Free Vector map of the state of Puerto Rico, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Free Vector map of the state of Puerto Rico, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
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Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea, to the east of the Dominican Republic and the south of the United States mainland. It is an island with a rich geographical diversity, featuring coastal plains, mountain ranges, and tropical rainforests. Here’s a detailed geographic description of Puerto Rico:

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General Location

• Region: Caribbean Sea, part of the Greater Antilles.
• Coordinates: Approximately 18.2°N latitude and 66.5°W longitude.
• Borders:
  • North: Atlantic Ocean.
  • East: The Caribbean Sea.
  • South: The Caribbean Sea, specifically between Puerto Rico and the islands of Viejés and Culebra.
  • West: The Dominican Republic (on the island of Hispaniola).

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Size and Area

• Total Area: 3,515 square miles (9,104 square kilometers).
• Land Area: 3,435 square miles (8,870 square kilometers).
• Water Area: 80 square miles (207 square kilometers).
• Population: Approximately 3.3 million (as of 2023).

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Major Geographic Features

1. Islands and Cays

• Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and several smaller islands and cays. The major islands include:
  • Vieques: Located to the east of the main island, known for its pristine beaches and bioluminescent bay.
  • Culebra: Located just to the east of Vieques, famous for Flamenco Beach and its diverse marine life.
  • Mona Island: A remote, uninhabited island located between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, known for its natural beauty and wildlife.
  • Caja de Muertos: A small, uninhabited island off the southern coast of Puerto Rico, known for its beaches and birdlife.

2. Coastal Plains and Beaches

• The island features long stretches of coastline, with sandy beaches, cliffs, and coves.
• Northern Coast: Characterized by coral reefs and white sandy beaches, including areas like San Juan, Río Grande, and Isla Verde.
• Southern Coast: Features more rugged terrain, with several protected beaches like Playa Flamenco on Culebra Island and Balneario de Boquerón.
• Western Coast: Known for its surf beaches, including Rincón, a world-renowned surfing spot.

3. Mountain Ranges

• Central Mountain Range (Cordillera Central): The central spine of Puerto Rico, running east to west, features rugged peaks, valleys, and lush tropical forests. The Cordillera Central is home to the highest point in Puerto Rico, Cerro de Punta, which rises to 4,390 feet (1,338 meters).
• Luquillo Mountains: Located in the northeastern part of the island, they are part of the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
• Sierra de Cayey: Located south of the central range, this mountain range runs east to west and provides a natural barrier between the northern and southern coastal plains.
• Western Mountain Range: A smaller range located in the western region near towns like Utuado and Adjuntas.

4. Rivers and Waterways

• Río de la Plata: One of the major rivers flowing into the northern coast near San Juan.
• Río Grande de Loíza: A significant river in the northeastern part of Puerto Rico.
• Río Cibuco: Flows along the northern part of the island.
• Río Grande de Arecibo: A large river on the northern coast, flowing near the town of Arecibo.
• Río Sabana: Flows in the south-central region of Puerto Rico.

5. Wetlands and Swamps

• Carraizo Swamp: A freshwater swamp in the northeastern part of the island.
• Laguna Cartagena: A coastal lagoon near the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, a protected area for birdlife and wildlife.

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Climate

• Type: Tropical rainforest climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
• Seasons:
  • Rainy Season: Typically from April to November, with the heaviest rainfall from May to October. The island is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, especially from June to November.
  • Dry Season: Usually from December to April, with lower humidity and cooler temperatures.
• Temperatures: Average annual temperature ranges between 70°F (21°C) and 85°F (29°C). Coastal areas tend to be warmer, while the central mountain areas are cooler.
• Hurricanes: Puerto Rico is vulnerable to hurricanes, with some notable storms such as Hurricane Maria in 2017. The island lies in the Atlantic hurricane basin.

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Natural Resources

• Agriculture:
  • Puerto Rico’s fertile lands support crops like coffee, sugarcane, bananas, plantains, rice, and tropical fruits. Coffee production, particularly in the highland areas, is historically significant.
• Forests:
  • Dense tropical rainforests cover much of the central mountains. El Yunque National Forest is a major protected area.
• Mineral Resources:
  • Puerto Rico has limited mineral resources but has historically been involved in mining activities, including the extraction of limestone, clay, and sand.
• Marine Resources:
  • The surrounding waters are rich in marine biodiversity, supporting a significant fishing industry, particularly for shrimp, lobster, and other seafood.

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Major Urban Areas

1. San Juan:
   • The capital and largest city, located on the northern coast. San Juan is known for its colonial architecture, historic forts like El Morro, and vibrant cultural scene.
2. Ponce:
   • Located on the southern coast, Ponce is the second-largest city and is known for its historical buildings, the Ponce Museum of Art, and as a major port.
3. Bayamón:
   • A major city located to the west of San Juan, part of the metropolitan area, and an important industrial hub.
4. Mayagüez:
   • Located on the western coast, known for its agricultural industry and University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
5. Arecibo:
   • Known for the Arecibo Observatory (now decommissioned), and located along the northern coast, it is an important town in the northern region.

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Transportation Geography

1. Highways:
   • PR-2: The main highway running along the northern coast from San Juan to Ponce.
   • PR-3: A major route running along the southeastern coast.
   • PR-22: A toll road that connects the western and northern regions.
2. Airports:
   • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan is the primary international gateway to Puerto Rico.
   • Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla serves the western part of the island, with connections to the U.S. mainland and other Caribbean destinations.
3. Ports:
   • The Port of San Juan is a major deep-water port for cargo and cruise ships, making the city a major entry point for both goods and tourism.
4. Ferries:
   • Ferries operate between Puerto Rico and the islands of Vieques and Culebra, as well as to the Dominican Republic.

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Cultural and Historical Context

• Spanish Colonial Legacy: Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain in the 16th century, which left a lasting imprint on the island’s culture, architecture, and language.
• U.S. Territory: Since 1898, Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States following the Spanish-American War. This status has shaped much of the island’s political and economic landscape.

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Natural Hazards

• Hurricanes: The island is highly susceptible to hurricanes, which can cause flooding and significant damage. The peak hurricane season is from June to November.
• Flooding: Heavy rains during the rainy season and hurricanes can lead to significant flooding, especially in low-lying areas near rivers and coasts.
• Earthquakes: While rare, Puerto Rico experiences occasional seismic activity due to its location in a seismically active region of the Caribbean.

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Recreational and Cultural Attractions

1. Beaches: Puerto Rico is famous for its beautiful beaches, including Flamenco Beach on Culebra, Isla Verde Beach in San Juan, and Rincón for surfing.
2. El Yunque National Forest: A tropical rainforest offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and biodiversity.
3. Historic Sites:
   • Old San Juan with its colonial buildings and forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal.
   • Ponce’s Plaza Las Delicias and Parque de Bombas are also famous historic sites.
4. Bioluminescent Bays: Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo are known for their glowing waters caused by bioluminescent plankton.