Country Profile: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic. With a diverse population of approximately 2.98 million, it operates as an unincorporated territory of the United States, granting its residents U.S. citizenship. The island's economy is predominantly based on capital-intensive industries and tourism, although it has experienced significant economic challenges over the past decade. Governance is structured around a republican form with local self-government, facilitated by a constitution enacted in 1952.

Geography

Puerto Rico covers an area of 9,104 square kilometers, characterized by a tropical marine climate and mild temperatures. The island's terrain is mostly mountainous, with a coastal plain in the north and a significant elevation difference leading to its highest point, Cerro de Punta, at 1,338 meters. It has a coastline of 501 kilometers, with the majority of its population residing along this coastal margin, particularly in the capital city of San Juan.

9,104 sq km total area
501 km coastline
50.3% of land forested
19% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
12 nm territorial sea
200 nm exclusive economic zone

People and Society

The estimated population of Puerto Rico is approximately 2,984,841 as of 2025, with a composition that includes 75.8% White and 12.4% Black/African American. The primary languages spoken are Spanish and English, reflecting the territory's diverse cultural heritage. The society is predominantly Roman Catholic, with a notable Protestant presence. Urbanization is high, with 93.6% of the population living in urban areas.

2.98 million total population (2025 est.)
46.7 years median age (2025 est.)
82.1 years life expectancy (2024 est.)
7.78 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
12.5% of the population aged 0-14 years
93.6% urban population (2023)

Economy

Puerto Rico's economy has been heavily impacted by external factors such as hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in its labor force and job growth. In 2024, the economy is projected to have a real GDP of approximately $141.344 billion, with key sectors including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and tourism. The unemployment rate is expected to stand at 5.5% in 2024.

$141.344 billion GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
5.5% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
1.152 million labor force (2024 est.)
48% of GDP from the industry sector (2024 est.)
$65.368 billion exports (2024 est.)

Government

Puerto Rico operates as an unincorporated territory of the U.S. with local self-governance established through a constitution. The Legislative Assembly is bicameral, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives, while the Governor is elected directly by the populace. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in federal presidential elections.

San Juan is the capital city
78 municipalities
4-year terms for elected officials
100% of the population has access to improved drinking water (2022 est.)

Military and Security

Defense responsibilities for Puerto Rico fall under the jurisdiction of the United States. The island hosts the Puerto Rico Police and its own National Guard, dating back to the Spanish colonial period.

Puerto Rico National Guard established in 1919
No significant military forces of its own
Defense managed by the U.S.

Energy

Electricity access is universal in Puerto Rico, with 100% of the population connected as of 2022. The island's energy generation primarily relies on fossil fuels, contributing to significant electricity consumption and related emissions.

100% electrification of the population (2022 est.)
18.669 billion kWh of electricity consumption (2023 est.)
94.6% of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
2.315 billion cubic meters of natural gas consumption (2023 est.)

Environment

Puerto Rico faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion and pollution, exacerbated by industrial activities and climatic conditions. Efforts are ongoing to combat these issues, particularly regarding water shortages during drought periods and recovery from hurricane impacts.

50.3% of the land is forested (2023 est.)
4.171 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
18.833 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes a network of airports, heliports, and ports that facilitate trade and travel. The island has 20 airports and 14 ports, with significant activity concentrated in medium-sized ports.

20 airports (2025)
14 total ports (2024)
40 heliports (2025)

Communications

Puerto Rico has a well-developed communications network, with a high level of mobile cellular subscriptions and internet access among its population. Approximately 87% of residents are internet users, reflecting the importance of digital connectivity.

4.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
87% of the population are internet users (2022 est.)
758,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,984,841	(2025 est.)
Area	9,104 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$141.344 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	7.78 births/1,000 people	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	82.1 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	93.6%	(2023)
Installed Generating Capacity	6.898 million kW	(2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption	18.669 billion kWh	(2023 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	86.286 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)