¿Cuánto sabes de…? Puerto Rico

¿Dónde está Puerto Rico?

How large is Puerto Rico compared to Illinois?

Puerto Rico is 6 1/2 times smaller than Illinois (100 mi x 35 mi).

How large is Puerto Rico’s population compared to that of Illinois?

Puerto Rico’s population is about one-third of that of Illinois (2001 estimate) However, at 1,000 persons per square mile, the population density is among the highest in the world!

What languages are spoken in Puerto Rico? Spanish - ~ 90% Doh! Other language: English English and Spanish have been official languages since English is taught from first through twelfth grade. 50% of all Puerto Ricans over the age of 5 speak English and Spanish. 85% of Post -Secondary school students speak English and Spanish. Federal courts and agencies use English. Local governmental affairs are conducted in English and Spanish. English is the language of Commerce.

What is the capital city? San Juan (population 1.4 million – over a third of the entire population of the island!)

Reading tasks Now scan the cultural reading on pp for the answers to the following questions: What is the unit of currency? What is El Morro? What is Arecibo known for? What is salsa? Describe Puerto Rico’s political status.

What is the unit of currency?

The U.S. Dollar

What is El Morro?

El Morro Fortress built in the early 1600s “El Morro's main mission was to protect San Juan against sea attacks. Four tiers of batteries blasted enemy warships attempting to enter the harbor. If the ships got as far as the entrance of the bay, cannon fire was used to break the waterline planking of vessels.” design.com/html/pr_elmorro.htm design.com/html/pr_elmorro.htm

What is Arecibo famous for?

Arecibo Observatory The largest radiotelescope in the world – it covers an area of about 20 acres. By comparison, North Park University’s campus covers only 30 acres. “The Observatory is recognized as one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar and terrestrial aeronomy.”

What is salsa?

Salsa Gotcha!

Salsa “Salsa was born between the late 1800's and early 1900's. It's a blend of several Caribbean rhythmic and musical styles: Rumba, Son montuno, Conga, Guaracha, Mambo, Chachacha and others. This musical mixture is due to the contributions of diverse cultures, particularly the African and European cultural influences, which found fertile ground in the Caribbean region.. The African population played a key role in the musical,and economic, development of this new frontier.” CongaCaribbean region.

Salsa Here are some of the various instruments used in salsa music. güiro

Describe Puerto Rico’s political status.

Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Local self-governing territory under the US constitution. They can't vote for the president. Puerto Ricans have been statutory US citizens since They receive lower levels of federal benefits but don't pay federal income taxes. Their future US citizenship and nationality is not guaranteed. Federal courts and agencies operate in Puerto Rico in the same manner as the 50 states.

Religion in Puerto Rico 85% Catholic 8% Protestant (Pentecostal, Methodist, Episcopalian) Others: Judaism, Islam, and other religions that draw from African and Caribbean traditions (Santería, Kongo, Palo Mayombe)

6 de enero: Día de los Reyes Magos “On the feast of the Epiphany, the Three kings visited the newly born Christ Child in Bethlehem bearing him gifts. This tradition is repeated and reflected in present day with the belief that on this eve the 3 Kings will visit every good child to deliver them gifts. Tradition states that on the Eve of the Epiphany children collect hay, straw or grass and place it in boxes or containers under their beds. This gesture is a gift of food for the Kings' Horses while they rest in between deliveries. If a child is good for the past year he will receive candies, sweets or toys. If the child was misbehaved or naughty he would instead find a lump of dirt or charcoal in his box. This tradition is much older than that of Santa's visit on Christmas Eve”