Full History Of Puerto Rico In Timeline From 1900

1900: Establishment of Civil Government via Foraker Act

In 1900, the Foraker Act established a civil government in Puerto Rico, ending military rule.

1901: U.S. Government Assumes Control of Puerto Rico in 1901

In 1901, after the U.S. government assumed control of Puerto Rico, legal reforms were initiated, leading to the adoption of codes of criminal law, criminal procedure, and civil procedure modeled after those in effect in California. These reforms were influenced by the California Penal Code.

1902: English-Only Language Law

In 1902, an English-only language law was enacted, although Spanish remains the only official language of the Commonwealth judiciary system.

March 1903: University of Puerto Rico Founded

On March 12, 1903, the University of Puerto Rico was officially founded, evolving from the "Escuela Normal Industrial", which had been established in Fajardo three years earlier.

1906: U.S. Constitution Applies in Puerto Rico

In 1906, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the U.S. Constitution applied within Puerto Rico's territory.

1907: Antonio Paoli Records Pagliacci

In 1907, Puerto Rican tenor Antonio Paoli became the first operatic artist to record an entire opera, participating in a performance of Pagliacci by Ruggiero Leoncavallo in Milan, Italy.

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1917: U.S. Citizenship for Puerto Ricans

In 1917, Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens, enabling free movement between the island and the mainland. However, they were disenfranchised from federal elections and generally exempt from federal income tax.

1917: U.S. Citizenship Granted via Jones-Shafroth Act

In 1917, Puerto Ricans were collectively made U.S. citizens as a result of the Jones–Shafroth Act, but they cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections while residing in Puerto Rico.

1917: Jones Act Grants Citizenship

In 1917, the Jones Act granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.

1917: Inclusion in U.S. Compulsory Draft

Since 1917, Puerto Ricans have been included in the U.S. compulsory draft when it has been in effect.

1918: San Fermín Earthquake and Tsunami

In 1918, the San Fermín earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, struck off the coast of Aguadilla and caused a tsunami, resulting in significant damage, widespread losses, and approximately 116 deaths.

1920: Ponce Creole Architecture

By 1920, Ponce Creole architecture had developed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, as a unique style blending French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences to create climate-resilient homes.

1920: Jones Act mentioned

The 1920 Jones Act was mentioned in a 2018 study by Reeve & Associates and Estudios Tecnicos regarding retail prices and the cost of living in Puerto Rico.

1920: Merchant Marine Act (Jones Act) of 1920

The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, prevents foreign-flagged ships from carrying cargo between two American ports, impacting Puerto Rico's trade by requiring goods to be shipped via U.S.-flagged ships.

September 1928: Lake Okeechobee Hurricane

In September 1928, the Lake Okeechobee Hurricane (San Felipe Segundo) made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 5 hurricane.

1930: Baloncesto Superior Nacional Beginning

In 1930, Baloncesto Superior Nacional began operating as the top-level professional basketball league in Puerto Rico.

1931: Name Changed Back to Puerto Rico

In 1931, the name of the island was officially changed back to Puerto Rico through a joint resolution in Congress.

1937: U.S. Postal Stamp Commemorating Insular Territories

In 1937, the U.S. issued a postal stamp commemorating Insular Territories, with the third stamp honoring Puerto Rico and featuring 'La Fortaleza', the Spanish Governor's Palace.

1940: Founding of the Mita Congregation

In 1940, Juanita García Peraza founded the Mita Congregation, the first religion of Puerto Rican origin.

1943: Report on Puerto Rico Census Data

In 1943, Irene Barnes Taeuber reported on the reliability of census data from Puerto Rico collected by Spain between 1765 and 1857.

May 1945: Law No. 40 Establishes PRASA

Law No. 40 of May 1, 1945, established the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (PRASA), designating its existence and amendments.

1948: First Olympic Medal

In 1948, Juan Evangelista Venegas won the first Olympic medal for Puerto Rico, in boxing.

April 1949: First Free Election for Governor Commemorated

On April 27, 1949, a 3-cent U.S. postal stamp was issued in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to honor the first free election for governor of Puerto Rico, referring to the election of Luis Muñoz Marín.

