Country Profile: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with a rich history and diverse geography, located east of the Dominican Republic. The island is populated with approximately 3 million residents, predominantly of Latino descent, and has a mixed economy heavily reliant on services and manufacturing. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico has local self-government, with a unique political status that continues to evolve through public referendums and elections.
Geography
Puerto Rico is situated in the Caribbean, strategically positioned between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Its terrain features mostly mountains, punctuated by coastal plains in the north, and it boasts a tropical marine climate with little seasonal temperature variation. The island's total area is 9,104 square kilometers, with a coastline of 501 kilometers.
- 9,104 sq km - Total area (2023)
- 501 km - Coastline length
- 1,338 m - Highest point (Cerro de Punta)
- 19% - Agricultural land use (2023)
- 50.3% - Forest cover (2023)
- 12 nm - Territorial sea claims
People and Society
With a population of approximately 3.02 million as of 2024, Puerto Rico showcases a blend of cultural influences, predominantly Latino, with Spanish and English as the official languages. The population is characterized by a high urbanization rate of 93.6%, with the capital San Juan being the largest urban area. The island's median age is 46.1 years, reflecting a demographic trend where the majority of the population is over 15 years old.
- 3.02 million - Total population (2024)
- 46.1 years - Median age (2024)
- 7.8 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2024)
- 82.1 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 92.4% - Literacy rate (2017)
- 56% - Roman Catholic population (2014)
Economy
Puerto Rico's economy, although part of the US territory, faces unique challenges, including high poverty rates and reliance on tourism and manufacturing sectors. The GDP in purchasing power parity is estimated at $141.344 billion for 2024, reflecting fluctuating growth rates amid recovery efforts from economic setbacks caused by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- $141.344 billion - GDP (PPP) (2024)
- 5.5% - Unemployment rate (2024)
- 51.5% - Services sector contribution to GDP (2024)
- 1.152 million - Labor force (2024)
- $44,100 - GDP per capita (PPP) (2024)
- 12.5% - Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) (2024)
Government
Puerto Rico operates as an unincorporated territory with a republican form of government and a constitution that allows for local self-governance. The political structure includes a bicameral Legislative Assembly, with elections for the governor and legislative members held every four years. Residents are US citizens but do not have voting rights in US presidential elections.
- Governor: Jenniffer González-Colón (2025)
- Legislature: Bicameral Assembly
- 77 - Municipalities on the island
- 18 - Voting age for suffrage
- Constitution ratified: July 25, 1952
Military and Security
Defense and security in Puerto Rico are the responsibility of the US, with local law enforcement and the Puerto Rico National Guard serving as the primary security forces. The Puerto Rico Police and National Guard operate under US jurisdiction, providing stability and safety for residents.
- Puerto Rico National Guard - Established in 1919
- Local police force - Maintains public order
- Defense responsibility - Assigned to the US
Energy
Puerto Rico's energy sector is highly dependent on fossil fuels, with over 94% of electricity generated from these sources. Despite the push for renewable energy, the infrastructure is still in development stages, with a present installed capacity of nearly 6.9 million kW.
- 100% - Electricity access (2022)
- 18.669 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023)
- 94.6% - Fossil fuel contribution to energy generation (2023)
- 2.315 billion cubic meters - Natural gas consumption (2023)
Environment
Environmental challenges in Puerto Rico include soil erosion, industrial pollution, and periodic droughts. The island's climate and land use patterns present unique opportunities and challenges for sustainable development and conservation efforts.
- 50.3% - Forested area (2023)
- 19% - Agricultural land use (2023)
- 18.833 million metric tons - Carbon dioxide emissions (2023)
Transportation
Puerto Rico features an established transportation infrastructure, including 20 airports and a network of ports that support both commercial and passenger activities. The island's geography and urban layout facilitate relatively accessible trade routes and travel within the region.
- 20 - Airports (2025)
- 14 - Total ports (2024)
Communications
Puerto Rico boasts robust communication networks, with a high percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services. Fixed telephone subscriptions coexist with a vibrant broadcast media landscape that includes numerous radio and television stations.
- 87% - Internet usage (2022)
- 4.04 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,019,450 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 9,104 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $141.344 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 7.8 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 82.1 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Literacy Rate | 92.4% | Estimated for 2017 |
| Electric Access | 100% | Estimated for 2022 |
| Energy Consumption | 18.669 billion kWh | Estimated for 2023 |
| Total Area | 9,104 sq km | Total area |
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