Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean, known for its strategic location and vibrant Hispanic culture. Recent estimates project a population of approximately 3.2 million people with a high GDP per capita of 41,883 USD. The island currently ranks 4th in the Caribbean subregion by population size and 6th by GDP per capita.
Where is Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Puerto Rico
- Coordinates
- 18.25°, -66.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 3.2M
- Area
- 8,870 km²
- Density per km²
- 361 / km²
- Growth rate
- -0.02%
- Annual growth
- -496.81 people
- Daily growth
- -1.36 people
- World population share
- 0.04%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Puerto Rico
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- San Juan
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 8,870 km²
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Currency
- United States dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-04:00
- UN Member
- No
Economy
The island maintains a robust economy with a GDP per capita that ranks 41st globally and 10th in the Americas. Latest figures show an annual GDP growth rate of 3.2%, supported by a strong manufacturing sector particularly in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The unemployment rate is approximately 6.0%, placing it 76th globally for the lowest unemployment. Tourism and the service industry also contribute significantly to the total GDP of approximately 126 billion USD.
Society
Residents of Puerto Rico enjoy a high life expectancy of 81.9 years, which ranks 38th globally. The territory has an adult literacy rate of approximately 92.4%, ranking 94th in the world, reflecting a long-standing commitment to public education. Digital connectivity is strong, with 87.3% of the population using the internet, placing the island 78th globally for internet penetration. This social infrastructure supports a highly urbanized society, with 94.3% of the population living in urban centers.
Climate & Environment
Puerto Rico experiences a tropical marine climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island features diverse topography, ranging from coastal plains to the central mountain range where the highest point, Cerro de Punta, reaches 1,338 m (4,390 ft). Weather patterns are influenced by the trade winds, though the region is susceptible to significant tropical storms and hurricanes.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- unincorporated organized territory of the US with commonwealth status
- Independence
- null (null)
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated organized territory of the United States with commonwealth status. The system of government is modeled after the US federal structure, consisting of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch is headed by a Governor, who is elected by the people of the island every four years. The legislative branch is bicameral, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives. While residents are US citizens and the United States dollar ($) is the official currency, Puerto Rico does not have voting representation in the US Congress, instead sending a Resident Commissioner who has a voice but no vote in the House. Federal laws generally apply to the island, though residents do not vote in US presidential elections unless they reside in one of the 50 states. The capital, San Juan, serves as the administrative center for the territory. This unique political arrangement allows for internal self-governance while maintaining a permanent legal and economic association with the United States.
History
Long before European contact, the island was inhabited by the Taíno people, who called it Borikén. Christopher Columbus arrived in November 1493, claiming the territory for Spain. For more than 400 years, San Juan served as a vital military outpost and trade hub for the Spanish Empire. This period saw the construction of massive fortifications such as El Morro to defend against various European powers. The Spanish-American War in 1898 brought a seismic shift when the island was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. The early 20th century was marked by legal and social transitions, including the Foraker Act of 1900, which established a civil government, and the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, which granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans. In July 1952, the island officially became a Commonwealth, adopting its own constitution and increasing its level of local autonomy. Modern development has focused on industrialization and infrastructure, transforming the island from an agrarian society into a manufacturing and service-oriented economy. Today, the territory continues to navigate its complex political status while preserving a rich cultural heritage that blends Taíno, Spanish, and African influences.
Notable Facts
- Puerto Rico is home to the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, spanning approximately 117 km² (45 sq mi).
- The island features three of the world's five bioluminescent bays, where microscopic organisms create a natural light show in the water at night.
- The highest peak on the island is Cerro de Punta, which reaches an elevation of 1338 m (4390 ft) above sea level in the Cordillera Central mountain range.
- With an urban population comprising 94.2539505199436% of the total, the island is among the most highly urbanized territories in the Caribbean region.
