Puerto Rico: An Exploration of Its Size

Puerto Rico, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Nestled in the northeastern Caribbean, it fits neatly into the Greater Antilles island group alongside Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. Yet, how does Puerto Rico, a territory small enough to be an island, compare in size to other land masses worldwide? To understand better, let’s delve into the dimensions and comparisons of Puerto Rico’s size.

The land of Puerto Rico spans about 3,515 square miles (9,104 square kilometers), making it the smallest island of the Greater Antilles. Nonetheless, its size is more immense than some might assume. Despite its seemingly small area, Puerto Rico’s size rivals that of some U.S. states. It is, in fact, larger than the smallest U.S state, Rhode Island, which covers an area of about 1,034 square miles.

In terms of population, the island boasts an impressive array. It is teeming with approximately 3.4 million people, rivaling the population of some materially larger regions. The island, thus, has a relatively high population density, equating to about 1000 people per square mile.

Comparatively, Puerto Rico’s size is about three times the size of Rhode Island but smaller than Connecticut, the third smallest state of the U.S. Picture three Rhode Islands together, or slice Connecticut into about half, and you have a fair estimate of Puerto Rico’s size.

Cities in Puerto Rico also compare in size to those beyond its coasts. San Juan, the capital city, covers an area of some 76.93 square miles, only slightly less than Washington D.C. that spreads over about 68 square miles.

The size of Puerto Rico facilitates a plethora of unique opportunities and challenges. Its compact dimensions and large population density have led to vibrant, close-knit communities and urban development. Conversely, the relatively small land area of Puerto Rico makes it susceptible to overdevelopment and resource depletion.

Beyond the statistics and rough comparisons, Puerto Rico’s size is better appreciated in the bigger picture. The physical size does little justice to the cultural and historical richness, dynamism, and vibrancy encapsulated on this island.

A fascinating aspect, not directly related to its size but interesting nonetheless, is the presence of international organizations in Puerto Rico. For instance, there’s a surprising presence of communication companies in Australia that have established branches in Puerto Rico, rewarding the island with an enhanced global status.

Puerto Rico’s size, rife with intricate contrasts and complexities, contributes to its unique identity. Small enough to be considered an island yet large enough to host a population exceeding that of many cities worldwide, Puerto Rico is indeed a notable example of ‘size doesn’t matter.’ Own its many challenges, Puerto Rico’s size allows for a vibrant integration of cultures and constant infusion of international influence in its urban areas, contributing to the island’s unique charm and appeal.