Country Profile: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, is located in the Caribbean Sea, east of the Dominican Republic. With a population of approximately 3 million, it boasts a diverse culture shaped by its history and the influences of its aboriginal peoples, Spanish colonization, and American governance. The economy is primarily service-based, heavily reliant on tourism and industry, while also facing challenges such as high poverty rates and a declining labor force. Puerto Rico operates under a locally elected government with a unique political status that remains a point of contention among its citizens.

Geography

Puerto Rico is a tropical island featuring a largely mountainous terrain with a coastal plain along its northern shores. Its strategic location along the Mona Passage enhances its significance for shipping routes. The island encompasses 9,104 square kilometers and has a coastline of 501 kilometers adorned with sandy beaches.

Area: 9,104 sq km (2022)
Highest Point: Cerro de Punta at 1,338 m
Climate: Tropical marine with mild seasonal temperature variation
Natural Hazards: Hurricanes and periodic droughts can severely impact the region

People and Society

Puerto Rico's population is predominantly Latino, with a total estimate of 3,019,450 in 2024. The island exhibits significant urbanization, with 93.6% of residents living in urban areas. The society is diverse, with a mix of ethnic groups and languages, primarily Spanish and English.

Total Population: 3,019,450 (2024)
Life Expectancy: 82.1 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population: 93.6% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 92% (2017)
Median Age: 46.1 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Puerto Rico's economy has faced serious challenges over the past decade, exacerbated by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. The GDP per capita in 2024 is projected at $44,100, with services and industry comprising the bulk of economic output.

GDP (PPP): $141.344 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2024 est.)
Exports: $65.368 billion (2024 est.)
Labor Force: 1.152 million (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: High, with significant segments of the population affected

Government

Puerto Rico operates under a republican form of government with a separate executive, legislative, and judicial branch. The Governor is the head of government, while the President of the United States serves as the head of state due to Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory.

Capital: San Juan
Suffrage: Universal at age 18, but residents cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections
Legislative Assembly: Bicameral, with a House of Representatives and a Senate
Last Governor Election: November 5, 2024, with Jenniffer González-Colón elected
National Holiday: Puerto Rico Constitution Day on July 25

Military and Security

The responsibility for Puerto Rico’s defense lies with the United States. The Puerto Rico National Guard serves as the local military force, maintaining readiness and supporting both state and national missions.

Primary Security Force: Puerto Rico Police
National Guard Created: 1919 by U.S. Congress
U.S. Defense Responsibility: The U.S. oversees defense affairs

Energy

Puerto Rico’s energy sector is largely dependent on imported fuels, with fossil fuels making up the majority of its generating capacity. In recent years, there has been a push towards incorporating renewable energy sources.

Electricity Access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 6.898 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Generation: 94.6% from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption: 18.669 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental challenges include soil erosion and industrial pollution. The island's diverse ecosystems face pressure from urbanization and climate change impacts.

Land Use: 19% agricultural land (2022 est.)
Forest Coverage: 56.1% (2022 est.)
Municipal Solid Waste Generated: 4.171 million tons (2015 est.)
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 7.1 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

Transportation

Puerto Rico has a well-developed transportation network, including airports, heliports, and numerous ports facilitating both domestic and international travel.

Airports: 20 (planned for 2025)
Ports: 14 (2024)
Heliports: 40 (planned for 2025)

Communications

The communications infrastructure is robust, with high rates of mobile and internet usage among the population.

Internet Users: 87% of population (2022 est.)
Fixed-line Telephones: 758,000 subscriptions (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 4.04 million (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 751,000 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,019,450 (2024)	Estimated total population
Area	9,104 sq km	Total area of Puerto Rico
GDP (PPP)	$141.344 billion	Projected figure for 2024
Unemployment Rate	5.5% (2024)	Percentage of labor force seeking work
Life Expectancy	82.1 years (2024)	Average life expectancy at birth
Literacy Rate	92%	Total population literacy (2017)
Energy Consumption	18.669 billion kWh	Total electricity consumption (2023)
Urban Population	93.6% (2023)	Percentage of urbanized population
Installed Electricity Capacity	6.898 million kW	Total electricity generating capacity
Birth Rate	7.8 births/1,000 population (2024)	Birth rate estimate for 2024