History of Puerto Rico in Timeline
Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island and unincorporated U.S. territory, is located southeast of Florida, near the Dominican Republic and U.S. Virgin Islands. Home to 3.2 million people, it comprises the main island and smaller islands like Mona, Culebra, and Vieques. Divided into 78 municipalities, the most populous is its capital, San Juan. While Spanish and English are official languages in government, Spanish is more widely spoken.
1900: Foraker Act Establishes Civilian Government
The Foraker Act of 1900 established a civilian government in Puerto Rico, allowing for a popularly elected House of Representatives, although the U.S. still maintained control over key appointments and legislation.
1901: US Government Initiates Legal Reforms in Puerto Rico
After assuming control of Puerto Rico in 1901, the U.S. government initiated legal reforms, leading to the adoption of codes of criminal law, criminal procedure, and civil procedure based on those used in California.
1902: English-Only Language Law in Puerto Rico
An English-only language law was enacted in Puerto Rico in 1902. Despite this law, Spanish remained the primary language spoken and used in the island's judicial system.
March 1903: Founding of the University of Puerto Rico
On March 12, 1903, the University of Puerto Rico was officially established, evolving from the "Escuela Normal Industrial" founded in Fajardo three years prior.
1906: Roosevelt Recommends U.S. Citizenship for Puerto Ricans
During an address to the Puerto Rican legislature in 1906, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt suggested that Puerto Ricans should be granted U.S. citizenship.
1907: Antonio Paoli's Groundbreaking Opera Recording
In a historic moment in 1907, Puerto Rican tenor Antonio Paoli became the first opera singer to record a full opera, participating in a performance of Pagliacci by Ruggiero Leoncavallo in Milan, Italy.
1914: Puerto Rican House of Delegates Demands Independence
In 1914, the Puerto Rican House of Delegates unanimously voted in favor of independence from the United States. However, the U.S. Congress rejected their demand.
1917: Jones-Shafroth Act Grants U.S. Citizenship
In 1917, the U.S. Congress passed the Jones–Shafroth Act, granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans born on or after April 25, 1898.
1917: US Military Service and Draft Inclusion
Since 1917, Puerto Ricans have been subject to the US military draft and have a history of serving in the US Armed Forces.
1917: Jones-Shafroth Act and US Citizenship
The Jones-Shafroth Act in 1917 granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans, but those residing on the island cannot vote in US presidential elections.
1917: Jones-Shafroth Act and World War I
The Jones–Shafroth Act in 1917, granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans, coincided with America's entry into World War I, leading some to believe that the U.S. imposed citizenship to enlist Puerto Rican men in the war effort.
1917: Repeal of Sections of the Organic Act of 1917
The adoption of Public Law 600 in 1950 repealed certain sections of the Organic Act of 1917, with the sections of this statute left in force entitled the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act.
1918: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Economic Hardship
In 1918, a major earthquake and tsunami devastated Puerto Rico, further exacerbating the island's economic woes during the Great Depression.
1918: San Fermín Earthquake
The 1918 San Fermín earthquake, which occurred on October 11, 1918, originated off the coast of Aguadilla and was accompanied by a tsunami. It resulted in an estimated 116 deaths and $4 million in property damage.
1920: Rise of Ponce Creole Architecture
Between 1895 and 1920, a distinct architectural style known as Ponce Creole emerged in Ponce, Puerto Rico, characterized by its adaptation to the local climate and blend of various influences.
1920: The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (Jones Act) Impacts Puerto Rico
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act, was enacted in 1920. This act, which prevents foreign-flagged ships from transporting cargo between U.S. ports (cabotage), has been cited as a contributing factor to the high cost of living in Puerto Rico.
1920: The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (Jones Act) Impacts Puerto Rico
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act, was enacted in 1920. This act, which prevents foreign-flagged ships from transporting cargo between U.S. ports (cabotage), has been cited as a contributing factor to the high cost of living in Puerto Rico.
September 1928: Lake Okeechobee Hurricane
Since 1851, the Lake Okeechobee Hurricane (also known as the San Felipe Segundo hurricane in Puerto Rico) of September 1928 is the only hurricane to make landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 5 hurricane.
1930: Baloncesto Superior Nacional Founded
The Baloncesto Superior Nacional, the top professional basketball league in Puerto Rico, was founded in 1930 and has thrived ever since.
1931: Puerto Rico's Name Officially Restored
In 1931, after years of being called "Porto Rico" under U.S. rule, a joint resolution in Congress restored the island's name back to "Puerto Rico."
