Puerto Rico is close to the deepest submarine depression in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Puerto Rico Trench, roughly parallel to the northern coast of the island of Puerto Rico and lying about 75 miles (120 km) to the north. The Puerto Rico Trench is about 1,090 miles (1,750 km) long and 60 miles (100 km) wide. The deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean, the Milwaukee Depth , lies at a depth of 27,493 feet (8,380 meters) in the western end of the trench, about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Puerto Rico. The origin of the trench can be traced back to the beginning of the Tertiary period. The Puerto Rico Trench appears to be part of a complex system of sinistral strike-slip faults in the north Caribbean; the trench seems to have been opened continuously for about 70 million years. It is partially filled with sediments.
Mona and Monito Islands are located between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. These small islands are considered the Galápagos Islands of the Caribbean Sea. No other reef and offshore island habitat within U.S. jurisdiction possesses such ecological uniqueness, invaluable habitat, and biological diversity within such a reduced surface area. For these reasons, Mona and Monito Islands have been recognized by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as a Natural Reserve. The islands are a critical habitat of endangered marine turtles, sea birds and occasional migratory marine mammals.

Puerto Rico is where the histories, cultures, and rhythms of the Caribbean, Spain, and United States meet head on. The thick and imposing walls of El Moro Fortress loom as a silent gatekeeper to the past, while modern San Juan pulsates with the energy of the fiery salsa beat. Puerto Rico is an island with an old-world Spanish soul and the heartbeat of a new millenium.
Diverse activities:
The attractions of Puerto Rico include spectacular beaches, non-stop casino action, and a vibrant nightlife. For the outdoor enthusiasts there are two mountain ranges to explore, as well as fern grottos, huge underground river caves, waterfalls, petrified forests, deserts, phosphorescent bays, unspoiled reefs, offshore islands ringed by white sand beaches, and El Yunque -- the only rainforest in the US Forest Service system. Mango trees and sugarcane fields.
While the immense scenery of Puerto Rico is impressive, even the most remote corner of the island can be reached by car in just hours from the city of San Juan. A drive through the countryside reveals many of the deeper charms of the island -- its seaside towns and highland villages, colorful roadside fruit stands, fields of sugarcane, and mountains flanked by mango trees and coffee beans. From fast food to world-class cuisine, and from posh resorts to intimate Paradore Inns, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy in Puerto Rico.

Columbus and the Taino Indians:

Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Puerto Rico on his second voyage in 1493. Despite the presence of the Taino Indians, who had been living on the island for 2000 years, Columbus claimed it for Spain, named it San Juan Bautista, and promptly sailed away. When permanent Spanish settlers returned in 1508, the Tainos were conquered and used as slave laborers to build the colony that Spain renamed Puerto Rico (rich port). Disease and armed resistance took a devastating toll on the Tainos and within 50 years of Spanish arrival, the island natives had perished. Traces of their settlements and remains of their ceremonial ballcourts can be found in various places throughout the island.

Slavery abolished in 1873 :

African slaves were imported to the island to replace the Tainos, who preferred death to slavery, and the island truly became a rich port. So rich, in fact, that huge forts and battlements were erected to protect the wealth that was flowing from the new world through San Juan and on to the King of Spain. The most fortified port in the empire Over the next few centuries, Spanish holdings in the new world were under constant attack from pirates and European naval ships. San Juan was to suffer from naval bombardments, sieges, and armed invasions, many of which resulted in the burning of her buildings by frustrated invaders. Disease and indifference also took its toll on the soldiers who were constantly dying or deserting for a better life. El Moro, however, with its massive stone walls, fell only once to an invading army.

End of the Spanish empire:

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the citizens of Puerto Rico grew restless with archaic Spanish laws and agitated for independence as they grew more aware of their own identity and culture. Self-rule came too late as the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898 and destroyed the remnants of the Spanish Empire. Cuba gained its freedom and Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico came under US control.

Shining star of the Caribbean:

The Puerto Rico of today is a self-autonomous Commonwealth created in 1952. While issues of eventual full statehood or independence are still to be settled, Puerto Ricans are American citizens and enjoy the most prosperous economy in the Caribbean.

Crossroad of the Caribbean:

The people of Puerto Rico are a vibrant mix of the islands and nations that make up the Americas. They are a proud, outgoing, and warm people who actively support a flourishing local culture through museums, folklore, artwork, literature, and music.