Puerto Rico isn't an independent country , since it's under US control. But it is sometimes treated like a separate nation, participating as an observer in some international organizations with US approval , and sending its own teams to the Olympics and FIFA soccer matches. Technically, Puerto Rico isn't considered part of the US, even though certain laws treat it like it is for example, it's included in the US for import and export purposes. Instead, the law says it belongs to the US as a type of possession called an "unincorporated territory".
Unincorporated territories are places where courts have said the US constitution doesn't apply unless and until the the US government says so. It's also possible for a territory to be "incorporated" as part of the country. Besides the 50 states and the District of Columbia national capital zone Washington, DC , the only incorporated territory of the US today is the remote, uninhabited Pacific island of Palmyra Atoll.
Although the territory has no voting representation in the US legislature, it does have a non-voting delegate, known as the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. In short, because its people haven't firmly asked for it. Though the original decision not to make Puerto Rico part of the the US was based on blatantly racist court rulings in the early s, its people voted in to remain a self-governing territory instead of a state.
Several referendums since then have been less conclusive. Support for Puerto Rico's current status has plummeted, but votes in and were carried out in controversial ways, failing to a get a clear picture of whether the majority of Puerto Ricans want to become a US state more details in our article on the referendum.
But that might be about to change. And if they choose yes, there's a very real chance the territory could become a state in the coming years. To learn all about what's happening, how things might turn out, and how Puerto Rico would compare to the other 50 or 51 states, check out our explainer on the Puerto Rico statehood referendum.
Anyone born in Puerto Rico is automatically a US citizen. They're also citizens of Puerto Rico - but since this second citizenship isn't from an independent country, they have to use US passports to travel internationally. Although their citizenship is granted by the US legislature and not guaranteed by the US constitution, today Puerto Ricans are legally considered Americans in every way.
That includes eligibility to serve in the US military, where quite a few of them have risen to high ranks. In response, Puerto Rico held a constitutional convention, establishing its own republican form of government and bill of rights.
In , Puerto Rico adopted the official name of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and a new constitution. Some scholars and policymakers contend the term is a mere moniker, as in the state names of Massachusetts or Pennsylvania. Others say it gives Puerto Rico a special status as a new kind of legal entity that renders it neither a territory nor a state. Either way, Puerto Ricans lack some of the key rights of mainland Americans.
They are subject to federal laws, but lack voting representation in Congress: Though the Puerto Rican delegate in the U. House of Representatives may serve on committees and introduce bills, they cannot vote. See vintage pictures of life in Puerto Rico years ago.
But a contingent of scholars and policymakers believe that Puerto Ricans are not full U. Opponents say that while Puerto Rican-born citizens lack citizenship status on a constitutional basis, they received it on a statutory basis from the Nationality Act. Despite a modern statehood movement—which includes an attempt to gain recognition from Congress, and an upcoming statehood referendum in November—it seems unlikely that Puerto Rico will become a state any time soon.
In a Morning Consult poll , only 54 percent of mainland Americans knew Puerto Ricans are American citizens, and the United States has resisted calls from the United Nations to fully decolonize its territory. Past referenda on the subject of statehood have also been highly contested. The idea of statehood remains divisive in a territory that has long bristled at the decisions of the nation that claimed it in For Puerto Rico to become a state, it will need the support of U.
Until then, it will continue to be a little understood territory with a contentious history. All rights reserved. Share Tweet Email. Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city.
To connect to the Internet visitors must call their service provider in the USA or Europe, and pay the long distance rates, or establish a temporary account with a local service provider. Health and Medical Facilities: Health standards in Puerto Rico are generally comparable with those of the United States, its medical facilities are among the finest in the Caribbean.
There are physicians and hospitals in all cities. Accommodations: Puerto Rico offers a huge variety of lodgings that will appeal to a multiplicity of personalities and pocketbooks. Casinos: Casinos are located in many hotels around the Island.
Proper dressing should be observed by men and women. People under 18 are not allowed. Courtesy and dress: Light and loose cotton clothing is the best bet year-round for Puerto Rico's warm tropical climate. Transportation: You can get to Puerto Rico by air, or by sea. Once you arrive on the Island, there's a full menu of choices for getting around.
You can rent a car or use their public transportation system. Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
All the same rules as any part of the United States, except that the signs are in Spanish, the distance markers in kilometers and the gas sold in liters.
Liquor laws: You must be 18 years old to purchase liquor in stores or buy drinks in hotels, bars, and restaurants. All content included on this website, is not public domain material. The content is the intellectual property of Magaly Rivera or her content providers.
Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is prohibited without express written permission. Skip Navigation. Fast Facts About Puerto Rico. Source: National Georgraphic. Languages: Spanish and English Population : 3,, July est. Age structure: years: Median age: total: Sex ratio: at birth: 1. Nationality: Noun Puerto Rican s.
Adjective Puerto Rican.
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