
Puerto Rico

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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
Puerto Rico boasts a rich and diverse culture that reflects its unique blend of indigenous Taíno, African, Spanish, and American influences.
Island of Rhythm and Flavor
Greetings, Gestures & Visiting
In Puerto Rico, greetings are an important part of social interactions, and they often involve warmth, friendliness, and physical contact.
Family
The family structure in Puerto Rico is typically close-knit and emphasizes strong family bonds and values.
Dating Customs
Dating customs in Puerto Rico may vary depending on individual preferences and cultural backgrounds, but there are some common practices and expectations that are often observed:
Recreation
Various recreational activities are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike in Puerto Rico, thanks to the island's diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and tropical climate.
Student Life
Education is a high priority in Puerto Rico. Today, the literacy rate is about 90 percent. Children are required to attend school between the ages of five and seventeen. There are three levels of schooling. The primary level included kindergarten, plus six grades, and the middle and high levels each had three grades. Education for all children began in Puerto Rico when the United States took over the government from the Spanish.
Holidays
Puerto Rico Constitution Day
7/25Independence Day
US Independence Day
7/4Independence Day
Birth date - Eugenio Maria de Hostos
1/11Birthday
Birth date - Eugenio Maria de Hostos, Puerto Rican patriot, and author, was born on Jan. 11, 1839.
Birth date - Jose de Diego
4/16Birthday
Birth date - Jose de Diego, Puerto Rican patriot and political leader was born on April 16, 1866.
Birth date - Luis Munoz
7/17Birthday
Birth date - Luis Munoz, Puerto Rican patriot and poet, was born on July 17, 1859.
birth date - Jose Celso Barbosa
7/27Birthday
birth date - Jose Celso Barbosa, Puerto Rican physician and patriot, was born on July 27, 1857.
Birth date - Roberto Clemente
8/18Birthday
Birth date - Roberto Clemente, Puerto Rican baseball player, was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico on Aug. 18, 1934. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Christmas
12/25Christmas
Belenes (Nativity scenes) are the most common symbol of Christmas. Santa Claus and Christmas trees are also well known. During the weeks of Advent, families and friends hold Parrandas (all night Christmas parties). The Christmas Eve dinner consist of baked chicken, turkey, pork, Spanish rice, pigeon peas, cooked greens, yams, pastels (mashed plantains with meat and vegetables wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled) arroz con dulce (rice cooked with spices and coconut milk), tembleque (custard of cornstarch, sugar and coconut milk), turrón (nougat), nuts and coquito( eggnog made with coconut milk and rum).
The traditional gift giving day is Epiphany, January 6th better known as Dia del os Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day). On the night before, children prepare for the Kings’ visit by placing shoe boxes filled with grass and grain under their beds. The Kings in turn feed the fodder to their camels and replace it with gifts in the boxes. Children may also receive gifts on Christmas Day.
Dates of Interest
- July 10th
Similar to the San Sebastián Street Festival in San Juan, this event takes place in Loíza and celebrates the town's African heritage with music, dance, food, and art. It's held in July and attracts visitors from across the island.
How do people greet each other in Puerto Rico?
Greetings in Puerto Rico are warm and often involve physical contact, ranging from handshakes in formal settings to cheek kisses and hugs among friends and family.
Do
- Use a firm but not aggressive handshake in formal or business settings
- Kiss once on the right cheek and once on the left with friends and family
- Offer verbal greetings like 'Hola,' 'Buenos días,' or 'Buenas tardes'
- Add '¿Cómo estás?' with friends and acquaintances
Good to know
- Fist bumps or high fives are casual greetings among younger generations
- Men who know each other well may exchange a quick hug and handshake
What is dining and food like in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rican cuisine is a bold fusion of indigenous, African, Spanish, and American traditions, and sharing a meal is a central part of hospitality.
Do
- Try local dishes like mofongo, arroz con gandules, lechón asado, and tostones
- Enjoy meals together as a group when hosted
Good to know
- Staples include rice, beans, plantains, yucca, and tropical fruits
- Dishes are flavored with spices like adobo and sofrito
- Hosts may offer refreshments such as coffee, homemade pastries, or tropical fruit on arrival
What are the etiquette and hospitality customs in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Ricans are known for warmth and hospitality, with visits involving lively conversation, shared meals, and respect for cultural customs.