1935: University of Puerto Rico Protest
In 1935, Pedro Albizu Campos, leader of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, organized a protest at the University of Puerto Rico, which ended tragically with four people killed by police.
1936: Tydings Bill for Puerto Rican Independence Defeated
U.S. Senator Millard Tydings introduced a bill in 1936 supporting independence for Puerto Rico. Despite support from most Puerto Rican political parties, opposition from Luis Muñoz Marín of the Liberal Party of Puerto Rico led to the bill's defeat.
1937: Ponce Massacre
During a protest organized by Albizu Campos' party in Ponce in 1937, the Insular Police opened fire on unarmed civilians, resulting in the deaths of 19 people and injuring over 200. This event, known as the Ponce massacre, sparked outrage and condemnation.
1937: Commemoration of Insular Territories
In 1937, a series of U.S. postage stamps commemorating Insular Territories was released, with one stamp specifically honoring Puerto Rico and featuring 'La Fortaleza', the Spanish Governor's Palace.
1940: Founding of the Mita Congregation
Juanita García Peraza established the Mita Congregation in 1940, marking the emergence of the first religion originating from Puerto Rico.
April 1943: Renewed Call for Independence
In April 1943, Senator Tydings introduced another bill in Congress advocating for Puerto Rican independence, but it was once again met with defeat.
May 1945: Establishment of the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (PRASA)
In May 1945, Law No. 40 led to the creation of PRASA (Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, AAA). As the government-owned corporation responsible for water quality, management, and supply in Puerto Rico, PRASA holds a monopoly in this sector.
1946: First Puerto Rican-Born Governor Appointed
In a move towards greater autonomy, President Truman appointed Jesús T. Piñero as the first Puerto Rican-born governor in 1946.
1947: Elective Governor Act Grants Voting Rights
The Elective Governor Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1947 and signed by President Truman, granted Puerto Ricans the right to elect their own governor, a landmark decision in their journey toward self-determination.
May 1948: Introduction of the "Ley de la Mordaza" (Gag Law)
On May 21, 1948, a controversial bill, later known as the "Ley de la Mordaza" (Gag Law), was introduced in the Puerto Rican Senate. This bill, aimed at suppressing independence movements, was met with resistance and criticism.
June 1948: "Ley de la Mordaza" (Gag Law) Enacted
Despite opposition, the "Ley de la Mordaza" (Gag Law) was signed into law by the U.S.-appointed governor of Puerto Rico, Jesús T. Piñero, on June 10, 1948, restricting freedom of speech and assembly on the island.
November 1948: Election of Luis Muñoz Marín
In November 1948, Luis Muñoz Marín was elected as the first popularly elected governor of Puerto Rico.
November 1948: First Gubernatorial Election
On November 2, 1948, Puerto Ricans participated in their first-ever election for governor following the passage of the Elective Governor Act in 1947, marking a significant step towards self-governance.
1948: Juan Evangelista Venegas Wins Puerto Rico's First Olympic Medal
Boxer Juan Evangelista Venegas secured Puerto Rico's first Olympic medal in 1948.
January 1949: Luis Muñoz Marín Takes Office
On January 2, 1949, Luis Muñoz Marín replaced U.S.-appointed Piñero to become the first popularly elected governor of Puerto Rico.
April 1949: Commemoration of Puerto Rico's First Elected Governor
On April 27, 1949, a U.S. postal stamp was issued to honor the first free election for governor in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, featuring the inauguration of Luis Muñoz Marín.
October 1950: Puerto Rican Nationalist Party Revolts of the 1950s
Pedro Albizu Campos and other nationalists led a three-day revolt against the United States in various cities and towns of Puerto Rico on October 30, 1950 in what is known as the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party Revolts of the 1950s.
November 1950: Attempted Assassination of President Harry S. Truman
Puerto Rican nationalists from New York City, Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo, attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman at his temporary residence of Blair House on November 1, 1950.
1950: Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act
In 1950, the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act defined the relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S., establishing Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory.
1950: US Congress Approves Public Law 600
In 1950, the US Congress approved Public Law 600 (P.L. 81-600), which allowed a democratic referendum to be held in Puerto Rico to determine the desire of Puerto Ricans to draft their own local constitution.
1950: US Congress Grants Puerto Ricans the Right to Organize a Constitutional Convention
In 1950, the US Congress granted Puerto Ricans the right to organize a constitutional convention by referendum, to vote on the acceptance or rejection of a proposed US law to organize Puerto Rico as a "commonwealth" under continued US sovereignty.
1951: Puerto Rico Wins Gold in the World Cup of Baseball
The Puerto Rico national baseball team won its first gold medal in the World Cup of Baseball in 1951.
