📖 About San Juan

San Juan is the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico, a US territory in the Caribbean. With approximately 340,000 residents (2.3 million metro), it's one of the oldest European-established settlements in the Americas. The UNESCO World Heritage old town—Viejo San Juan—preserves 500 years of Spanish colonial history.

The city combines historic charm with modern resort amenities. Massive fortifications—El Morro and San Cristóbal—guarded Spain's Caribbean treasure route. Colorful colonial buildings line cobblestone streets. San Juan represents Caribbean history—Spanish colonial legacy, US territorial status, and Puerto Rican cultural pride.

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💼 Economy & Culture

San Juan dominates Puerto Rico's economy—finance, tourism, manufacturing, and government concentrate here. The port is the Caribbean's busiest cruise destination. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is significant. Services employ most residents. The economy has struggled with debt crisis but tourism remains strong. US investment and territorial status shape economic dynamics.

Puerto Rican culture is proudly distinct—Spanish is primary alongside English, Catholicism predominates. Music includes salsa, reggaetón, and bomba y plena. The arts flourish despite economic challenges. Food features mofongo, lechón, and arroz con gandules. The culture is vibrantly Caribbean-Latin—Spanish heritage, African roots, and American influence creating unique Puerto Rican identity.

📜 History

Juan Ponce de León established the settlement in 1521. San Juan became Spain's Caribbean stronghold, its fortifications protecting treasure fleets. Attacks by Drake, the Dutch, and British were repelled. The city prospered as colonial administrative center.

The Spanish-American War (1898) transferred Puerto Rico to the US. San Juan modernized in the 20th century. Commonwealth status (1952) defined political relationship. Hurricane Maria (2017) devastated the island. Today San Juan showcases Caribbean resilience—centuries of colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and Puerto Rican spirit in America's Caribbean capital.