Do
- Respect elders and observe religious or cultural practices
- Participate in family activities and lively conversation
- Express gratitude to hosts before departing, often with a small gift
Good to know
- Expect to interact with extended family members during visits
- Common conversation topics include family, culture, and current events
What should I wear in Puerto Rico?
Everyday dress is casual and contemporary, with lightweight fabrics suited to the tropical climate, while formal occasions call for more conservative attire.
Do
- Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen
- Choose casual clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses, and sandals for daily wear
- Dress more conservatively for formal settings, e.g. collared shirts and trousers or dresses and pantsuits
Good to know
- Traditional attire like the guayabera, pollera, pava, and vejigante costume may appear in rural areas or at festivals
- Urban areas like San Juan feature a mix of Western and contemporary fashion
Are there gestures to avoid in Puerto Rico?
Physical contact is common in greetings, but some gestures can be seen as disrespectful.
Don’t
- Don't touch someone's head without permission, especially an elder or someone you don't know well
What is family life like in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rican families are close-knit, often multigenerational, and place a strong emphasis on family bonds, respect for elders, and emotional support.
Do
- Show respect for elders and value their opinions
- Expect extended family to be involved in gatherings and daily life
Good to know
- Multiple generations often live together or nearby
- Many families are rooted in Catholicism, and education is highly valued
- Traditional gender roles exist but are evolving as more women join the workforce
What can I do for recreation in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico offers diverse recreation thanks to its beaches, rainforests, and rich culture, from water sports to hiking and cultural experiences.
Do
- Enjoy beach activities like swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and paddleboarding
- Hike and explore nature at El Yunque National Forest, Toro Negro, or Guánica Dry Forest
- Explore historic Old San Juan, museums, festivals, and local cuisine
- Try golfing, cycling, eco-tours, zip-lining, or culinary tours
Good to know
- Water sports include kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Puerto Rico
Photos of Puerto Rico
Sports Arena, San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Capitol Building, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Metro system, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Fajardo church house, Puerto Rico
Guaynabo City, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Creche -- Polymer Clay
Nigeria Creche -- Mini Batiks
Puerto Rico -- 3 Kings
San Cristobal Fort
View
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Time Difference
- UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- Climate
- tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
- Airports
- 30
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
Coquito (Puerto Rican Egg Nog)
Beverage
Main Dish
Arroz Con Gandules (Rice, Green Pigeon Peas and Ham)
Main Dish
Pasteles
Main Dish
Lechon Asado Al Horno (Roasted Pork)
Main Dish
Pollo Guisado (Chicken Stew)
Main Dish
Carne Frita (Fried Chicken)
Main Dish
Puerto Rican Meat Patties
Main Dish
PremiumBacalao Guisado (Cod Fish)
Main Dish
PremiumEscabeche de Guineos (Chicken Gizzards and Plantains)
Main Dish
PremiumKidney Stew
History
History
Historical Eras
Taíno & Pre-Contact
3000 BCE – 1493
The island of Borikén was inhabited for millennia by successive waves of Amazonian peoples, culminating in the Taíno (Arawak), who numbered as many as 60,000 by the time of European contact. The Taíno maintained a structured chieftain society, cultivating cassava and practicing skilled craftsmanship. Their position as the easternmost buffer against the more warlike Carib peoples of the Lesser Antilles shaped the island's pre-colonial character.
Spanish Conquest
1493 – 1600
Christopher Columbus claimed Puerto Rico for the Spanish Crown in 1493, and formal colonization began in 1508 under Juan Ponce de León, the island's first governor. The Taíno were enslaved to mine gold, and a 1511 uprising marked their last organized resistance; European diseases ultimately decimated the population far more thoroughly than Spanish arms. African enslaved labor was introduced as the gold supply quickly exhausted, and sugar emerged as the dominant crop by the 1530s.
Colonial Garrison Era
1600 – 1800
For two centuries Puerto Rico functioned primarily as a strategic military garrison rather than a prosperous colony, suffering chronic underpopulation, poverty, and neglect by Madrid. The fortresses of El Morro and San Cristóbal successfully repelled incursions by Sir Francis Drake in 1595, an English fleet in 1598, Dutch forces in 1625, and a British expedition in 1797. Denied open trade, the island survived largely through contraband commerce with British, Dutch, and other foreign merchants.