1951: Annexation of Río Piedras
In 1951, the formerly independent municipality of Río Piedras was incorporated into San Juan, changing the municipal boundaries.
February 1952: Approval of the Puerto Rican Constitution
On February 6, 1952, The Constitution of Puerto Rico was approved by the constitutional convention.
July 1952: Ratification and Proclamation of the Puerto Rican Constitution
The Puerto Rican Constitution, having been ratified by the US Congress and approved by President Truman on July 3, 1952, was proclaimed by Governor Muñoz Marín on July 25, 1952.
1952: Establishment of the First Synagogue
In 1952, a group of American Jews founded the first synagogue in Puerto Rico, marking the beginning of a Jewish community on the island.
1952: Local Constitution Approval
In 1952, the U.S. Congress approved a local constitution for Puerto Rico, allowing U.S. citizens residing on the island to elect their own governor.
1952: Establishment of Main Political Parties
Since 1952, the Popular Democratic Party, the New Progressive Party, and the Puerto Rican Independence Party have been the main political parties in Puerto Rico, advocating for different political statuses.
1957: Repeal of the "Ley de la Mordaza"
After years of suppression and protest, the controversial "Ley de la Mordaza" (Gag Law) was finally repealed in 1957, restoring essential civil liberties to the people of Puerto Rico.
1957: Puerto Rico Joins FIBA
The Puerto Rico national basketball team became a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 1957.
1960: Growth of Evangelical Churches in Puerto Rico
Between 1960 and 1985, Puerto Rico experienced significant growth in evangelical churches, a trend that continued in subsequent years, reflecting evolving religious preferences.
1960: Census Data Collection on Race and Ethnicity in Puerto Rico
From 1960 to 1990, the census in Puerto Rico did not include questions about race or ethnicity. This period marked a gap in collecting data on these demographic categories.
1967: First Plebiscite on the Status of Puerto Rico
The first plebiscite for a choice among three status options (commonwealth, statehood, and independence) was passed in 1967 by Puerto Rico's Legislative Assembly to poll the political preferences of the Puerto Rican electorate.
September 1971: 450th Anniversary of San Juan
On September 12, 1971, an 8-cent U.S. postage stamp commemorating the 450th anniversary of San Juan, Puerto Rico, was issued, depicting a sentry box from Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
1971: Founding of Florida Municipality
The most recent of Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities, Florida, was founded in 1971.
1973: Roberto Clemente Inducted into the Hall of Fame
Roberto Clemente, a legendary Puerto Rican baseball player, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
1973: Puerto Rico's Early Reliance on Bond Issuances
Starting in 1973, Puerto Rico began issuing bonds to balance its budget, a practice that continued for four decades and significantly contributed to the island's growing debt.
1979: Oscar Collazo Released from Prison
President Jimmy Carter commuted the sentence of Oscar Collazo, who, along with Griselio Torresola, attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman in 1950, and after serving 29 years in federal prison, Collazo was released in 1979.
1979: Puerto Rico Hosts the Pan American Games
Puerto Rico hosted the Pan American Games, officially held in San Juan, in 1979.
October 1984: Pope John Paul II Visits Puerto Rico
Pope John Paul II visited Puerto Rico in October 1984, marking a significant event for the predominantly Catholic island.
1984: High Cargo Traffic and Interceptions at San Juan PPQ Station
Between 1984 and 2000, the San Juan PPQ station handled a high volume of cargo traffic, resulting in 7.74% of all interceptions, ranking it among the top in the country for insect and pathogen interceptions.
1984: Roberto Clemente Featured on U.S. Postage Stamp
In 1984, legendary baseball player Roberto Clemente, of Puerto Rican origin, was honored by being featured on a U.S. postage stamp.
1985: Growth of Evangelical Churches in Puerto Rico
Between 1960 and 1985, Puerto Rico experienced significant growth in evangelical churches, a trend that continued in subsequent years, reflecting evolving religious preferences.
1985: Increase in Pathogen Interceptions
Pathogen interceptions at the San Juan PPQ station were significantly higher (17%) between 1999 and 2000 compared to 1985 and 1986.
1986: Increase in Pathogen Interceptions
Pathogen interceptions at the San Juan PPQ station were significantly higher (17%) between 1999 and 2000 compared to 1985 and 1986.
February 1990: Luis Muñoz Marín Honored on U.S. Postage Stamp
On February 18, 1990, Luis Muñoz Marín, a significant figure in Puerto Rican history, was honored with his likeness featured on a U.S. postage stamp within the Great Americans series.