- San Juan, founded in 1521, is one of the oldest European-established cities in the Americas and serves as a major hub for maritime commerce.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Cerro de Punta (1,338 m)
- Lowest Point
- Caribbean Sea (0 m)
- Coastline
- 501 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Puerto RicoExplore weather and climate data for cities in Puerto Rico
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for San Juan
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 28°C / 24°C | 31°C / 26°C | 11days (40 mm) Wet | 10.9h Excellent | 79% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| February best | 28°C / 24°C | 30°C / 26°C | 11days (48 mm) Wet | 10.9h Excellent | 78% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| March best | 28°C / 24°C | 31°C / 26°C | 11days (35 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 77% Humid | Good | View Details |
| April best | 29°C / 24°C | 33°C / 27°C | 13days (81 mm) Wet | 12h Excellent | 78% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| May | 30°C / 25°C | 35°C / 29°C | 12days (79 mm) Wet | 12.1h Excellent | 79% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| June | 31°C / 26°C | 36°C / 31°C | 12days (58 mm) Wet | 12.5h Excellent | 78% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| July | 31°C / 27°C | 35°C / 31°C | 15days (67 mm) Wet | 12.3h Excellent | 80% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| August | 31°C / 27°C | 37°C / 31°C | 16days (88 mm) Wet | 11.7h Excellent | 80% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| September | 31°C / 27°C | 37°C / 32°C | 22days (145 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 31°C / 26°C | 36°C / 31°C | 20days (131 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 29°C / 25°C | 34°C / 29°C | 17days (94 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 82% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| December best | 28°C / 24°C | 31°C / 28°C | 11days (42 mm) Wet | 10.7h Excellent | 80% Humid | Good | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 28°C / 24°C . Feb: 28°C / 24°C . Mar: 28°C / 24°C . Apr: 29°C / 24°C . May: 30°C / 25°C . Jun: 31°C / 26°C . Jul: 31°C / 27°C . Aug: 31°C / 27°C . Sep: 31°C / 27°C . Oct: 31°C / 26°C . Nov: 29°C / 25°C . Dec: 28°C / 24°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 40 mm. Feb: 48 mm. Mar: 35 mm. Apr: 81 mm. May: 79 mm. Jun: 58 mm. Jul: 67 mm. Aug: 88 mm. Sep: 145 mm. Oct: 131 mm. Nov: 94 mm. Dec: 42 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Puerto Rico is approximately 3.2M (2024).
The capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan.
Puerto Rico's GDP per capita is $41.9K (2024).
Life expectancy in Puerto Rico is 81.9 years (2024).
Puerto Rico covers 8,870 km² (3,425 sq mi).
Puerto Rico is densely populated, with 361 people per km² — above the global average of 60.
Puerto Rico's population is roughly stable, changing by less than 0.1% per year.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Puerto Rico falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $41.9K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Puerto Rico's intentional homicide rate is 14.6 per 100,000 people, above the global average.
Puerto Rico has 2 official languages: English, Spanish.
Puerto Rico uses the United States dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Puerto Rico is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Puerto Rico are January, February, March, April, December, based on climate data for the capital.
According to the latest estimates, the population of Puerto Rico is approximately 3.2 million people. The territory currently ranks 134th globally and 23rd within the Americas by population size. Growth has slowed in recent years, with a current annual growth rate of approximately -0.02%, and a high population density of 361 people per km² (935 per sq mi).
The island possesses a significant economy with a total GDP of approximately 126 billion USD. This figure places Puerto Rico 62nd globally and 9th in the Americas for total economic output. The GDP per capita is currently estimated at 41,883 USD, which ranks 41st in the world and 10th in the Americas.
Yes, Puerto Rico is highly connected, with 87.3% of the population identified as internet users. This level of digital access ranks the territory 78th globally. Furthermore, the island maintains an adult literacy rate of approximately 92.4%, which currently ranks 94th in the world, ensuring a workforce capable of engaging with modern technology.
The current unemployment rate in Puerto Rico stands at approximately 6.0%. This figure ranks the island 76th globally for the lowest unemployment levels. The labor market has seen stability following recent economic transitions, supported by an annual GDP growth rate of approximately 3.2% and a strong focus on manufacturing and services.
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated organized territory of the United States with commonwealth status. While it is not an independent country or a UN member, it uses the United States dollar ($) as its currency and residents are U.S. citizens. The local government is a republican form of government under the U.S. federal system.
The estimated 2026 population of Puerto Rico is 3,202,301. This figure is based on recent projections from the latest official 2024 population of 3,203,295. The island has been experiencing a gradual decline in its total number of residents due to low fertility and outward migration.
Puerto Rico currently holds a global population rank of 134 out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it ranks 23rd in the Americas and 4th within the Caribbean. This position places it among the mid-sized island territories globally in terms of total inhabitants.
Puerto Rico is highly dense, with 361 people per km² (935 per sq mi). This places it 30th globally in terms of population density. Most residents are concentrated in coastal urban centers, particularly the San Juan metropolitan area, leaving the central mountainous regions more sparsely populated.
The population is currently shrinking at an annual rate of -0.016%. This decline is caused by a natural decrease, where the 90 estimated deaths per day exceed the 50 estimated births. Economic challenges and migration to the United States mainland also contribute to the overall population loss.
Puerto Rico has an exceptionally low fertility rate of 0.92 births per woman according to latest data. This is one of the lowest rates in the world, ranking 212th out of 215 territories. It is significantly below the 2.1 rate required to maintain a stable population level.
Puerto Rico is highly urbanized, with 94.3% of its population living in cities or metropolitan areas. This ranks the island 20th globally for urbanization. The vast majority of the residents live in and around San Juan, Bayamón, and Carolina, where economic activity and services are concentrated.
All Indicators
Explore Puerto Rico's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
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