1950: Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act

In 1950, the U.S. Congress oversaw Puerto Rico under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act.

1951: World Cup of Baseball Gold Medal

In 1951, the Puerto Rico national baseball team won a gold medal at the World Cup of Baseball.

1951: Río Piedras Annexation

In 1951, the independent municipality of Río Piedras was annexed to San Juan, which previously consisted of Old San Juan and Santurce since 1864.

July 25, 1952: Adoption of 'Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico'

On July 25, 1952, the official Spanish name "Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico" (Free Associated State of Puerto Rico) was adopted by a constitutional assembly.

1952: Approval of Territorial Constitution

In 1952, Congress approved a territorial constitution for Puerto Rico, allowing residents to elect a governor, senate, and house of representatives.

1952: Constitution Approval by Congress and Voters

In 1952, Puerto Rico's Constitution was approved by Congress and Puerto Rican voters.

1952: Establishment of Sha'are Zedeck Synagogue

In 1952, the island's first synagogue, Sha'are Zedeck, was established by American Jews.

1952: Three Main Political Parties

Since 1952, Puerto Rico has had three main political parties each advocating for a different political status: the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), the New Progressive Party (PNP), and the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP).

1957: Puerto Rico Joins FIBA

In 1957, the Puerto Rico national basketball team joined the International Basketball Federation.

1960: Census Questionnaire Changes in Puerto Rico

Between 1960 and 1990, the census questionnaire in Puerto Rico did not ask about race or ethnicity.

September 1971: San Juan Anniversary Stamp

On September 12, 1971, an 8-cent stamp commemorating the 450th anniversary of San Juan, Puerto Rico, was issued, featuring a sentry box from Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

1971: Founding of Florida Municipality

In 1971, the municipality of Florida was founded, making it the most recently established municipality in Puerto Rico.

1973: Roberto Clemente Enshrinement

In 1973, Roberto Clemente was enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

1973: Bond Issuance to Balance Budget Since 1973

Since 1973, Puerto Rico has been issuing bonds to balance its actual budget, contributing to its cumulative debt.

1979: Pan American Games Hosted in San Juan

In 1979, Puerto Rico hosted the Pan American Games, officially in San Juan.

October 1984: Pope John Paul II Visit

Pope John Paul II visited Puerto Rico in October 1984.

1984: San Juan PPQ Station Recorded Interceptions Between 1984-2000

Between 1984 and 2000, the San Juan PPQ station recorded 7.74% of all interceptions, ranking #4 in the country, #2 for insects, and #3 for pathogens. This high volume of cargo traffic makes San Juan one of the worst locations for cut flowers and other plant parts.

1985: Pathogen Interceptions Lower Between 1985-1986

Between 1985 and 1986, pathogen interceptions were lower when compared to the period between 1999 and 2000.

1986: Pathogen Interceptions Lower Between 1985-1986

Between 1985 and 1986, pathogen interceptions were lower when compared to the period between 1999 and 2000.

1990: Census Questionnaire Changes in Puerto Rico

Between 1960 and 1990, the census questionnaire in Puerto Rico did not ask about race or ethnicity.

1991: Autonomous Municipalities Act of 1991

In 1991, according to the Autonomous Municipalities Act, each municipality in Puerto Rico has a mayor and a municipal legislature elected for four-year terms. Puerto Rico does not have first-order administrative divisions like counties but has 78 municipalities as the secondary unit of administration. These are subdivided into barrios and sectors.

1992: President Bush's Memorandum on Puerto Rico's Administrative Relationship

In 1992, President George H. W. Bush issued a memorandum directing federal departments and agencies to treat Puerto Rico administratively as a state, as long as it didn't disrupt federal programs. This memorandum established the administrative relationship between the federal government and Puerto Rico.

1992: FBI Makes Armed Carjacking a Federal Crime in 1992

In 1992, the FBI made armed carjacking a federal crime. As of 2019, the problem continued in municipalities like Guaynabo and others.

1993: U.S. Atlantic Command (LANTCOM) after 1993

After 1993, U.S. Atlantic Command was known as LANTCOM (later USACOM), which had authority over all U.S. military operations that took place throughout the Atlantic. Puerto Rico had been seen as crucial in supporting LANTCOM's mission.