1990: Archeological Discovery of Puerto Ferro Man
An archeological dig in 1990 on the island of Vieques uncovered the remains of the "Puerto Ferro Man," dated to around 2000 BC, providing significant insights into the island's early inhabitants.
1990: Census Data Collection on Race and Ethnicity in Puerto Rico
From 1960 to 1990, the census in Puerto Rico did not include questions about race or ethnicity. This period marked a gap in collecting data on these demographic categories.
1991: Autonomous Municipalities Act
The Autonomous Municipalities Act of 1991 defined the structure and governance of Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities, which function as county equivalents.
1992: Administrative Relationship Memorandum
President George H.W. Bush issued a memorandum in 1992 directing federal agencies to treat Puerto Rico administratively like a US state, within limits.
1992: Carjacking Criminalized
The FBI made armed carjacking a federal crime in 1992, leading to a decrease in reported cases.
1993: Second Plebiscite on the Status of Puerto Rico
In the second plebiscite regarding Puerto Rico's status, held in 1993, Commonwealth status won by a plurality of votes (48.6% versus 46.3% for statehood).
1993: Central American and Caribbean Games in Ponce
The Central American and Caribbean Games were hosted in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 1993.
1993: US Atlantic Command Renamed
The US Atlantic Command (LANTCOM) was renamed in 1993 and given a new mission as the United States Joint Forces Command.
1994: Puerto Rico Wins Gold at the Goodwill Games
The Puerto Rican national basketball team won the gold medal at the 1994 Goodwill Games.
1995: Orlando Antigua Makes History with the Harlem Globetrotters
In 1995, Orlando Antigua, with Puerto Rican heritage, became the first Latino and the first non-black player in 52 years to join the Harlem Globetrotters.
1997: Publication of "Brincando el Charco..." by Ana Adams
Ana Adams' work "Brincando el Charco..." was published in the book "Power, Politics and Pentecostals in Latin America" edited by Edward Cleary in 1997. This publication likely explored themes related to Pentecostalism in Latin America, including Puerto Rico.
1998: Endemic Species Recognition
As of 1998, Puerto Rico recognized 239 endemic plant species, 16 bird species, and 39 amphibian and reptile species, many of which reside in the El Yunque National Forest.
1998: Third Plebiscite on the Status of Puerto Rico
In 1998, during the third plebiscite on the Status of Puerto Rico, the "none of the above" option won with 50.3% of the votes (versus 46.5% for statehood).
1998: Pollster Pablo Ramos Analyzes Religious Demographics in Puerto Rico
In 1998, pollster Pablo Ramos conducted a study on religious affiliation in Puerto Rico, finding that the population was 38% Roman Catholic, 28% Pentecostal, and 18% members of independent churches. These findings provided valuable insights into the religious diversity of the island.
1999: Puerto Rico Shifts to United States Northern Command
In 1999, responsibility for Puerto Rico shifted from the renamed US Atlantic Command to the United States Northern Command.
1999: Orlando Cepeda Joins the Hall of Fame
Orlando Cepeda, another celebrated Puerto Rican baseball player, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.
1999: Increase in Pathogen Interceptions
Pathogen interceptions at the San Juan PPQ station were significantly higher (17%) between 1999 and 2000 compared to 1985 and 1986.
2000: Inclusion of Racial Self-Identification in Puerto Rican Census
The 2000 United States Census marked the first time a racial self-identification question was included for residents of Puerto Rico. This change allowed for a more detailed understanding of the island's racial demographics.
2000: Population Peak in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico's population reached its highest point in 2000, recording 3,808,610 residents. This marked the peak before the population began to decline in subsequent years.
2000: Puerto Rico's Structural Deficits and Debt Accumulation
From 2000 onwards, Puerto Rico began a pattern of approving budgets with structural deficits, reaching a cumulative practice of 24 consecutive years. Instead of making structural adjustments, the government resorted to issuing bonds to cover these deficits. This practice further escalated Puerto Rico's debt, which had already been accumulating since 1973 due to bond issuances for budget balancing.
2000: Roberto Clemente in Legends of Baseball Series
As part of the Legends of Baseball series issued in 2000, Roberto Clemente was once again recognized for his contributions to the sport with a dedicated U.S. postage stamp.
2000: High Cargo Traffic and Interceptions at San Juan PPQ Station
Between 1984 and 2000, the San Juan PPQ station handled a high volume of cargo traffic, resulting in 7.74% of all interceptions, ranking it among the top in the country for insect and pathogen interceptions.
