About Puerto Rico

Considering the currency in Puerto Rico is in U.S. dollars and even the mail goes through the US postal system, Puerto Rico is often referred to as the 51st state in the United States. No visas or passports are required for citizens in the United States who want to travel to Puerto Rico, which is an island in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico is not an official state in the union, but the citizens of this island have been considered US citizens since 1917. The island is located in the center of the Arc of Antilles and the language spoken by most people in Puerto Rico is Spanish, although English and Spanish are both considered official languages.

There is much to see and do when you visit Puerto Rico. American citizens do not have to worry about customs duties or about electrical appliances as they use the same standard currents as in the mainland of the United States. You can use ATMs and charge cards the same as you would in the mainland United States. The business hours are a little different for stores as most open early, at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Some stores and shops are open on Sundays and there are shopping malls and convenience stores just as there are in the mainland.

People of Puerto Rico

The people in Puerto Rico who are native to the island are usually a mixture of different cultures. Spain had a huge influence on this island which was a shelter for many different people from various continents. Puerto Ricans are usually a mixture of Spanish, Anglo-Saxon and African. The heritage of this island is as culturally diverse as the island is beautiful.

The Spanish influence in Puerto Rico is still seen today in churches and buildings that date back to the 15th century. The art and music of the island is derived from the Spanish as well as the African slaves who were brought to the Island by the Spaniards to work.

Puerto Rico is often called "The Island Of Enchantment" and has a vast, multicultural society. Most of the citizens are bilingual and speak both Spanish and English fluently. The Spanish influence is everywhere throughout the island, especially in art and music. Most of the citizens are Catholic. There are four million people living in Puerto Rico today.

Climate of Puerto Rico

The climate in Puerto Rico is decidedly pleasant as it averages in the 80s all year long. This means that it is always summer in Puerto Rico. The temperature gets cooler as you go up in the mountains and is warmer towards the beaches, which surround the island. The climate is also, like most of the islands in the Caribbean, tropical.

Le Lo Lai Festival of Puerto Rico

One of the events you should attend when you visit Puerto Rico is the Le Lo Lai Festival. This has been going on for more than 30 years and consists of shows that are performed throughout the week at the Cultural Arts Center. This program features the folklore as well as music from the heritage that shaped Puerto Rico including Spanish, Indian and African heritage. In addition to folklore, you can also experience the music and dances that are native to this island.

Once you visit Puerto Rico and experience this multicultural paradise in a tropical setting, you will no longer wonder why this island is called �The Island of Enchantment.�

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Slate Magazine

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Moneycontrol.com

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