Puerto Rico is an island and US territory of the West Indies, known for its tropical beaches and warm climate. While it’s only about 39 miles (63 kilometers) from north to south and 111 miles (179 kilometers) from east to west, it’s the fourth-largest island in the Caribbean.
Map of Puerto Rico
Key geography facts
1. The mountainous interior of Puerto Rico, known as La Cordillera Central, runs from east to west, with Cerro de Punta being the island’s highest point at 4,390 feet (1,338 meters).
2. Parallel to and north of the island lies the Puerto Rico Trench, the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean, descending to a depth exceeding 8,400 meters.
3. Limestone covers about 27.5% of Puerto Rico’s surface, and it has karst features, such as mogotes, sinkholes, and caves.
4. The southern coastal plain is notably drier, while the northern plain is more humid. This climate supports a variety of crops, including coffee, rice, tobacco, sugarcane, and fruits.
5. Puerto Rico has no natural lakes, but several artificial lakes like Lago de Guajataca have been created for water supply and hydroelectric power. Puerto Rico also has approximately 5,385 miles of river, which supports plant and animal diversity.
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico regions
Puerto Rico has eight senatorial districts and forty representative districts.
San Juan
- San Juan
- Aguas Buenas
- Some regions of Guaynabo
Bayamón
- Bayamón
- Some regions of Cataño
- Some regions of Guaynabo
- Toa Alta
- Toa Baja
Arecibo
- Arecibo
- Barceloneta
- Camuy
- Ciales
- Dorado
- Florida
- Hatillo
- Manatí
- Morovis
- Quebradillas
- Vega Alta
- Vega Baja
Mayagüez-Aguadilla
- Aguada
- Aguadilla
- Añasco
- Cabo Rojo
- Hormigueros
- Isabela
- Las Marias
- Mayagüez
- Moca
- Rincón
- San Germán
- San Sebastián
Ponce
- Adjuntas
- Guánica
- Guayanilla
- Jayuya
- Some regions of Juana Díaz
- Lajas
- Lares
- Maricao
- Peñuelas
- Ponce
- Sabana Grande
- Utuado
- Yauco
Guayama
- Aibonito
- Arroyo
- Barranquitas
- Cayey
- Cidra
- Coamo
- Comerío
- Corozal
- Guayama
- Some regions of Juana Díaz
- Naranjito
- Orocovis
- Salinas
- Santa Isabel
- Villalba
Humacao
- Caguas
- Gurabo
- Humacao
- Juncos
- Las Piedras
- Maunabo
- Naguabo
- Patillas
- San Lorenzo
- Yabucoa
Carolina
- Canóvanas
- Carolina
- Ceiba
- Culebra
- Fajardo
- Loíza
- Luquillo
- Río Grande
- Trujillo Alto
- Vieques
Map of Puerto Rico in
Puerto Rico is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean in the North American continent.
Puerto Rico major cities
San Juan – The capital and largest city, it’s the oldest city under US jurisdiction. It is known for its vibrant culture and as a major tourist destination.
Ponce – Often referred to as “La Perla del Sur” (The Pearl of the South), known for its colonial architecture, museums, cultural festivals, and the nearby Caja de Muertos island.
Caguas – Located in the east-central part of the island, renowned for its commercial, cultural and entertainment activities, and as a growing suburban area of San Juan.
Bayamón – A city near San Juan, known for its cultural scene, cuisine and museums, as well as an interactive science park.
Carolina – Home to Puerto Rico’s main international airport, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, it’s about 12 miles (19 km) east of the capital.
Arecibo – Located on the northern coast, known for its commercial activity and the Arecibo Observatory, which has led to many important scientific discoveries.
Guaynabo – A suburban city of San Juan known for its well-maintained residential areas and business districts.
Mayagüez – A city on the western coast recognized for its university, water activities and as a chief shipping port.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.