2000: Educational Attainment in Puerto Rico
According to the 2000 Census, a significant portion of the Puerto Rican population, 60.0%, had completed high school or higher education, with 18.3% holding at least a bachelor's degree.
2002: High Literacy Rate in Puerto Rico
In 2002, Puerto Rico boasted a high literacy rate of 94.1%, with 93.9% for males and 94.4% for females, indicating a strong emphasis on education.
2003: Montreal Expos Play in San Juan
Before relocating to Washington, D.C., and becoming the Washington Nationals, the Montreal Expos played several series in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2003.
August 2004: Puerto Rico Defeats the US in Olympic Basketball
On August 8, 2004, the Puerto Rican national basketball team made history by becoming the first team to defeat the United States in an Olympic tournament since NBA players joined, winning 92-73 at the Athens Olympics.
2004: Montreal Expos Return to San Juan
The Montreal Expos returned to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for several series in 2004, prior to their move to Washington, D.C., where they became the Washington Nationals.
March 2006: World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico
In March 2006, San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium hosted the opening and second rounds of the World Baseball Classic.
2006: Puerto Rico Enters a Recession
Puerto Rico experienced a recession from 2006 to 2011, with a brief period of growth, followed by another recession in 2013 due to fiscal imbalances and the expiration of IRS Section 936 corporate incentives.
2007: Certificates of Puerto Rican Citizenship Issued
Starting in 2007, the Puerto Rico Department of State established a protocol to issue certificates of Puerto Rican citizenship to individuals born in Puerto Rico or to Puerto Rican-born parents, aiming to recognize and affirm their Puerto Rican identity.
2007: Emergence of New Political Parties
New political parties, such as the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party, emerged in Puerto Rico after 2007, aiming to address the island's issues with different approaches.
2007: Growing Muslim Population
By 2007, the Muslim population in Puerto Rico had grown to approximately 5,000, representing a small but significant portion of the island's religious landscape.
2007: Telecommunications Landscape in Puerto Rico
As of 2007, Puerto Rico's broadcasting landscape, regulated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), included 30 TV stations, 125 radio stations, and an estimated 1 million TV sets. Cable TV subscriptions were available, and the U.S. Armed Forces Radio and Television Service also broadcasted on the island.
2007: Genetic Study on Puerto Rican Ancestry
A 2007 genetic study examined the ancestry of Puerto Ricans, finding an average genome-wide composition of 66% European, 18% West African, and 16% Native American. The study highlighted variations in ancestry across the island, with European ancestry being more prevalent in the west and central regions, African ancestry in the east, and Native American ancestry in the north.
2008: Puerto Rico Soccer League Established
In 2008, the Puerto Rico Soccer League, the first unified soccer league in the archipelago, was established.
2008: Flags of Our Nation Series Begins
The "Flags of our nation" series, spanning from 2008 to 2012, featured territorial flags on U.S. postage stamps, including Puerto Rico's flag.
2008: Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party De-registration
The Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party lost its registration after failing to secure enough votes in the 2008 general election.
July 2009: United Nations Calls for Puerto Rican Self-Determination
On July 15, 2009, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization approved a draft resolution calling on the United States government to expedite a process that would allow the Puerto Rican people to exercise fully their inalienable right to self-determination and independence.
2009: Financial Contributions and Discrepancies
In 2009, Puerto Rico contributed $3.742 billion to the US Treasury. While residents pay into Social Security and Medicare, they face limitations in benefits and funding compared to US states.
2010: Puerto Rican Population in the United States Exceeds Island Population
The 2010 Census revealed that the number of Puerto Ricans residing in the United States outside of Puerto Rico surpassed the population living on the island. This demographic shift highlighted the significant impact of emigration on Puerto Rico.
2010: Mayagüez Hosts the Central American and Caribbean Games
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2010.
2010: Population Decline in Puerto Rico
In 2010, Puerto Rico's population experienced a decline, dropping to 3,725,789. This decrease was attributed to factors like emigration due to economic challenges and natural disasters, along with a low birth rate.
2010: Population Decline Since 2010 Census
By July 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Puerto Rico's population had decreased by 532,095 people since the 2010 Census. This data illustrated the ongoing trend of population decline in the commonwealth.
2010: Julia de Burgos Featured on U.S. Postage Stamp
In 2010, Julia de Burgos, a prominent Puerto Rican poet, was celebrated for her literary achievements by being featured on a U.S. postage stamp in the Literary Arts series.
2010: Religious Diversity in Puerto Rico
According to a 2010 Pew Research report, several minority religions, including the Eastern Orthodox affiliation and Judaism, each constituted less than 1% of the population in Puerto Rico.
