Puerto Rico
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a United States territory located in the Caribbean just east of the Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico history shows that Christopher Columbus arrived there in1493 and claimed it for Spain. During the Spanish-American War right before the dawn of the 20th century, Spain was forcibly pushed to cede the country to the United States. Eventually, Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship. If you look at the Puerto Rican flag, you will notice that it sports the same red, white and blue colors as the United States flag, only the Puerto Rico flag is of a different pattern.

Today, this country flourishes due to Puerto Rico tourism as well as serve as a major hub for manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Other facts on Puerto Rico that prove interesting include the different ethnic groups that are present. While most say they are of Spanish descent, their blood tells the tale. Because many of the people are descended from the original Indian inhabitants, they mingled with the many different people who relocated to the island like Europeans, African Americans from the slave days, people of Asian ancestry and much more. Therefore, the people actually boast a more colorful past.

If you look at a map of Puerto Rico, you will notice that San Juan, Puerto Rico is the country’s capital. In addition, your Puerto Rico map may show some extra little islands that are part of the country as well. And considering that Puerto Rico is a large island, it boasts a growing real estates trade. Puerto Rico real estate is quite appealing to the visitor who is seeking land or a house to establish a second residence.

In regards to traditions, Puerto Ricans are fond of holidays. And Christmas in Puerto Rico is no different. Because many of the people are Christians, they have midnight mass on Christmas Eve and have traditional holiday meals. However, their celebrations tend to last longer – from the day after Thanksgiving to past the first of the New Year. Each major holiday also features great traditional Puerto Rican food like empanadas and arroz y habichuelas which are the same as beans and rice.

Puerto Rico has had its share of famous people. For instance, famous tennis player Gigi Fernandez, also an Olympic winner, is from Puerto Rico. There have also been some gorgeous Puerto Rican models too. Taina, Gloria Velez and Astrid Munoz count among these models. Numerous beauty pageant winners have come from Puerto Rico as well. There have been five Miss Universe winners from this island country. The bottom line is that Puerto Rico is beautiful – from its lands to its people.