📍 Location & Geography
Vieques is an island-municipality of Puerto Rico located in the northeastern Caribbean, part of an island grouping sometimes known as the Spanish Virgin Islands. Vieques lies about 8 miles (13 km) east of the Puerto Rican mainland, and measures about 21 miles (34 km) long by 4 miles (6 km) wide. Its most populated areas are Isabel Segunda (the administrative center) and Esperanza, with populations of 1,000-1,500 each.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Vieques are approximately 18.1263° N latitude and 65.4401° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Vieques is part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. The island itself is part of the Vieques region, which also includes several smaller islands and islets. The total land area of Vieques is approximately 52 square miles (135 square kilometers).
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Vieques had a population of around 9,301 people. The population is predominantly Hispanic, with a mix of individuals of European, African, and indigenous Taíno descent. The island has a relatively high poverty rate compared to the mainland U.S., with a significant portion of the population relying on fishing, agriculture, and tourism for their livelihoods.
🏛️ History
Vieques has a rich history that dates back to the indigenous Taíno people. The island was claimed by Spain in the 15th century and remained a Spanish colony until the Spanish-American War in 1898, when it was ceded to the United States. From the 1940s to 2003, much of the island was used as a naval base and bombing range by the U.S. Navy. The Navy’s departure in 2003 has led to significant environmental restoration efforts and a boost in tourism.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Vieques is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous beaches, forests, and wildlife reserves. The island is home to the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, the largest wildlife refuge in the Caribbean. One of the island’s most famous natural attractions is Mosquito Bay, also known as Bioluminescent Bay, which is considered the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
🏫 Education
Education in Vieques is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The island has several public and private schools that serve students from kindergarten through high school. There are no colleges or universities on the island; students wishing to pursue higher education typically travel to the mainland.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation to Vieques is primarily by air or sea. The island has a small airport, Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport, which offers flights to and from San Juan, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are also regular ferry services between Vieques and the Puerto Rican mainland. On the island, transportation options include cars, taxis, and public buses.
📜 Trivia & Events
Vieques is a popular destination for ecotourism, with many visitors drawn to its pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique wildlife. The island hosts several annual events, including the Vieques Humane Society’s Wacky Wahoo Fishing Tournament and the Vieques Cultural Festival. A notable fact about Vieques is that it was featured in the 2001 film “The Mexican”, starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.