1993: Central American and Caribbean Games in Ponce

In 1993, Puerto Rico hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games in Ponce.

1994: Goodwill Games Gold Medal

In 1994, the Puerto Rico national basketball team won gold at the Goodwill Games.

1997: Protestant Population Assessment in 1997

In 1997, another researcher estimated the Protestant population in Puerto Rico at approximately 33 to 38 percent.

1998: Endemic Species Count

As of 1998, the Puerto Rican archipelago had 239 endemic plant species, 16 bird species, and 39 amphibian/reptile species.

1998: Denominational Breakdown Estimate by Pablo Ramos in 1998

In 1998, pollster Pablo Ramos stated that Puerto Rico's population was 38% Catholic, 28% Pentecostal, and 18% independent churches.

1999: Higher Pathogen Interceptions Between 1999-2000

Between 1999 and 2000, pathogen interceptions were dramatically (17%) higher than in 1985-1986.

1999: Orlando Cepeda Enshrinement

In 1999, Orlando Cepeda was enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

1999: U.S. Atlantic Command Renamed in 1999

In 1999, the U.S. Atlantic Command was renamed and given a new mission as U.S. Joint Forces Command. At that time, Puerto Rico came under the responsibility of U.S. Northern Command.

2000: Education Attainment

According to the 2000 Census, 60.0% of the population in Puerto Rico attained a high school degree or higher, and 18.3% held a bachelor's degree or higher.

2000: San Juan PPQ Station Recorded Interceptions Between 1984-2000

Between 1984 and 2000, the San Juan PPQ station recorded 7.74% of all interceptions, ranking #4 in the country, #2 for insects, and #3 for pathogens. This high volume of cargo traffic makes San Juan one of the worst locations for cut flowers and other plant parts.

2000: Structural Deficit Practice Since 2000

Since 2000, Puerto Rico approved budgets with a structural deficit for 25 consecutive years. Bonds were issued to cover deficits rather than making structural adjustments.

2000: Racial Self-Identification Question in 2000 Census

The 2000 United States Census included a racial self-identification question in Puerto Rico.

2000: 2000 Census Count of American Indian or Alaskan Native

The 2000 census recorded that a certain amount of people identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native. in the 2010 census there was an increase of almost 49 percent.

2000: Peak Population in Puerto Rico

The commonwealth's population peaked in 2000 at 3,808,610 before beginning to decline.

2002: Literacy Rate

As of 2002, the literacy rate of the Puerto Rican population was 94.1%, with 93.9% for males and 94.4% for females.

2003: Montreal Expos Series in San Juan

In 2003, San Juan hosted the Montreal Expos for several series.

2003: University of Puerto Rico Genetic Study

In 2003, a University of Puerto Rico study found that 61.1 percent of those surveyed had mitochondrial DNA of Indigenous origin.

August 2004: Puerto Rico Defeats the United States in Olympics

On August 8, 2004, the Puerto Rico national basketball team defeated the United States 92-73 in the inaugural game of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, marking the first time since the integration of NBA players that the U.S. lost in an Olympic tournament.

2004: Montreal Expos Series in San Juan

In 2004, San Juan continued to host the Montreal Expos for several series before the team relocated to Washington, D.C.

March 2006: World Baseball Classic in San Juan

In March 2006, San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium hosted the opening and second rounds of the newly formed World Baseball Classic.

2006: Recession in Puerto Rico Began in 2006

Puerto Rico entered a recession in 2006, which lasted until 2011, interrupted by four quarters of economic growth. The recession began due to growing fiscal imbalance and the expiration of the IRS Section 936 corporate incentives.

2007: Puerto Rican Telecommunications Statistics

As of 2007, Puerto Rico had 30 TV stations, 125 radio stations, and approximately 1 million TV sets.

2007: Registration of Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party

In 2007, the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party was registered.

2007: Muslim Population in Puerto Rico in 2007

In 2007, there were about 5,000 Muslims in Puerto Rico, representing about 0.13% of the population.

2008: Puerto Rico Soccer League Established

In 2008, the Puerto Rico Soccer League, the archipelago's first unified league, was established.

