ABOUT PUERTO RICO

For over 500 years, Puerto Rico's unique culture - born of Native Indian, Spanish, African, and American influences - has been the living manifestation of a vibrant and dynamic people.
 
Since 1898, our culture has been an integral part of the American melting pot and our contributions to the U.S. are wide-ranging. As U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans have represented the United States in business, athletics, the sciences, fine arts, entertainment and the U.S. armed forces.
 
In 1952, the people of Puerto Rico and the government of the United States mutually agreed to adopt our current Commonwealth relationship.  Since then, we have repeatedly demonstrated an intense commitment to the U.S. while retaining self-governance and our cultural identity.