1. By: Brittany Williams LaKeisha Moore

2. Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean Sea that was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. In 1898 after the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a part of the United States.

3. National Symbol: tiny tree frog Casitas: traditional rural house painted in bright colors Royal Palms

4.  Spanish is the primary language spoken in Puerto Rico. English is also an official language of the island.

5.  People of Puerto Rico are Caribbean island people. They are also United States Citizens  They are a mixture of Indian(Taìno), African, and Spanish. This is called their origin.  The ethnic group of Puerto Rico today is Hispanic. A persons ethnic group can also be called their race.

6. Native food or Puerto Rican food and home cooking is preferred over fast-food. Some foods that are eating includes rice and beans, pork roast, tamales, coconut, pudding, and empanadas.

7.  Good family and education are more important than wealth or having money.  Arts are important cultural expressions (dance, music, literature, and paintings).  Being respectful, cordial, courteous, and polite is called “education”. This is more important than a “school” education.  Religion: Catholic few Protestant

8.  Family life is a core cultural value.  Family members are enduring, reliable, and a support network.  Elders are respected.  Marriage marks adulthood.  Couples should have children.  Children have their mother’s and father’s last name.

9.  New Year’s Eve  Three Kings Day: marks the last day of Christmas, children receive gifts  Hostos Day: day to honor Eugenio María de Hostos, a Puerto Rican independence advocate.  Constitution Day : celebration of the island’s right to its own government and constitution  Discovery Day: celebration of the day Puerto Rico was discovered  Christmas Day (Navidad)

10.  Capital: San Juan  National Sport: baseball (beisbol)  Currency (money): U.S. dollar  Climate: Tropical (temperature average ˚72F)  Crops: coffee, pineapples, tomatoes, bananas, pumpkins, peppers, plantains, sugarcane, lettuce, and yams.

11.  http://www.elboricua.com http://www.elboricua.com  http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com