A while back a comedian made an off-color joke about Puerto Rico being an island of floating garbage. People were outraged, especially Puerto Ricans. Contrary to the insult, the U.S. territory is home to several incredible surprises, including bioluminescent organisms, tropical rainforests, and rum distilleries. Here are 10 facts you may not have known about Puerto Rico.
No Passport Needed for U.S. Citizens
Contrary to popular belief, if a U.S. citizen wants to visit Puerto Rico, they don’t need a passport to do so. Why? Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so technically its residents are U.S. citizens. Plan a vacation at one of Puerto Rico’s incredible Caribbean beaches. It’s nice to know you don’t have to worry about obtaining a passport.
Puerto Rico Is Not a Country
Some people think that Puerto Rico is a country; however, that is incorrect. Puerto Rico is considered an unincorporated territory, meaning it is a part of the U.S. The island has its own government and constitution, but it is under U.S. sovereignty. Unfortunately, even though Puerto Ricans are considered U.S. citizens, they can’t vote in U.S. presidential elections.
Hosts the World’s Largest Telescope
Until its unfortunate collapse in 2020, the Arecibo Observatory housed the largest single-dish radio telescope in the world. Even though the decision was made not to rebuild it after support cables broke, the telescope made a significant impact in astronomy by discovering the first exoplanets in 1992. The telescope also has appeared in movies such as GoldenEye and Contact. Despite its inactivity, its legacy continues as a symbol for astral exploration.
Bioluminescent Beaches
In the darkness, a blue-green hue illuminates Puerto Rican waters. The light show, which looks like the Aurora Borealis underwater, is caused by plankton that emits light when disturbed. One of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent beaches, Mosquito Bay, holds the Guinness World Record for the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
World’s Oldest Colony
Before Christopher Columbus encountered the island, Puerto Rico was inhabited by the Taino people, a sophisticated indigenous population that declined following the arrival of Europeans. First under Spanish rule, Puerto Rico was ceded by the United States after the Spanish-American War. The territory is considered the “World’s Oldest Colony,” having been under colonial rule for centuries. Today, Puerto Ricans advocate for self-determination.
Coqui Frogs
Native to Puerto Rico, the Coqui frog is a tiny nocturnal amphibian known for its unique “ko-KEE” call. Male frogs hit the high notes when attracting a mate. But unlike other frogs, they lay their eggs on land, hatching little froglets instead of tadpoles. The frog’s uniqueness has made it a symbol of national pride for Puerto Ricans. The saying “soy de aquí, como el coqui” means “I’m from here, like the coqui.”
Only Tropical Rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System
El Yunque National Forest holds the distinction of being the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System. Despite its small size (29,000 acres), the area is celebrated for its biodiversity, which includes numerous species of trees, orchids, and ferns. Many tourists visit the forest every year to hike its trails, see waterfalls, and swim in its natural pools.
Puerto Rico Trench
Deep beneath Puerto Rico’s turquoise and clear waters, where the water is as black as the night sky, the Puerto Rico Trench harbors an ecosystem of strange life forms. Considered the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean, it hosts numerous bioluminescent creatures and fish that look like they’ve come from your nightmares. Species with beak-like mouths, expandable jaws, and teeth so big they can hardly fit inside their mouths lurk below the surface. Surprisingly, Puerto Rico has a rich biodiversity.
Rum Capital
Without molasses and sugarcane, you can’t make rum. Once Europeans introduced the latter ingredient, Puerto Rico was on its way to becoming the “Rum Capital of the World.” The island is a major producer of rum, accounting for over 70% of the rum consumed in the U.S. The world’s largest rum distillery, Bacardi, continues to be successful and maintains Puerto Rico’s dedication to quality by meeting the “Rum Standard.”
U.S. Currency
U.S. tourists can breathe a sigh of relief as they plan a Puerto Rican vacation. Not only will your trip avoid passport worries, you’ll also avoid the hassle of currency exchange, as most of Puerto Rico uses U.S. currency. In conclusion, Puerto Rico is indeed far from a “garbage heap.” This vibrant island is truly full of surprises that evoke wonder and adventure. Which of these facts surprised you the most?