Late Spanish Colonial
1800 – 1898
The nineteenth century brought liberalized trade, a surge of immigration from Spain's collapsing American empire, and the rapid expansion of sugar and coffee plantation agriculture. Military governors brutally suppressed independence movements even as abolitionist pressure slowly grew, with slavery finally abolished in 1873. Spain granted Puerto Rico the Autonomic Charter in 1897, establishing a measure of home rule, but this autonomy lasted less than a year before the Spanish-American War transformed the island's fate.
U.S. Territory
1898 – 1952
The Treaty of Paris ceded Puerto Rico to the United States following Spain's defeat in 1898, initiating a new colonial relationship that replaced Spanish administration with American military and then civil governance. Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship under the Jones Act of 1917, though without full political representation at the federal level. Economically, the island shifted toward large-scale American sugar corporations, while cultural identity and demands for greater autonomy continued to intensify.
Commonwealth Period
1952 – present
Puerto Rico adopted its own constitution in 1952, establishing the Estado Libre Asociado (Commonwealth), with elected governors and internal self-government while remaining under U.S. sovereignty. Operation Bootstrap industrialized the economy through the mid-twentieth century, driving mass migration to the U.S. mainland, while successive plebiscites in 1967, 1993, 1998, 2012, and 2017 have repeatedly highlighted unresolved debates over statehood, independence, or continued commonwealth status. Economic crisis, natural disasters including Hurricane María in 2017, and ongoing fiscal oversight have defined the island's challenges into the twenty-first century.
Overview
The Caribbean before the landing of Columbus served almost as a bridge between the north coast of South America and Florida for the Amazonian tribes in the south and the north american inhabitants.
Timeline of Key Events
1493
Christopher Columbus claims Puerto Rico for Spain.
Christopher Columbus claims Puerto Rico for Spain.
1501
The Spanish Crown permitted export of slaves to America.
The Spanish Crown permitted export of slaves to America.
1508
Spanish colonization begins.
Spanish colonization begins.
1509 – 1512
Ponce de Leon served as governor of Puerto Rico.
Ponce de Leon served as governor of Puerto Rico.
1511
Differences between Spaniards and Taíno Indians began.
Taínos rebelled against Spanish rule, but are forced to surrender or flee. Diego Columbus given control of the island.
1528
French troops attacked the island
French troops attacked the island.
1530
Sugar became the most important agricultural product
Sugar became the most important agricultural product.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
When Christopher Columbus arrived there in 1493, the island was inhabited by the peaceful Arawak Indians, who were being challenged by the warlike Carib Indians.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas
- Climate
- tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
- Natural Hazards
- periodic droughts; hurricanes
- Current Environmental Issues
- erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Spanish
- Spanish
Population
- Population
- 3,977,663
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- SAN JUAN (capital) 2.475 million
- Nationality Noun
- Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)
- Ethnic Groups
- white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- PuertoRico
- Full Country Name
- Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Government Structure
- Government Type
- commonwealth
- Legal System
- based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President Donald J. TRUMP of the US (since 20 January 2025) and Vice President JD VANCE (since 20 January 2025) head of government: Governor Pedro PIERLUISI (since 2 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the legislature elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 3 November 2020 (next to be held November 2024) election results: Pedro PIERLUISI (PNP) elected governor; percent of vote - 32.9%
- Legislative Branch
- bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats - currently 29; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: Senate - last held 2 November 2004 (next to be held November 2008); House of Representatives - last held 2 November 2004 (next to be held November 2008) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PNP 43.4%, PPD 40.3%, PIP 9.4%; seats by party - PNP 17, PPD 9, PIP 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PNP 46.3%, PPD 43.1%, PIP 9.7%; seats by party - PNP 32, PPD 18, PIP 1 note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor, he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last held 2 November 2004 (next to be held November 2008); Luis FORTUNO elected resident commissioner; results - percent of vote by party - PNP 48.6%; seats by party - PNP 1
- Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate)
- Suffrage
- 18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
- Constitution
- ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952
- Independence
- none (commonwealth associated with the US)
- National Holiday
- US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- San Juan
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 18 28 N, 66 07 W
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
the name dates to 1521 and the founding of the city under the name "Ciudad de San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico" (City of Saint John the Baptist of Puerto Rico)
Military
Branches: no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region, though it has faced significant economic challenges in recent decades. A diverse industrial sector, dominated by pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, and chemical manufacturing, has far surpassed agriculture as the primary driver of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US market and historical tax incentives, US firms invested heavily in Puerto Rico beginning in the 1950s, though the phaseout of Section 936 tax credits by 2006 contributed to a prolonged recession that began in 2006 and lasted more than a decade. US federal minimum wage laws apply.
