Chapter 7: Central America and the West Indies  "Puerto Rico"

Introduction In this chapter you have studied the countries of Central America and the West Indies. Puerto Rico is the easternmost of the islands of the Greater Antilles. While it is part of the culture region of Latin America, politically it is part of the United States. So many Puerto Ricans have immigrated to the United States that more live in the continental U.S. than on the island itself. Destination Title: Welcome to Puerto Rico Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Welcome to Puerto Rico home page. Click on the topics Description, People, and Government. After you have read through the information, answer the following questions. 1. What are the geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) for Puerto Rico? 2. What is the national (unofficial) symbol of Puerto Rico? 3. What is interesting about Puerto Rico's population density? 4. Describe Puerto Rico's government. 5. The three major political parties in Puerto Rico each support a different idea about the status of Puerto Rico. One supports an enhanced commonwealth status, another wishes to seek U.S. statehood, and the third desires independence. Imagine that you are a member of one of these parties. Write a persuasive letter to the United States Congress defending your opinion about the status of your island.