The Big List of Cities

Author: dangreen.com

  • Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Punta Santiago is a small, coastal community located in the eastern region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is situated in the municipality of Humacao, which is part of the Humacao county. The city is nestled on the southeastern coast of the island, facing the Caribbean Sea.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Punta Santiago are approximately 18.1531° N latitude and 65.7625° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Punta Santiago lies in the Humacao region, which is in the eastern part of Puerto Rico. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes. The city itself covers a relatively small area, typical of the many compact communities that make up the densely populated island of Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the last census, Punta Santiago had a population of approximately 5,000 residents. The community is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the broader demographic makeup of Puerto Rico. Spanish is the primary language spoken in Punta Santiago, although English is also widely understood and spoken due to Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory.

    🏛️ History

    Punta Santiago, like much of Puerto Rico, has a rich history influenced by the Taíno people, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves. The area became part of the United States in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In recent years, Punta Santiago has been rebuilding and recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Punta Santiago is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and lush tropical vegetation on the other. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including a significant population of monkeys inhabiting the nearby Monkey Island (Cayo Santiago). The city is also close to the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Punta Santiago is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The community has access to several public and private schools in the Humacao region. The University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, a public university offering a range of undergraduate programs, is also located nearby.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Punta Santiago is primarily by road, with Puerto Rico Highway 3 being the main route connecting the city to other parts of the island. The city is also served by public buses and taxis. The nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, which is about an hour’s drive from Punta Santiago.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Punta Santiago is home to one of the most popular events in the Humacao region, the annual Kite Festival, where locals and tourists alike gather to fly kites of all shapes and sizes on the beach. The city is also known for its vibrant street art, particularly the “S.O.S” mural painted on a street following Hurricane Maria, which became a symbol of the community’s resilience and recovery efforts.

  • Puerto Real, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Puerto Real is a neighborhood located in the municipality of Fajardo, on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is situated on the northeastern tip of the island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The area is characterized by its coastal plains, with a few hills and mountains in the vicinity.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Puerto Real are approximately 18.3256° N latitude and 65.6528° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Puerto Real is part of the Fajardo municipality, which is one of the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico. The municipality is located in the Eastern Coastal Plains region of the island. Puerto Real itself is a relatively small neighborhood, with a total area of approximately 2 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Puerto Real is a neighborhood within the Fajardo municipality, it doesn’t have its own separate census data. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the entire municipality of Fajardo had a population of approximately 34,000 people as of 2019. The population is diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and cultures, reflecting the rich history of Puerto Rico.

    🏛️ History

    Puerto Real, like the rest of Fajardo, has a history that dates back to the early 16th century when the island was colonized by Spain. The area was named after Santiago de Fajardo, the son of the Spanish Governor. Over the centuries, the region has seen significant development, transitioning from a primarily agricultural economy to a more diversified one, with tourism and services playing a major role.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Puerto Real is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and tropical climate. The area is home to several natural attractions, including the nearby El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The region is also home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Puerto Real is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. There are several public and private schools in the Fajardo municipality that serve the residents of Puerto Real. The University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, a public university, is also located relatively close to the neighborhood.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Puerto Real is primarily by road, with PR-3 being the main highway serving the area. The Fajardo Ferry Terminal, which provides ferry services to the islands of Vieques and Culebra, is also located nearby. The closest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, which is approximately an hour’s drive away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Puerto Real is close to several notable attractions in Fajardo, including the Bioluminescent Bay, one of the few places in the world where you can see bioluminescent organisms. The area also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Fajardo Seafood Festival and the Fajardo Christmas Boat Parade.

  • Cidra, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Cidra is a city located in the central region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled in the hills and valleys of the central mountain range of the island, providing it with a diverse and lush landscape. The city is known as “La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera” or “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant and mild climate throughout the year.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Cidra, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.1753° N latitude and 66.1618° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Cidra is part of the Cidra Municipality in Puerto Rico. It covers a total area of approximately 26.1 square miles (67.6 km²), making it one of the smaller municipalities on the island. Despite its size, Cidra is divided into 12 wards, with Cidra Pueblo being the downtown area and the administrative center of the city.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Cidra was approximately 43,480 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities, reflecting the overall diversity of Puerto Rico. The majority of the population speaks Spanish as their first language, with a significant number of residents also proficient in English.

    🏛️ History

    Cidra was founded on April 30, 1809, by Juan Mata Vázquez, who became its first mayor. It was initially part of Cayey, another municipality of Puerto Rico, but was later separated and became its own municipality. The city is named after the citron tree (Citrus medica), known as “cidra” in Spanish, which was widely cultivated in the area during the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Cidra is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including numerous rivers, lakes, and mountains. The city is home to the Cidra Lake, also known as Toa Vaca Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The surrounding hills and mountains provide numerous opportunities for hiking and nature walks.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Cidra is administered by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten through high school. Cidra also has a few institutions for higher education, including the Ana G. Mendez University and the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Cidra Campus.