2008: Failure of Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party

In the 2008 general election, the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party failed to obtain the required number of votes and ceased to be a registered party.

2009: Puerto Rico's Contribution to the U.S. Treasury in 2009

In 2009, Puerto Rico contributed $3.742 billion to the U.S. Treasury. While residents pay into Social Security and are eligible for benefits, they are excluded from Supplemental Security Income and receive less Medicaid funding compared to U.S. states. Medicare providers also receive reduced reimbursements for services in Puerto Rico, despite residents fully contributing to the system.

2009: UN Resolution on Decolonization

In 2009, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization approved a draft resolution calling on the U.S. government to expedite a process allowing Puerto Ricans to exercise their right to self-determination and independence.

2010: Schools in Puerto Rico

As of 2010, Puerto Rico had 1539 public schools and 806 private schools.

2010: 2010 Census Data Used for Population Decline

Based on 1 July 2019 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Commonwealth had declined by 532,095 people since the 2010 Census data had been tabulated.

2010: Orthodox Christians in 2010

In 2010, Orthodox Christians accounted for one percent of the population.

2010: Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagüez

In 2010, Puerto Rico hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagüez.

2010: Racial Identification in 2010

In 2010, approximately 3 percent of Puerto Ricans identified as multiracial.

2010: Life Expectancy

In 2010, the average life expectancy in Puerto Rico was 78.7 years.

2010: Puerto Rico Population in 2010

In 2010, the population of Puerto Rico was 3,725,789 according to the census.

2010: Increase in Indigenous Identification in 2010 Census

In the 2010 census, 19,839 respondents identified as "American Indian or Alaskan Native", an increase of almost 49 percent from the 2000 count.

2011: Puerto Rico Flag Forever Stamp

As part of the "Flags of our nation series", a Forever stamp featuring the Puerto Rico Flag illustrated by a bird was issued in 2011.

2011: Roberto Alomar Enshrinement

In 2011, Roberto Alomar was enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

2011: Median Home Value in Puerto Rico in 2011

In 2011, median home value in Puerto Rico ranged from U.S.$100,000 to U.S.$214,000, while the national median home value was $119,600.

2011: Puerto Rico's Recession Ended in 2011

Puerto Rico experienced a recession from 2006 to 2011. In 2011, the recession ended after being interrupted by four quarters of economic growth.

November 2012: Referendum on Political Status

In November 2012, a referendum was held in Puerto Rico where 54% voted against the current territorial status, and 61.16% favored statehood.

2012: Population Decline in 2012

In 2012, Puerto Rico's population declined by nearly 1% due to a falling birthrate and emigration.

2012: Adult Literacy Rate in 2012

In 2012, a Pew Research survey indicated an adult literacy rate of 90.4% in Puerto Rico.

2012: Emergence of New Parties

The 2012 election saw the emergence of the Movimiento Unión Soberanista (Sovereign Union Movement) and the Partido del Pueblo Trabajador (Working People's Party).

2013: Puerto Rico Enters Recession Again in 2013

In 2013, Puerto Rico entered into recession again, following growing fiscal imbalance and the expiration of the IRS Section 936 corporate incentives that the U.S. Internal Revenue Code had applied to Puerto Rico.

2013: Population Decline in 2013

In 2013, Puerto Rico's population declined by an additional 1% (36,000 people) due to a falling birthrate and emigration.

2013: Government Accountability Office Report on Jones Act

In 2013, the Government Accountability Office published a report suggesting that repealing or amending the Jones Act could reduce Puerto Rico's shipping costs, but noted that the effects of modifying the Jones Act were highly uncertain.

March 2014: Associated Press Article on Catholic Identity

An Associated Press article in March 2014 stated that "more than 70 percent" of Puerto Ricans identified as Catholic.

2014: High Homicide Rate in Puerto Rico in 2014

In 2014, Puerto Rico's homicide rate was 19.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly higher than any U.S. state. Most homicide victims are gang members and drug traffickers with about 80% of homicides being drug related.