2010: Expansion of Educational Infrastructure
By 2010, Puerto Rico's education system had expanded to encompass 1,539 public schools and 806 private schools, reflecting a commitment to providing education.
2010: Life Expectancy Improvement in Puerto Rico
By 2010, Puerto Rico saw an increase in life expectancy to 78.7 years, according to the CIA World Factbook. This improvement highlighted positive developments in healthcare and overall well-being.
2011: Puerto Rico Flag Featured on Forever Stamp
As part of the "Flags of our nation" series, a Forever stamp illustrating the Puerto Rico Flag with a bird was issued in 2011.
2011: Puerto Rico Enters a Recession
Puerto Rico experienced a recession from 2006 to 2011, with a brief period of growth, followed by another recession in 2013 due to fiscal imbalances and the expiration of IRS Section 936 corporate incentives.
2011: Roberto Alomar's Hall of Fame Induction
Roberto Alomar, a highly regarded Puerto Rican baseball player, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
November 2012: Referendum on the Status of Puerto Rico
On November 6, 2012, a two-question referendum on the status of Puerto Rico took place, simultaneous with the general elections, and the results showed 61.16% voted for statehood, 33.34% for a sovereign free-associated state, and 5.49% for independence.
2012: Rise of Movimiento Unión Soberanista and Partido del Pueblo Trabajador
The 2012 election saw the emergence of the Movimiento Unión Soberanista and the Partido del Pueblo Trabajador, though neither gained significant voter support.
2012: Population Decline and Emigration in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico's population decreased by nearly 1% in 2012, driven by a falling birthrate and ongoing emigration. The trend of people leaving the island for various reasons continued to impact demographic patterns.
2012: Adult Literacy Rate in Puerto Rico
In 2012, a Pew Research survey, utilizing data from the United Nations, indicated that the adult literacy rate in Puerto Rico was 90.4%. This data provided insights into the educational attainment of the adult population.
2012: José Ferrer Honored on U.S. Postage Stamp
In 2012, José Ferrer, a renowned actor of Puerto Rican descent, was honored for his contributions to the performing arts by being featured on a U.S. postage stamp in the Distinguished American series.
2012: Flags of Our Nation Series Concludes
The "Flags of our nation" series, which ran from 2008 to 2012, concluded after featuring fifty-five flags, including five territorial flags, on U.S. postage stamps.
October 2013: Pew Research Report on Religious Change in Puerto Rico
Between October 2013 and February 2014, Pew Research conducted a study on religious change in Puerto Rico. The report, titled "Widespread Change in a Historically Catholic Region," revealed that 56% of Puerto Ricans identified as Catholic, 33% as Protestant, and 8% as unaffiliated. This study highlighted significant shifts in the religious landscape.
2013: Pew Research Survey on Religious Identification in Puerto Rico
A 2013 Pew Research survey examined religious identification among Puerto Ricans living in the 50 states and Washington, D.C. The findings showed that about 45% identified as Catholic, 29% as Protestant, and 20% as unaffiliated with a religion. This survey offered insights into the diverse religious landscape among Puerto Ricans in the mainland U.S.
2013: Continued Population Decline in Puerto Rico
In 2013, Puerto Rico's population experienced a further decline of 1%, equivalent to 36,000 people. This decrease was attributed to a combination of a declining birth rate and people moving away from the island.
2013: Government Accountability Office Report on the Jones Act's Impact on Puerto Rico
In 2013, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report suggesting that repealing or amending the Jones Act's cabotage provision could potentially reduce shipping costs for Puerto Rico. While the report acknowledged the possibility of lower freight rates with foreign carriers and the belief among some shippers that opening up trade competition could lower costs, it concluded that the overall effects of modifying the Jones Act for Puerto Rico remained highly uncertain.
2013: Puerto Rico Enters Another Recession
Puerto Rico experienced a recession from 2006 to 2011, with a brief period of growth, followed by another recession in 2013 due to fiscal imbalances and the expiration of IRS Section 936 corporate incentives.
February 2014: Pew Research Report on Religious Change in Puerto Rico
Between October 2013 and February 2014, Pew Research conducted a study on religious change in Puerto Rico. The report, titled "Widespread Change in a Historically Catholic Region," revealed that 56% of Puerto Ricans identified as Catholic, 33% as Protestant, and 8% as unaffiliated. This study highlighted significant shifts in the religious landscape.
March 2014: Associated Press Article on Catholic Identification in Puerto Rico
An Associated Press article published in March 2014 stated that over 70% of Puerto Ricans identified as Catholic. This article provided a snapshot of religious self-identification at that time.
