Many people ask questions about Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans that can be annoying and often times offensive. Here are 10 facts that everyone should know about Puerto Rico.
First of all, THIS is where Puerto Rico is located (notice that it's NOT Mexico)
1. Puerto Rico is located right next to the Dominican Republic.
Puerto Rico is a small Island (its dimensions are 114x47.5 miles) Puerto Rico as a whole consists of the main Island and various small islands around it. These are: Mona, Culebra, Vieques, Caja de Muertos and Desecho.
Puerto Rico has been a commonwealth of the United States since 1898 during the Hispanic-American War. The result of the war was that the United States ended up with Puerto Rico, Philippines and Guam.
We were granted U.S statutory citizenship on March 2, 1917.
This means that Puerto Ricans ARE American citizens. It also makes Puerto Rico a territory of the United States.
2. Puerto Ricans pay taxes. (*gasp* whaaaat??) Yes, it's true, we pay taxes.
We have our own tax laws in Puerto Rico but we do have to pay most of the U.S federal income taxes; however, some people don't have to pay the federal personal income tax.
3. Puerto Ricans don't say "Puelto Lico."
Stop. It's annoying and no one even says it.
4. No, Puerto Rican food is NOT spicy.
Okay, our food is super delicious but I might be extremely biased. We use sofrito on all our meals, adobo and sazón completo also give the food a great taste but there's nothing like our own spices that some even grow in their backyard.
My favorite has to be...
MOFONGO!!
(Notice my enthusiasm) Mofongo is one of the most delicious foods to ever exist. It's made by frying plantains and then smashing them in a pilón. (some people add bacon, seafood, meat, etc.)
5. No, you cannot drive to Puerto Rico.
It is impossible to drive to the Caribbean (although it would be cool) so please, refrain from asking this question.
So, next time you speak to a Puerto Rican... you have a little knowledge so that you don't say something rude or... dumb.
6. Yes, we speak English.
We are taught English from pre-school until college. It is officially our second language and a vast majority can speak it fluently.
7. We have the only tropical rain forest that's recognized by the U.S National Forest System.
It's called "El Yunque" and it's the most beautiful place you could visit.
It has 25 waterfalls...
8. Not all of us like reggeaton (or Daddy Yankee).
We don't like "Gasolina" (the song, not the alcoholic beverage.)
We have amazing music in Puerto Rico and it actually has meaningful and deep lyrics!
9. We are the "Rum Capital of the World."
We export 80 percent of rum around the world. In fact, more than 70 percent of the rum sold in the U.S come from Puerto Rico.
It also doesn't hurt that the drinking age is 18.
10. We are a vibrant culture and our island is a beautiful place to explore.
Puerto Ricans come from a mixed line that includes: TaÃnos (natives of Puerto Rico), Africans and Spaniards.
We are an amazing group of people who has learned to persevere in tough times. Puerto Ricans are always proud of where they came from and we may get a little defensive when someone says something wrong.
Overall, Puerto Rico is a beautiful place to visit (you don't need a passport and we have the same currency as U.S) So, if you get the chance, learn about us because there is so much more to us than just being a territory.
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