Caribbean.

GMT - 4.

8,870 sq km (3,459 sq miles).

3.94 million (CIA estimate 2007).

444.2 per sq km.

San Juan. Population: 442,447 (2004).

Puerto Rico is an island east of the Dominican Republic and west of the British Virgin Islands. Also included are several smaller islands, such as Culebra, Mona and Vieques. The island is comparatively small, 8,959 sq km (3,459 sq miles), with a central mountain range reaching an altitude of 1,338m (4,390ft) at Cerro de Punta, and surrounded by low coastal plains. The capital is on the northeast shore. Much of the natural forest has been cleared for agriculture, but the trees in the northeast are protected as a national park. The other main towns are Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Carolina, Cayey, Farjardo, Guaynabo, Mayagüez and Ponce.

Self-governing US Commonwealth Territory (incorporated). Gained internal autonomy in 1951.

President George W Bush since 2001.

Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila since 2005.

In 1998, the third referendum in 30 years asked Puerto Ricans to decide between becoming the USA's 51st state, becoming independent, entering a compact of free association or retaining the status quo. They narrowly voted for the status quo. Independence remains a sensitive issue, however, and its advocates received a boost in 2003 when the US military ended its use of the island of Vieques for military exercises after 60 years.

At the end of 2004, Sila Maria Calderón of the PPD was opposed by Anibal Acevedo Vila. It was an extremely close race. After two months of wrangling and recounts, Acevedo Vila, leader of the pro-Commonwealth Popular Democratic Party, scraped through and was confirmed as the new head of government.

In 2006, an appeal was taken to the US Supreme Court requesting that Puerto Ricans be given the right to vote in US presidential elections; however the appeal was rejected.

Spanish and English are the official languages.

Roman Catholic 85%; the remainder are other Christian denominations and Jews.

110 volts AC, 60Hz.

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Casual dress is acceptable, but shorts should not be worn in hotel dining rooms or casinos, where formal dress is required after 2000. Spanish and American manners and conventions exist side by side on the island. Some hotels require formal dress.