    🚧 Transportation

    Cidra is well connected by several major highways, including the PR-172, PR-173, and PR-30. These roads provide easy access to other parts of the island. Public transportation in the city is primarily provided by “públicos”, a shared taxi service that operates across Puerto Rico. The nearest airport to Cidra is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, located in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Cidra hosts the “Festival de la Cidra”, a popular event that celebrates the city’s history and culture. The festival features music, dance, food, and various activities related to the citron fruit, from which the city derives its name. Cidra is also known for its production of artisanal crafts, particularly ceramics and woodwork.

  • Fajardo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Fajardo is a city located on the eastern edge of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. It’s known for its coastal beauty, as it’s surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on two sides. Fajardo is nestled in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The city is also home to the largest marina in the Caribbean, Puerto del Rey.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Fajardo, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.3258° N latitude and 65.6524° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Fajardo is part of the Fajardo Metropolitan Statistical Area, and it’s one of the 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico. The city covers an area of approximately 31 square miles, with about 3 square miles of it being water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Fajardo had a population of approximately 36,993 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The majority of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and the city also has a significant African American population.

    🏛️ History

    Fajardo was founded in 1760, named after the Spanish governor and captain general of Puerto Rico, Don Santiago Fajardo. The city has a rich history with many historical landmarks, including the Cape San Juan Light, which was built in 1880 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Fajardo is surrounded by natural beauty, including the El Yunque National Forest and the bioluminescent Laguna Grande. The city is also home to several nature reserves, such as Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, which features a lighthouse, mangroves, and coral reefs. Fajardo’s beaches are another highlight, with Seven Seas Beach being one of the most popular.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Fajardo is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, the city is served by the Universidad del Turabo-Fajardo Campus.

    🚧 Transportation

    Fajardo is served by several major roads, including Puerto Rico Highways 3, 53, and 194. The city also has a ferry terminal, offering services to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. For air travel, the nearby José Aponte de la Torre Airport serves the city.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Fajardo is known for its annual events, such as the Fajardo Carnival and the Festival del Pescao. The city is also famous for its bioluminescent bay, one of the few places in the world where you can see this natural phenomenon. The city’s nickname is “The City that Guards the Sun of the Caribbean,” due to its eastern location on the island.

  • Cayey, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Cayey is a mountainous municipality located in the central region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is situated approximately 32 miles (51 kilometers) south of San Juan, the capital city. The city is known for its rolling hills and valleys, with the highest peak, Cerro La Santa, reaching an elevation of 3,494 feet (1,065 meters). The city is bordered by Cidra and Caguas to the north, Salinas and Guayama to the south, Aibonito and Salinas to the west, and San Lorenzo and Patillas to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Cayey are approximately 18.1110° N latitude and 66.1661° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Cayey is part of the Central Mountain range of Puerto Rico, known as “Cordillera Central.” The city covers an area of approximately 51 square miles (132 square kilometers), making it the 33rd largest city in terms of land area in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, the population of Cayey was approximately 48,119 people. The city has a diverse population, with the majority identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age in Cayey is around 40 years, slightly higher than the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Cayey was founded on August 17, 1773, by Juan Mata Vázquez, who became its first mayor. The city’s name is believed to have been derived from the Taino Indian word for “a place of waters.” Cayey played a significant role in the development of Puerto Rico’s tobacco industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. The city is also known for its involvement in the Puerto Rican independence movement.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Cayey is known for its lush greenery and natural beauty. The city is home to the Carite Forest Reserve, a popular destination for hiking and bird-watching. The reserve features several endemic species of flora and fauna. The city’s climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 70°F (21°C). Cayey is also known for its “Ruta del Lechón,” a route lined with roadside stands selling roasted pork, a local delicacy.

    🏫 Education

    Cayey is home to the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. The city also has several public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten through high school.

    🚧 Transportation

    Cayey is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 52, a major toll road that connects the city with San Juan and Ponce. Public transportation in Cayey is provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works, which operates bus routes throughout the city. The nearest airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Cayey is famous for its annual “Festival del Lechón,” a festival celebrating the city’s culinary tradition of roasted pork. The city is also known for the Monumento al Jíbaro Puertorriqueño, a large statue dedicated to the Puerto Rican countryman, which is a popular tourist attraction. Cayey is also home to the Cayey Symphony Orchestra, one of the most recognized symphony orchestras in Puerto Rico.