Country Profile: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic. Its tropical climate and mountainous terrain contribute to its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The population is approximately 2.98 million, primarily composed of Latino ethnic groups, with a high urbanization rate of around 93.6%. Economically, Puerto Rico faces challenges due to a recent history of recession, reliance on tourism and capital-based industries, and vulnerability to natural disasters. As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico has its own constitution and governance structure, allowing for local self-government.
Geography
Puerto Rico is situated in the Caribbean, characterized by a tropical marine climate with mild temperatures and minimal seasonal variation. The island has a diverse terrain, comprising mostly mountains with a coastal plain in the north and sandy beaches along its shores. It has a total area of 9,104 square kilometers, with a coastline of 501 kilometers. Fertile lands and a significant forest cover (50.3% as of 2023) contribute to its agricultural potential.
- Highest Point: Cerro de Punta at 1,338 m
- Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea at 0 m
- Coastline: 501 km
- Natural Resources: Copper, nickel, potential oil reserves
- Climate Features: Tropical marine with little temperature variation
People and Society
Puerto Rico has an estimated population of 2.98 million as of 2025, predominantly composed of Latino ethnic groups. The society is characterized by a rich blend of cultural influences, with Spanish and English as the official languages. The population exhibits a significant urban concentration, particularly around the capital, San Juan. The average age is around 46.7 years, and the island has a low birth rate, contributing to a decline in population growth.
- Population (2025 est.): 2,984,841
- Urban Population: 93.6% of total population (2023)
- Literacy Rate: 92.4% (2017)
- Life Expectancy: 82.1 years (2024 est.)
- Languages: Spanish and English
Economy
The economy of Puerto Rico is heavily reliant on capital-based industries and tourism, experiencing significant challenges from a prolonged recession and damage from natural disasters. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in purchasing power parity is estimated at $141.344 billion for 2024. The island's labor force faces challenges, with a high unemployment rate, which stood at 5.5% in 2024.
- GDP (PPP) 2024: $141.344 billion
- GDP Growth Rate 2024: 3.2%
- Unemployment Rate 2024: 5.5%
- Exports 2024: $65.368 billion
- Imports 2024: $53.898 billion
Government
Puerto Rico operates as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, with its own constitution and a republican form of government. The capital is San Juan, and governance includes separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The people of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, but they do not vote in U.S. presidential elections.
- Government Type: Unincorporated organized territory with local self-government
- Capital: San Juan
- Legislative Assembly: Bicameral (Senate and House of Representatives)
- Current Governor: Jenniffer González-Colón (since 2025)
- Voting Age: 18 years
Military and Security
Defense and military responsibilities for Puerto Rico lie with the United States. The island has its own police force and a National Guard. Established in 1919, the Puerto Rico National Guard is one of the oldest organizations within the U.S. National Guard system.
- Military Organization: Puerto Rico National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico)
- Defense Responsibility: United States
- Established: 1919
Energy
Puerto Rico's energy sector is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, with 94.6% of its electricity generation coming from this source. Electricity access is universal, with a significant installed capacity of approximately 6.898 million kW. The island is focusing on increasing renewable energy sources, including solar energy.
- Electricity Access: 100% of population (2022 est.)
- Installed Capacity: 6.898 million kW (2023 est.)
- Fossil Fuel Contribution: 94.6% of total generation (2023 est.)
- Energy Consumption Per Capita: 86.286 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
Puerto Rico faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion, industrial pollution, and occasional droughts. The island has a rich natural landscape, with 19% of land designated for agriculture as of 2023 and significant forest cover. Urbanization has increased pressure on natural resources.
- Agricultural Land Use: 19% (2023 est.)
- Forest Cover: 50.3% (2023 est.)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 18.833 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Water Resources: Total renewable water resources of 7.1 billion cubic meters (2022)
Transportation
Puerto Rico has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with 20 airports and numerous ports that facilitate trade. The island's key ports such as San Juan and Mayaguez play a crucial role in its economy.
- Airports: 20 (2025)
- Ports: 14 total (2024)
- Heliports: 40 (2025)
Communications
Communications in Puerto Rico are robust, with high mobile cellular subscriptions. The majority of the population has access to the internet, reflecting a strong digital presence. There are more than 30 TV stations and around 125 radio stations available.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 4.1 million (2024)
- Internet Users: 87% of population (2022 est.)
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 758,000 (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,984,841 | Estimated 2025 |
| Area | 9,104 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $141.344 billion | Estimated 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | Estimated 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 7.78 births/1,000 | Estimated 2025 |
| Life Expectancy | 82.1 years | Estimated 2024 |
| Energy Consumption | 18.669 billion kWh | Estimated 2023 |
| Urban Population | 93.6% | 2023 |
| Forest Cover | 50.3% | Estimated 2023 |
| Total Renewable Water Resources | 7.1 billion cubic meters | 2022 |
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