Facts About Puerto Rico
Here are 30 interesting fun facts about Puerto Rico that were chosen and researched especially for kids.
-
Location: Puerto Rico is an island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. It is an unincorporated territory of the United States.
-
Capital City: The capital and largest city of Puerto Rico is San Juan. It is known for its historic Old San Juan district, colorful buildings, and impressive fortresses.
-
Official Languages: The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English. Spanish is the most widely spoken language.
-
El Yunque National Forest: El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rainforest located in Puerto Rico. It is the only rainforest in the United States National Forest System and is home to diverse plant and animal species.
-
Coquí: The coquí is a small frog native to Puerto Rico. It is named after the sound it makes, which sounds like “co-kee.” The coquí is considered a symbol of Puerto Rico and its unique ecosystem.
-
Beaches: Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful beaches. Some popular ones include Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, Luquillo Beach, and Condado Beach in San Juan.
-
Bioluminescent Bays: Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays: Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, and La Parguera. These bays contain microorganisms that emit a glowing light when disturbed, creating a magical and unique experience.
-
Taino Heritage: The Taino people were the indigenous inhabitants of Puerto Rico before the arrival of Europeans. Puerto Rico still preserves some of their cultural heritage, including petroglyphs, ceramics, and place names.
-
Baseball: Baseball is a popular sport in Puerto Rico. Many Puerto Rican players have become successful Major League Baseball players, including Roberto Clemente and Carlos Beltrán.
-
Cuisine: Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors. Some traditional dishes include arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), mofongo (mashed plantains), and lechón (roast pork).