2014: Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to the 65th Infantry Regiment in 2014

In 2014, the 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, known as The Borinqueneers, received the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroism during the Korean War. This all-Puerto Rican regiment participated in several conflicts including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the War on Terror.

2015: Household Income and Poverty Level in 2015

In 2015, the household median income was $19,350, and the mean income was $30,463. 45.5% of individuals were below the poverty level.

2015: Jehovah's Witnesses Representation in 2015

In 2015, there were 25,832 Jehovah's Witnesses in Puerto Rico, representing about 0.70% of the population.

2015: Commonwealth Defaults on Debts Since 2015

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico had been defaulting on many debts, including bonds, since 2015.

2016: Election of Jenniffer González-Colón as Resident Commissioner in 2016

In 2016, Jenniffer González-Colón of the New Progressive Party and Republican Party was elected as the resident commissioner of Puerto Rico. As a delegate to the U.S. Congress, she serves and votes on committees but cannot vote on the final disposition of legislation on the House floor. She received more votes than any other official elected in Puerto Rico that year.

2016: First Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Monica Puig won the first gold medal for Puerto Rico in the Olympic Games by winning the Women's Tennis singles title in Rio.

2016: PROMESA Act Establishes Control Board

In 2016, President Barack Obama signed the PROMESA Act into law, establishing a federal Control Board over the Puerto Rican government.

2016: U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Double Jeopardy in Puerto Rico in 2016

In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that accusing someone of a criminal act at the federal level and then accusing them of the same act in a Commonwealth court in Puerto Rico would constitute double jeopardy. This ruling is due to Puerto Rico lacking sovereignty separate from Congress as a state does.

July 1, 2017: Risk to Healthcare Funding in Puerto Rico Beginning July 1, 2017

According to a letter sent to Congress, without action, Puerto Rico's ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 with its managed care organizations would be threatened, putting at risk the health care of up to 900,000 impoverished U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico beginning July 1, 2017.

July 2017: PREPA Power Authority Bankrupt in July 2017

In early July 2017, the PREPA power authority was effectively bankrupt after defaulting in a plan to restructure $9 billion in bond debt. The agency planned to seek Court protection.

August 2017: Financial Oversight Board's Plan for Government Employees in August 2017

In early August 2017, the island's financial oversight board planned to institute two days off without pay per month for government employees, down from an original plan of four days per month, expected to achieve $218 million in savings. Governor Rossello rejected this plan. Pension reforms were also discussed.

September 7, 2017: Hurricane Irma Impact

On September 7, 2017, Puerto Rico was struck by Category 5 Hurricane Irma, causing significant damage.

September 20, 2017: Hurricane Maria Devastation

On September 20, 2017, Category 4 Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, causing widespread destruction, knocking out power, damaging infrastructure, and leading to a high percentage of the population seeking assistance.

2017: Hurricane Maria's Impact on Puerto Rico in 2017

In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused severe damage to Puerto Rico and its infrastructure, disrupting tourism for many months. The damage was estimated at $100 billion.

2017: Hospitals in Puerto Rico

In 2017, Puerto Rico had 69 hospitals.

2017: Hurricanes Irma and Maria Affect Puerto Rico

In 2017, Puerto Rico was affected by Category 5 Hurricane Irma and Category 4 Hurricane Maria, leading to devastating impacts, particularly on the electric grid.

2017: Referendum on Statehood

In 2017, another referendum was held in Puerto Rico, with a majority in favor of statehood, though it was boycotted by some political opponents.

2017: First Eastern Catholic Church Established

In 2017, the first Eastern Catholic Church was established in Puerto Rico.

2017: Population Decline After Hurricanes

In 2017, the impact of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, combined with economic conditions, led to Puerto Rico's greatest population decline since the U.S. acquired the archipelago.

2017: Puerto Rican Government-Debt Crisis in Early 2017

In early 2017, the Puerto Rican government-debt crisis posed serious problems for the government, which had $70 billion in outstanding bond debt after a decade-long recession.

July 2018: Puerto Rico Law 120-2018 Signed

In July 2018, Puerto Rico Law 120-2018 (Ley para Transformar el Sistema Eléctrico de Puerto Rico) was signed, authorizing PREPA to sell infrastructure and services.

