spaniards. The colonization of the island began in the 15th century. In the 20th century, Puerto Rico came under US rule. Today, relations between the country and the United States are more democratic, but the final political position of the island remains uncertain. The islands partially use their system of government, and the US Constitution is limited. At the same time, there are ties between Puerto Rico and the United States in the field of defense, currency and citizenship.
Geographic information
The island of Puerto Rico is 170 km long and 60 km wide. It has a mountainous terrain. Vast coastal areas are located in its southern and northern parts. The highest point of the island is the Cerro de Punta mountain. It rises 1338 m above sea level. On the north coast is the capital, San Juan. Puerto Rico has 17 artificial lakes and over 50 rivers. In the northeast of the island there is a karst area - the Rio Kamai Cave National Park. The island territory is covered with forests, where at least 200 species of woody plants and many ferns were found. A variety of flower plants grow there, of which the orchid stands out.
Puerto Rico occupies an area located at the junction of the North American and Caribbean plates. Therefore, tectonic deformations occur here, causing earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis. The last natural disaster occurred in 1918, when an earthquake of 7.5 points caused a tsunami. Near the island of Puerto Rico, there is a trench of the same name. It is called the deepest and largest depression in the Atlantic Ocean. Its maximum depth is 8380 m, and its length is 1754 m.
Climatic and natural features
The island of Puerto Rico is located in a maritime tropical climate. Seasonal fluctuations in temperature are insignificant. The mountainous central region is always slightly colder than other parts of the island. The average annual temperature is +28 degrees. The hurricane season lasts from June to November. Puerto Rico is famous for its unique fauna and flora. It is the largest resort and port. Diving is well developed here, as there are many beautiful reefs in the area of the islands, and the water is clear and transparent.
