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.�

17 dead, 13 rescued after migrant boat capsizes - Albany Times Union

Kansas City Star

17 dead, 13 rescued after migrant boat capsizes Albany Times Union Authorities said there were as many as 60 people on board, and they were apparently headed to Puerto Rico. NO PUBLICAR EN LA REPUBLICA DOMINICANA (Manuel Antonio Vega, Listin Diario / AP) Survivors lie on their beds at the Elupina Cordero Hospital in ... 17 dead, 13 rescued after packed migrant boat overturns off Dominican coast ...Washington Post 16 Dead, 11 Rescued After Migrant Boat CapsizesNPR all 367 news articles »

17 dead, 13 rescued after migrant boat capsizes - Seattle Post Intelligencer

17 dead, 13 rescued after migrant boat capsizes Seattle Post Intelligencer Authorities said there were as many as 60 people on board, and they were apparently headed to Puerto Rico. NO PUBLICAR EN LA REPUBLICA DOMINICANA Photo: Manuel Antonio Vega, Listin Diario / AP Survivors lie on their beds at the Elupina Cordero Hospital ...

Will Mitt Romney's Embrace of Puerto Rican Statehood Play in Florida? - Fox News

AS/COA Online

Will Mitt Romney's Embrace of Puerto Rican Statehood Play in Florida? Fox News Romney responded to the well-timed endorsement in a statement, saying: “I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on the issues most pressing for the people of Puerto Rico — job creation, public safety and resolving the Island's 113-year ... The Four Faces of Florida LatinosTerra.com Five Things To Look For In The Florida PrimaryNeon Tommy Florida's 680-Mile Campaign Trail Diverted by Angst Over HousingBusinessWeek AS/COA Online -Times LIVE all 15,329 news articles »

Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich Pressed on Puerto Rico Statehood in South Florida - ABC News (blog)

ABC News (blog)

Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich Pressed on Puerto Rico Statehood in South Florida ABC News (blog) “I have had a firm position on the right of the Puerto Rican people to have a referendum,” Gingrich said to applause. “I am not dictating the outcome of the referendum because there are several options and the Puerto Rican people have to make that ... Candidates Questioned on Puerto Rican StatehoodDaily Beast Gingrich Promises Puerto Rican Statehood, Cuban Spring at Orlando EventReason Online (blog) Puerto Rico governor Fortuño endorses RomneyWashington Post (blog) MiamiHerald.com (blog) -The Hill (blog) all 73 news articles »

From Puerto Rico with love: Miami Cafe brings a taste of the Caribbean to Pelham - The Birmingham News - al.com

The Birmingham News - al.com

From Puerto Rico with love: Miami Cafe brings a taste of the Caribbean to Pelham The Birmingham News - al.com “Our culture in Puerto Rico is all about camaraderie — people, food and music,” he says. “That's a lot of the culture. Wherever there are people, there is food and there is music. And I'm trying to do the same things with Miami Cafe.