2018: Risk to Healthcare Funding in Puerto Rico for Fiscal Year 2018

According to a letter sent to Congress, without action, Puerto Rico's ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 with its managed care organizations would be threatened, putting at risk the health care of up to 900,000 impoverished U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico beginning July 1, 2017.

2018: Tourism Campaign Launched by Discover Puerto Rico in 2018

In 2018, Discover Puerto Rico launched a tourism campaign highlighting the island's culture and history, branding it distinct from other Caribbean destinations.

2018: Study on Jones Act Impact

In 2018, a study by Reeve & Associates and Estudios Tecnicos concluded that the 1920 Jones Act has no impact on retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico.

2018: PREPA Monopoly Ends

In 2018, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) effectively ceased being a government monopoly.

April 2019: Tourism Recovering in Puerto Rico as of April 2019

An April 2019 report indicated that only a few hotels were still closed, and life for tourists in and around the capital had, for the most part, returned to normal after the damage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

July 2019: Population Decline Estimate in July 2019

As of July 1, 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the population of the Commonwealth had declined by 532,095 people since the 2010 Census.

October 2019: Tourism Rebounding in Puerto Rico as of October 2019

By October 2019, nearly all of the popular amenities for tourists, in major destinations such as San Juan, Ponce, and Arecibo, were in operation on the island and tourism was rebounding. Tourism provides up to 10% of Puerto Rico's GDP.

2019: Discover Puerto Rico Continues Tourism Campaign in 2019

In 2019, Discover Puerto Rico planned to continue the tourism campaign that was launched in 2018.

January 2020: Largest Earthquake Since 1918

In January 2020, Puerto Rico experienced its largest earthquake since 1918, with a magnitude of 6.4, causing over $3.1 billion in economic losses.

June 2020: Contract Signed with LUMA Energy

On June 22, 2020, a contract was signed making LUMA Energy the new operator of Puerto Rico's energy distribution and transmission infrastructure.

November 2020: Statehood Referendum

In November 2020, Puerto Rico held a statehood referendum during the general elections, with 52% of voters answering yes to the question of immediate admission into the Union as a State.

2020: 2020 U.S. Census on Puerto Ricans Living Outside of Puerto Rico

According to the 2020 U.S. census, the number of Puerto Ricans living outside of Puerto Rico in the U.S. is almost twice as many as those living in Puerto Rico.

2020: 2020 United States Census

According to the 2020 United States census, Puerto Rico had 3,285,874 residents, representing an 11.8% decrease since 2010.

2020: Puerto Rico's Gross National Income Per Capita in 2020

According to the World Bank, Puerto Rico's gross national income per capita in 2020 was $21,740. The economy is mainly driven by manufacturing (pharmaceuticals, textiles, petrochemicals, and electronics) and services, with agriculture representing less than 1% of GNP.

2020: Hispanic/Latino Population in 2020

As of 2020, the Hispanic or Latino population made up 98.9 percent of the population with 95.5% being Puerto Rican.

2020: San Juan Most Populous Municipality

Based on the 2020 Census, San Juan is the most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, with 342,259 people.

June 2021: LUMA Energy Takeover Set

The takeover of PREPA's operations by LUMA Energy was scheduled for June 1, 2021, amidst protests and uncertainty.

2021: Life Expectancy

As of 2021, the average life expectancy in Puerto Rico was approximately 82.1 years, according to the CIA World Factbook.

2022: House Passes H.R. 8393

In 2022, The Puerto Rico Status Act, H.R. 8393, passed the House in the U.S. Congress, in support of a binding referendum on the island's status, however it did not pass the senate.

2022: Projected Evangelical Population by 2022

One researcher estimated that Puerto Rico would become 75 percent evangelical by 2022.

2023: Temple Dedicated by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In 2023, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated a temple in San Juan, reporting approximately 23,000 members in the commonwealth.

November 5, 2024: Statehood wins Non-Binding Referendum & New Governor Elected

On November 5, 2024, Statehood won a non-binding referendum with 59%. Also, Jennifer Gonzalez, who supports statehood, won the office of Governor of Puerto Rico in the 2024 general election with nearly 40% of the vote.