Purto Rico

In 1993, Puerto Rico celebrated the 500th anniversary of its discovery by Columbus. Settled by explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, the Island was a Spanish possession for over four centuries. Puerto Rico came under United States sovereignty by their Treaty of Paris signed on December 10, 1898, terminating the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917. In July 1950, the US Congress enacted Public Law 600. It provided that existing laws which defined the political, economic, and physical relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States should remain in full force. It also authorized Puerto Rico to draft and approve its own Constitution, which took effect on July 25, 1952. Puerto Rico's relationship with the US is referred to as commonwealth status. The Puerto Rico Constitution establishes a democratic and republican form of government, divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each of equal importance and equally subordinated to the sovereign power of the people.

It is located 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida and 500 miles north of Venezuela. Its the smallest of the group of islands known as the West Indies or Greater Antilles in the Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Rico. It has a tropical climate all year round although this also means occasional visits from hurricanes and tropical storms coming mostly from Africa. Puerto Rico actually consists of several islands and islets. The mountains, lagoons and islets of Puerto Rico are habitat for a large number of species of plants and animals, many of them endemic or endangered. Some of these species are presented in their products. The main island is Puerto Rico itself, the largest approximately 100 miles by 35 miles. The islands of Vieques and Culebra are at a relatively short distance from the east coast of Puerto Rico. Vieques and Culebra are municipalities of Puerto Rico. These three islands are the only ones permanently inhabited. Other important islands are Mona, 72 Km to the west of Puerto Rico, currently a very important natural reserve, Monito close to Mona and Desecheo which is visible from the west coast of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has a population of 3.6 million people. Today, Island residents live in substantial middle class circumstances. About 2.7 million Puerto Ricans also reside on the US Mainland. Its a bilingual country, they speak Spanish and English. There time difference Atlantic Standard Time is one hour later than U.S. Eastern Standard Time from October to April, and the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Time from April to October. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Puerto Rico as a numerous amount of long white warm sand beaches, azure water, and soft breezes. Sports enthusiasts can play on some of the best golf courses and tennis courts in the West Indies or enjoy horseback riding, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. A delight for history buffs, no other Caribbean island has as many ancient buildings and monuments, some dating back 500 years to the conquistadors. Rich with natural resources, rain forests, and ancient volcanic mountains, Puerto Rico provides hiking, bird watching, diving, and many caves to check out. Puerto Rico is a natural destination for family vacations, sports, or eco-tourism. Not just a tropical island, Puerto Rico's society is a blend of Spanish, African, Indian and U.S. influences that has more in common with other Caribbean countries than the U.S., which makes the island's culture just one more reason to come and explore. There is so much to do and so little time on vacation. One if its top attractions is Old San Juan, Consisting of 400