2014: Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to the 65th Infantry Regiment
In 2014, the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, an all-Puerto Rican regiment nicknamed "The Borinqueneers", was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for its heroism during the Korean War.
2014: Religious Affiliation in Puerto Rico
Data on religious affiliation in Puerto Rico was collected and analyzed in 2014, providing insights into the religious landscape of the island.
2014: High Homicide Rate in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico experienced a high homicide rate of 19.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2014, significantly higher than any U.S. state, with most victims being gang members and drug traffickers.
2015: Socioeconomic Indicators in Puerto Rico
In 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a median household income of $19,350 and a mean income of $30,463 in Puerto Rico. Alarmingly, 45.5% of individuals were below the poverty level. The median home value ranged from $100,000 to $214,000, contrasting with the national median of $119,600.
2015: Jehovah's Witnesses in Puerto Rico
In 2015, there were approximately 25,832 Jehovah's Witnesses in Puerto Rico, distributed across 324 congregations, constituting about 0.70% of the population.
2015: Puerto Rico Defaults on Debts
Starting in 2015, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico began defaulting on various debts, including bonds, contributing to a growing financial crisis.
June 2016: Establishment of a Control Board over the Puerto Rican Government
President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 5278: PROMESA on June 30, 2016, establishing a Control Board over the Puerto Rican government with a significant degree of federal control involved in its establishment and operations.
2016: Election of Jenniffer González-Colón
In 2016, Jenniffer González-Colón, a Republican, was elected as the resident commissioner of Puerto Rico, receiving more votes than any other official in Puerto Rico that year.
2016: Monica Puig Makes History at the Rio Olympics
Monica Puig won Puerto Rico's first-ever gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics by clinching victory in the Women's Tennis singles event.
July 1, 2017: Puerto Rico's Healthcare System at Risk
By July 1, 2017, Puerto Rico's ability to fund its managed healthcare system was at risk due to the ongoing debt crisis, potentially impacting the healthcare of nearly a million citizens.
July 2017: Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) Faces Bankruptcy
In July 2017, PREPA, Puerto Rico's power authority, faced bankruptcy after defaulting on a plan to restructure $9 billion in bond debt. This situation led the agency to seek court protection.
August 2017: Puerto Rico's Financial Oversight Board's Proposed Measures
In August 2017, Puerto Rico's financial oversight board, established by PROMESA, put forward a plan to implement two unpaid days off monthly for government employees, a reduction from the initial proposal of four days, aiming to achieve $218 million in savings. Governor Rossello opposed this plan, deeming it unjustified. Discussions also revolved around pension reforms, including a proposed 10% reduction in benefits to address the $50 billion unfunded pension liability.
September 2017: Hurricanes Irma and Maria
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed north of Puerto Rico, causing power outages for a million residents. Shortly after, Hurricane Maria directly hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane, causing widespread devastation and a long-lasting island-wide blackout.
2017: Eastern Orthodox Church Communion
In 2017, the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos / St. Spyridon's Church in Trujillo Alto became the first Eastern Catholic Church in Puerto Rico by entering communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
2017: Significant Population Decline After Hurricanes Maria and Irma
The devastating impact of Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017, coupled with economic challenges in Puerto Rico, led to the largest population decline since the United States acquired the archipelago. These natural disasters and economic factors resulted in a significant number of people leaving the island.
2017: Puerto Rican Government Faces Debt Crisis
In early 2017, the Puerto Rican government faced a severe debt crisis with outstanding bond debt reaching $70 billion, exacerbated by a decade-long recession.
2017: Hurricanes Irma and Maria
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed north of Puerto Rico, causing power outages for a million residents. Shortly after, Hurricane Maria directly hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane, causing widespread devastation and a long-lasting island-wide blackout.
2017: Hurricane Maria Devastates Puerto Rico
In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage to Puerto Rico's infrastructure, estimated at $100 billion, significantly impacting the tourism industry.
2017: Healthcare Infrastructure in Puerto Rico
As of 2017, Puerto Rico had a total of 69 hospitals operating within its territory, contributing to the healthcare infrastructure of the island.
July 2018: Puerto Rico Law 120-2018: Reshaping the Electric Power System
In July 2018, Puerto Rico enacted Law 120-2018 (Ley para Transformar el Sistema Eléctrico de Puerto Rico). This law empowered PREPA to sell infrastructure and services to other providers, leading to a significant shift in the island's electric power system.
2018: Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) Transitions from Monopoly to Partial Privatization
Until 2018, PREPA operated as a government-owned monopoly responsible for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Puerto Rico. However, in 2018, a new law allowed PREPA to sell infrastructure and services to other providers, paving the way for partial privatization.