The agricultural sector, while a small share of GDP, focuses on dairy and livestock production, with sugar production having declined sharply since the mid-20th century. Tourism remains an important source of income, with the island welcoming a record of more than 5 million visitors in recent years and the sector continuing to expand following recovery from Hurricane Maria in 2017.
In 2017, the Puerto Rican government filed for a form of bankruptcy under the PROMESA Act after accumulating more than $70 billion in public debt, and a federal oversight board has since managed fiscal restructuring. Massive federal disaster aid following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, combined with reconstruction spending and pandemic-era stimulus, has fueled a modest recovery, with GDP returning to growth in the early 2020s. Long-term challenges include population decline, an aging infrastructure, energy grid instability, and high outmigration to the US mainland.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- US Dollar (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 2.5%
Banknotes


Budget & Public Finance
- Fiscal Year
- 1 July - 30 June
- Annual Budget
- $9,600,000,000 (USD)
Labor, Industry & Trade
- Labor Force by Occupation
- agriculture 3%; industry 20%; services 77%
- Industries
- pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism
- Agriculture Products
- sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas, livestock products, chickens
- Export Commodities
- chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment
- Export Partners
- US 90.3%, UK 1.6%, Netherlands 1.4%, Dominican Republic 1.4%
- Import Commodities
- chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products
- Import Partners
- US 55.0%, Ireland 23.7%, Japan 5.4%
Energy
- Oil Production
- 436 bbl/day
- Oil Consumption
- 218,000 bbl/day
- Oil Reserves
- 0 bbl/day
- Natural Gas Production
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Consumption
- 740,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Imports
- 630,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Exports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Reserves
- 0 cu m
Communications
- Telephone System
- general assessment: modern system integrated with that of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with high-speed data capability domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
- Internet Country Code
- .pr
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Trump Says He May Cry If D.C. and Puerto Rico Become States: ‘You Don’t Want to See Me Cry’ - People.com
People.com · 1h ago
Opinion | Harming Puerto Rico to protect nonexistent shipping jobs - The Washington Post
The Washington Post · 49m ago
Wreckage of Pan Am plane found 74 years after it crashed off Puerto Rico - WBAL-TV
WBAL-TV · 2d ago
Two of Puerto Rico’s top government officials to step down as corruption allegations persist - AP News
AP News · 1d ago
Jake Diebler sees Puerto Rico trip as chemistry-builder for new-look Buckeyes - 247Sports
247Sports · 1d ago
Oklahoma State Hoping to Use Puerto Rico Trip to Springboard Cowboys Ahead of Schedule - Pistols Firing
Pistols Firing · 19h ago
Puerto Rico Hotel Occupancy Is Surging for the July Holiday Weekend - Caribbean Journal
Caribbean Journal · 22m ago
More than 120 teams to compete in Cataño during the 2026 Caribbean World Series - WJournalpr
WJournalpr · 7h ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Puerto Rico?
How do people greet each other in Puerto Rico?
What is dining and food like in Puerto Rico?
What are the etiquette and hospitality customs in Puerto Rico?
What should I wear in Puerto Rico?
Are there gestures to avoid in Puerto Rico?
What is family life like in Puerto Rico?
What can I do for recreation in Puerto Rico?
What is the capital of Puerto Rico?
Where is Puerto Rico located?
What bodies of water surround Puerto Rico?
What is the predominant religion in Puerto Rico?
What currency is used in Puerto Rico?
What language is spoken in Puerto Rico?
What is the history and political status of Puerto Rico?
What is Puerto Rico known for?
Last reviewed 2026

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