Largest Cities in Puerto Rico

Facts about Puerto Rico

Official languages: English, Spanish
Capital: San Juan
Area: 9,104 km²
Population: 3.9 million residents
Population density: 430.21 residents per km²
Currency: USD
Internet TLD: .pr
ISO codes: PR, PRI , 630
The phone code for Puerto Rico is + 1-787

The Free State of Puerto Rico is one of the United States’ outer territories, an island state in the Caribbean associated with the USA, consisting of the island of Puerto Rico and the smaller islands of Vieques, Culebra, Culebrita, Desecheo, Palomino, Mona, Caja de Muertos, and Monito. Puerto Rico is the easternmost and smallest island in the Greater Antilles. Puerto Rico means “rich port”. The people of Puerto Rico are called “Puerto Ricans”; they call themselves Boricua. This is how they are also called by the other Spanish-speaking Latin Americans.

Puerto Ricans are US citizens but have no voting rights in US presidential elections. In the House of Representatives of Congress, Puerto Rico is represented by one non-voting MP. The US parties are including Puerto Rico in the internal party primaries for the presidential election.

In November 2012, the citizens of the Caribbean island voted in a referendum to seek a future as the 51st state of the state. The voters voted with 54 to 46 percent for the 114 year old relationship between their island and the USA to be redesigned. In a second question, 61 percent supported full integration into the United States. The US Congress must, however, vote.

Population

Biggest Cities of Puerto Rico by Population

San Juan is the capital and most populous city in Puerto Rico, with a population of around 395,326 as of 2020. Located on the northeastern coast of the island, it is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in Puerto Rico and one of the oldest European cities in the Americas. San Juan is a major port city and is home to some of Puerto Rico’s most iconic landmarks, such as El Morro Castle, Fort San Cristobal and La Fortaleza. Its old town district is one of its main attractions, with its colorful architecture, cobblestone streets and eclectic mix of restaurants and shops.

The second largest city in Puerto Rico is Bayamón, located near San Juan on the northern coast. It has a population of around 207,437 and is home to many businesses and industries. The city also has some interesting attractions like Casa del Rey Park, which was built by Spanish settlers in 1772. Other points of interest include Plaza de la Cultura Rafael Cordero Molina where you can find several sculptures dedicated to famous Puerto Ricans like Roberto Clemente; or visit Castillo de San Cristóbal which was built by the Spanish military during colonial times. Bayamón celebrates its annual festival called Fiestas Patronales every July 23rd through August 7th each year.