Puerto Rico
Privous medal tally
This country has won 1 Silver and 5 Bronze medals in the Summer Olympic Games.
History
the ancient history of this place had started from the time when the Amerindian came and inhabited here. Columbus came here in 1493 when the Taino lived here. Afterwards many Caribbean tribes inhabited in this place. The Spanish ruled here for some time. During the 16th and 17th century Puerto Rico became famous for importing cotton, slaves, sugar and various tobacco plantations. Then on it became famous as a top-notch smuggling market. But in the later half of the 18th century, this place got some kind of characteristics of its own. This time US force invaded and captured this country. The US actually ruled Puerto Rico like a colonial protectorate that continued for almost 60 years.
Government and politics
the government of Puerto Rico has a typical republican form that is subject to the US jurisdiction. The current powers here are all way delegated by United States Congress. Quite interestingly the head of this country is the President of the USA. The entire government system here is divided into 3 branches; executive, judicial and legislative. President is the head of the Senate. Here elections are usually governed by the committee of Federal Election Commission. Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of USA, does not have any type of first-order administrative divisions defined by the government of the US.
Geography
Puerto Rico is actually a combination of several small islands like; Vieques, Mona, Culebra, Desecheo etc. Mona remains uninhabited for most time of the year. For visiting and touring these places are not only ideal but these are like gems as far as the scenic beauty is concerned. Covering an area of 5,330 sq miles, this land is made of gorgeous mountain range, exotic sea and clear blue sky. Another thing is the huge Puerto Rico trench which is the deepest trench in the entire Atlantic. The geographical setting has made this US territory stands apart from the rest of the islands. People from each corner of the globe come here because the natural setting of this place is indeed mind-blowing.
Demographics
during the 19th century, a huge number of French, Lebanese, Corsican, Chinese and even the Portuguese people came and inhabited here along with several other Spanish. Recently this country has become a permanent home for almost 100000 bonafied people who not only have immigrated from Spain but from various parts of the Latin America. Thus the demographics of this country actually always rotate around the issue of immigration. 82% people here described themselves as "white"; 12% as “mulatto” and 8% as "black
Population
According to 2000 U.S. Census report, there were near about four million inhabitants lives here and the total population is around 3,998,263.
Economy
agriculture and some small scale industries are the main source of economy for the people of this country. Being a US territory, the economic growth here is almost entirely dependant upon the initiative taken by the US govt. this country has certain other economic resources like; petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals along with the technological growth. Prospect of various local industries are also very strong here and if these resources can be properly utilized that will be great for the local people. The problems like migration and lack of natural resources over the years have remained as the obstacles to the economic growth of this country.
Culture
one of the chief tourist attractions in this country is undoubtedly to witness the mixed culture. The culture here is actually a combination of Spanish, Taino along with the typical North American culture. The music here is also quite popular and the ‘bomba’ and ‘plena’ dance are extremely popular. Infact music is the core element of the culture of this land. Music, over the years, here has been developed by mixing the music of several other North American countries. The registered symbol of this country is the bird, ‘Reinita mora’ and the tree ‘ceiba’.
Education
education system here is mainly divided into 3 parts; Primary, Secondary and the Higher Level. This country has a high literacy rate of almost 95% which is quite good. Lessons at the lower and higherprimary school level are compulsory to the ages of 5 and 18 and are imposed by the state. Also the Constitution here grants the right of education to every single citizen of Puerto Rico.
Currency
United States Dollar is the official currency unit of this land.