2018: Discover Puerto Rico Launches Tourism Campaign
Discover Puerto Rico launched a tourism campaign in 2018 to promote the island's unique culture and history, differentiating it from other Caribbean destinations.
2018: Study Disputes Jones Act Impact on Puerto Rico's Cost of Living
A 2018 study by economists from Reeve & Associates and Estudios Tecnicos contradicted the widely held view that the 1920 Jones Act significantly impacts retail prices and the cost of living in Puerto Rico. The study found that shipping rates to Puerto Rico were comparable to or lower than those for neighboring islands and that transportation costs did not significantly affect retail prices.
2018: Concerns Arise Over Puerto Rico's Ability to Execute Contracts
Concerns arose over Puerto Rico's ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018, particularly for its managed care organizations, due to the ongoing debt crisis.
January 2019: Carjacking Concerns Rise Again
Despite the criminalization of carjacking in 1992, the issue resurfaced in 2019, with thirty carjackings reported in Puerto Rico between January 1st and March 14th.
March 2019: Carjacking Concerns Rise Again
Despite the criminalization of carjacking in 1992, the issue resurfaced in 2019, with thirty carjackings reported in Puerto Rico between January 1st and March 14th.
April 2019: Tourism Recovers in Puerto Rico
Despite the impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, by April 2019, tourism in Puerto Rico began to recover, with most hotels operational and life returning to normal for tourists in the capital.
July 2019: Population Decline Since 2010 Census
By July 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Puerto Rico's population had decreased by 532,095 people since the 2010 Census. This data illustrated the ongoing trend of population decline in the commonwealth.
October 2019: Tourism Rebounds in Puerto Rico
By October 2019, nearly all tourist amenities in major destinations like San Juan, Ponce, and Arecibo were operational, contributing to the rebound of the tourism industry, a significant sector for Puerto Rico's GDP.
2019: Climate Change Impacts
A 2019 report highlighted the significant impact of climate change on Puerto Rico, particularly due to its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
2019: Discover Puerto Rico Continues Tourism Campaign
In 2019, Discover Puerto Rico continued its tourism campaign, emphasizing the island's distinct cultural and historical offerings.
2019: Hurricanes Dorian and Karen
In 2019, Hurricanes Dorian and Karen impacted Puerto Rico, testing the island's recovering infrastructure after the devastating 2017 hurricane season.
January 2020: Largest Earthquake Since 1918
On January 7, 2020, Puerto Rico experienced its largest earthquake since 1918, estimated at magnitude 6.4. Economic losses were estimated to be more than $3.1 billion.
June 2020: LUMA Energy Takes Over PREPA Operations
A pivotal moment occurred in June 2020 when a contract was signed granting LUMA Energy control over PREPA's energy distribution and transmission infrastructure, as well as other operational areas. This move effectively marked a partial privatization of Puerto Rico's power grid.
November 2020: Statehood Referendum During the General Elections
Puerto Rico held its statehood referendum during the November 3, 2020, general elections; the ballot asked one question: "Should Puerto Rico be admitted immediately into the Union as a State?" The results showed that 52 percent of Puerto Rico voters answered yes.
November 2020: Last General Election
Puerto Rico held its last general election in November 2020, electing the governor, legislators, and municipal leaders.
2020: Population Distribution in Puerto Rico
According to the 2020 Census, San Juan, the capital city, remained the most populous municipality with 342,259 residents. Other major cities included Bayamón, Carolina, Ponce, and Caguas. Notably, eight of the ten most populous cities were located within the San Juan metropolitan area, while Ponce (south) and Mayagüez (west) represented significant urban centers outside this region.
2020: 2020 Census in Puerto Rico
The 2020 Census in Puerto Rico revealed that the population was 3,285,874, marking an 11.8% decrease since 2010. The racial makeup was 98.9% Hispanic or Latino, with 95.5% identifying as Puerto Rican.
2020: Puerto Rico's Economy Shows Strength
In 2020, Puerto Rico was classified as a high-income economy with a gross national income per capita of $21,740, driven by manufacturing and services.
June 2021: LUMA Energy Assumes Control Amidst Concerns and Protests
LUMA Energy's takeover of PREPA's operations took effect in June 2021, but it was met with protests and uncertainty from the public, former PREPA employees, and union members.
2023: Dedication of San Juan Latter-day Saints Temple
In 2023, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints inaugurated a temple in San Juan, signifying their growing presence with a reported membership of around 23,000 in the commonwealth.