Puerto Rico

 

Puerto Rico is a loosely associated state, a U.S.-dependent territory in the Caribbean (Greater Antilles).

 

Language.

Spanish, English.

 

Time.

Seven hours is the difference between Moscow and San Juan.

 

Population.

3.195 million people (2018). Ethnic composition: Europeans, Africans, Indians.

 

Religion.

Approximately 85% of Puerto Ricans profess Catholicism, 10% - Protestantism, there are followers of spiritualism, the African religion of voodoo, Indian traditions.

 

 

Climate.

Passate, tropical. The average annual air temperature is about + 24 C ... + 28 C, in summer it is slightly hotter, up to + 30 C. At night in the mountains can be cooler by several degrees.

Precipitation: 800 to 2500 mm per year. The hurricane season lasts from May to November, with showers and squally winds at a speed of 150 km / h.

 

Currency.

U.S. dollar.

 

Visa regime.

To enter Puerto Rico, Russians must apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in the Russian Federation.

 

 

Customs regulations.

Foreign and national currency can be imported and exported indefinitely. Declarations are subject to amounts in excess of $10,000 and gold.

It is forbidden to import any meat, absinthe, fish, eggs, plants, seeds, matches, lighters, weapons (see US law), narcotic substances, psychotropic drugs, cigars from Cuba, any things made and / or bought in some countries, for example, in Iran, Serbia, Libya, North Korea, Cuba.

Pets can be imported with an international veterinary passport and a certificate of vaccination against rabies.

 

 

Resorts.

Puerto Rico is a real paradise with all the conditions for a chic holiday. Thanks to a very comfortable climate on the island, you can relax all year round: sunbathe and swim, go fishing, have a great time in water parks, engage in all kinds of water sports. There are many hotels, bars, nightclubs, shops in Puerto Rico so that numerous tourists do not need anything.

The islands have three unique bioluminescent bodies of water: Mosquito Bay, La Parguera and Laguna Grande. At night, their water turns bright blue and green due to the presence of dinoflagellates.

Natural attractions: the unique biosphere reserve El Yunke, the Rio Camuy Cave Park, Parkguera Reserve.

The Bacardi factory is built on the islands, which produces world-famous rum, and you can get there for a guided tour.

 

Kitchen.

The gastronomic habits of Puerto Rico are a mixture of the customs of Spain (abundant consumption of olive oil, meat dishes) and Africa (use of okra and colocasia, herbs).

Usually meat with vegetables and greens is cooked in pots "caldero". "Carne-hisada-Puerto Ricana" - beef with pepper and olives; "sankocho" - beef with vegetables; "carne-frita-con-sebol" - pork meat with ham. Soup made of black beans; chicken with rice; "sopon de pescado" - a kind of sharp ear with tomatoes; To broths are often served sausages native to Spain - "chorisos"

 

 

Traditions.

The traditions of Puerto Rico are an explosive and vibrant mixture of the customs of African peoples, Spaniards, Indians and the United States, and on the islands various rites peacefully exist side by side, and people get joy from them.

In Puerto Rico, they know how to have fun, as well as in other Caribbean islands: carnivals and holidays, costumed marathons and sports are held in the country. The most famous is the festival of San Sebastian at the beginning of the year: thousands of people go outside to sing, dance, drink rum and rest until the morning.

On the eve of Lent in Ponce, people go to a six-day festive marathon, and wear special horned masks "vehigantes", in the same city there is a festival of Bomb-and-Plena, which gathers the most outstanding drummers. In Mayaguez, the feast of the Holy Virgin is celebrated in February. At the St. James Festival in July, there is an opportunity to experience some African customs.

The island knows a lot about dancing, and salsa is danced here in bars and restaurants. For tourists and everyone who wants to work courses to teach this dance skills.

From November to February, the whole country cheers loudly and emotionally for baseball.

Photo: caribs, onetwotrip