San Juan

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San Juan
City
City of San Juan
CountryPuerto Rico
Founded1521
Founded byJuan Ponce de León
Time zoneUTC-4 (AST)
Area code(s)+1 787/939


San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. Founded in 1521 by Juan Ponce de León, San Juan is one of the oldest cities under U.S. jurisdiction and was named after Saint John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista).

History[edit | edit source]

San Juan was originally called "Ciudad de Puerto Rico" ("Rich Port City"). Its current name, San Juan, refers to the patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. The city's history is marked by several significant events, including attacks by the English and the Dutch, and its role in the Spanish-American War.

Geography[edit | edit source]

San Juan is located in the Northern Coastal Plains region of Puerto Rico, facing the Atlantic Ocean. It has a tropical marine climate, with a wet and dry season, and is prone to hurricanes.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of San Juan is primarily driven by services, including tourism, finance, and government services. The city is a key port for cruise ships in the Caribbean.

Culture[edit | edit source]

San Juan is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including festivals, arts, and cuisine. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The historic district of Old San Juan contains well-preserved examples of Spanish colonial architecture.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

San Juan has a diverse population, with a mix of cultural influences, predominantly of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino heritage.

Government[edit | edit source]

San Juan operates under a mayor-council government system. The current mayor is responsible for the administration of city services.

Education[edit | edit source]

The city hosts several institutions of higher education, including the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, which is the oldest and largest university in Puerto Rico.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

San Juan is served by the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the busiest airport in the Caribbean. Public transportation includes buses and a metro system known as Tren Urbano.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD