📍 Location & Geography
Canovanas is a city located in the northeastern region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. The city is situated in the coastal lowlands, close to the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is bordered by Loíza to the north, Río Grande to the east, Juncos and Las Piedras to the south, and Carolina to the west.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Canovanas, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.3808° N latitude and 65.9064° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Canovanas is part of the Canovanas county in Puerto Rico. The city spans an area of 31.67 square miles (82.03 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller cities in the region. Despite its size, it is densely populated and is an important part of the metropolitan area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Canovanas was approximately 47,648. The city is known for its diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and cultures. The majority of the residents are of Hispanic or Latino origin, primarily of Puerto Rican descent. The city is also home to a significant number of people from the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean nations.
🏛️ History
The history of Canovanas dates back to the early 19th century. It was originally a part of the municipality of Loíza. The city was named after the local Indian Chief Canovanax, who ruled the area during the time of the Spanish conquest. Canovanas was officially established as an independent municipality on July 30, 1970.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Canovanas is known for its natural beauty, with a variety of landscapes ranging from coastal areas to lush green forests. The city is home to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. The forest is a major tourist attraction, known for its unique flora and fauna.
🏫 Education
Education in Canovanas is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. The University of Puerto Rico, Carolina Campus, is located nearby, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
🚧 Transportation
Canovanas is well-connected with other parts of Puerto Rico through a network of highways and roads. The city is served by the Puerto Rico Highway 66, which connects it to the capital city of San Juan. Public transportation in Canovanas is provided by the Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) and private taxi services. The nearest airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, located in Carolina.
📜 Trivia & Events
Canovanas is famous for its traditional “Fiestas Patronales” or patron saint festivals, which are held annually. The city is also known for the legend of “El Chupacabra”, a mythical creature said to inhabit the area. The Outlets at Route 66 Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Puerto Rico, is located in Canovanas, attracting visitors from all over the island.