“Puerto Rico”

By Shannon Roberson
4th /Bivens
 Facts of Puerto Rico
• Capital: San Juan- It
was founded in 1508
by Juan Ponce de
León .
• National
Hymn/Anthem: La
Borinquena
• National bird: striped-
headed Tanager
Holidays, Celebrations, and Festivals
• The Patron Saint festivals
are one of the largest
celebrated festivals,
• Each town celebrates
these festivals in honor of
their patron saint.
• These include religious
processions, bright colors,
parades, games, and rides.
Holidays, Celebrations, and Festivals
(continued)
• The Puerto Rican
Danza week is also an
important celebration.
• It celebrates Danza
culture and the music
of Danza.
 Government
• Puerto Rican economy is a commonwealth.
• Puerto Ricans are considered residents of
the United States.
• They are also subject to military service.
• Although they are considered U.S citizens,
they lack representation in Congress and are
not able to vote for president.
• Currency in Puerto Rico is the U.S dollar.
 Economy
• Only 3% of the overall population works in
agriculture.
• Most of the nations jobs are in the government,
services, and tourism.
• The unemployment rate is lower in Puerto Rico
than it is in the United States.
• Puerto Rico exports items such as coffee, sugar,
chemicals, petroleum and textiles.
• Foods, however, generally have to be imported.
 Housing
• Majority of houses are made
of cinderblocks that are
covered in stucco.
• They are made to withstand
nature such as hurricanes.
• Fans are usually only placed
in one room since they are
expensive.
• Bedrooms are generally
decorated religiously.
 Typical Food
• Puerto Rican food originated
from a variety of ethnic
backgrounds and reflects
ancestry.
• One of the most common
meals is rice and beans.
Seafood and fruits are also
popular.
• Fast food and pasta are
popular among younger
people.
 Traditional Dress
• The traditional dress of Puerto Rico is
similar to other Caribbean Islanders.
• It includes bright colors and loose-fitting
clothing.
• These clothes are a mix of Spanish,
Caribbean, and South American.
 Family
• Puerto Rican families are close
knit and very supportive.
• Parents expect to take care of their
children economically and
emotionally.
• The children also expect to care
for parents when they reach an
elderly age.
• If extended family lives close,
children often play together while
the grandparents serve as baby-
sitters.
 Dating/Marriage
• Teens began dating in large groups and eventually
pair off.
• Dates may include the movies, picnics, dancing
and going to the beach.
• Although they get married at a young age (17-21),
an emphasis on education is causing people to
wait until they are older. (19-21)
• At weddings, a large amount of money is spent on
decorations and food.
 Transportation
• Puerto Rican roads are
generally in good
condition. Families
usually have one car.
• However, buses and taxis
are available.
• Air service is also
available internationally
and domestically.
• Publicos which are large
cars serve multiple areas.
Education
• Education is valued in Puerto Rico.
• The school system is continually
improving.
• The dropout rate is fairly low.
• There are many schools that serve
as higher education schools such as
The University of Puerto Rico.
• Primary and secondary schools are
the same as in the United States.
Climate/Weather
• The climate and weather
of Puerto Rico is tropical
marine.
• The average temperature
is 72 degrees.
• It is mainly warm along
with humid.
• The north receives the
majority of the rainfall.
This makes the south too
dry for farming.
 Customs/ Traditions
• People refer to culture as colorful.
• Festivals are extremely important traditions
in Puerto Rico.
• These are all very exuberant.
• Many customs include music, art, folklore
and literature.
 Customs/traditions (continued)
• A tradition at birthdays is to tap a child on
the arm for their age.
• A large formal dinner is also included in
this tradition.
Landscape/Terrain
• Puerto Rico is mainly
mountains but also has
a coastal plain.
• Sandy beaches are in
most coastal plains.
 Gestures and Slang Words
• Maceta- a person that is cheap
• Janjuiar- means to hang out
• A friendly handshake is the most common
form for of greeting.
• Puerto Ricans stand close to each other
while talking.
• They also tend to interrupt each other
during conversations.
 Religions
• 85% of the population is Roman Catholic.
• The remainder of the population is
Protestant and other various Christian
churches.
• Puerto Ricans consider themselves
religious.
• There is a separation between church and
state just as there is in the United States.
 History
• Populated by the Taino Indians before the Spanish
arrived.
• These were peaceful and gentle people.
• They were also very welcoming.
• On November 19, 1493 Columbus discovered
Puerto Rico on his 2nd voyage.
• In 1508, Juan Ponce de Leon colonized the area in
1508.
• He was also the first governor.
 History (continued)
• The Spaniards were searching for gold and in the
process made the Indians slaves.
• African families were also bought as slaves.
• Families from Spain and European nations
migrated here.
• Taino Indians married them which formed a group
called Crillos.
• There are now European, African, and Crillo
families.
 Location
• Puerto Rico is located in
the Caribbean.
• It is an island between the
Caribbean Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean.
• It is east of the Dominican
Republic and is not
considered to be on a
continent.
Map of Puerto Rico