The Big List of Cities

Category: C

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ceiba, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Ceiba is a small, picturesque town located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean National Forest to the south. The town is named after the Ceiba tree, which is symbolic in Puerto Rican culture.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Ceiba, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.2649° N latitude and 65.6480° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Ceiba is part of the Fajardo metropolitan area in Puerto Rico. The town covers a total area of approximately 32 square miles (83 km2), of which about 27 square miles (70 km2) is land and 5 square miles (13 km2) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Ceiba was approximately 13,631 people. The town is a diverse mix of races and ethnicities, with a majority of the population being of Hispanic or Latino origin. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females.

    🏛️ History

    Ceiba was founded on April 7, 1838, by Luis de la Cruz. The town was originally a part of the municipality of Fajardo. Over the years, Ceiba has seen significant development, especially in the 1940s when the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station was established. This naval base played a crucial role in the town’s economy until its closure in 2004.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ceiba is known for its lush greenery and beautiful coastal views. The town is home to the Ceiba Forest, which offers a variety of hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities. The nearby Caribbean National Forest, also known as El Yunque National Forest, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Ceiba’s coastline offers several beautiful beaches, including the popular Medio Mundo and Daguao beaches.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Ceiba is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has several public and private schools that cater to students from kindergarten through high school. These include the Ceiba Bilingual School, Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School, and Jose Gautier Benitez High School.

    🚧 Transportation

    Ceiba is served by the Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport, which offers flights to the nearby islands of Vieques and Culebra. The town is also accessible by road, with Puerto Rico Highway 3 being the main route that connects Ceiba to other parts of the island. Public transportation in the form of buses and taxis are also available in the town.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Ceiba hosts the Ceiba Tree Festival, a cultural event that celebrates the town’s namesake tree. The festival features music, dance, food, and arts and crafts. Ceiba is also known for its annual Christmas parade, which is one of the largest in the region.

  • Canovanas, Puerto Rico

    📍 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.

  • Caguas, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Caguas is a city in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is located in the central mountain range of Puerto Rico, south of San Juan and Trujillo Alto, west of Gurabo and San Lorenzo, and east of Aguas Buenas, Cidra, and Cayey. The city is spread over 10 wards and Caguas Pueblo, the downtown area and the administrative center of the city.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Caguas, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.2388° N latitude, and 66.0381° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Caguas is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city covers an area of approximately 58.6 square miles (151.8 square kilometers).

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Caguas was estimated to be around 127,244, making it the 5th most populous city in Puerto Rico. The city has a diverse demographic profile with a mix of races and ethnicities. The majority of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

    🏛️ History

    Caguas was founded on January 1, 1775, as San Sebastián del Piñal de Caguax, in honor of a local Taíno chief. The city has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of Puerto Rico’s tobacco, sugar cane, and small fruits industries. Over the years, Caguas has evolved from a small mountain town to a bustling city and a major center of retail and manufacturing industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Caguas is surrounded by lush mountains and is known for its beautiful natural landscapes. The city is home to several parks and green spaces, including the popular Botanical and Cultural Garden, which showcases the island’s flora and fauna. The Caguas Real Golf & Country Club also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

    🏫 Education

    Caguas is served by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has numerous public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, the city hosts several institutions, including the University of Turabo and the Metropolitan University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Caguas is well-connected by a network of highways, including the PR-1, PR-52, and PR-30. The city is also served by a public transportation system, which includes buses and taxis. The nearest airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, located in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Caguas is known as “La Ciudad Criolla” (The Creole City) and “La Ciudad Del Turabo” (City of Turabo). The city hosts a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Festival de Bomba y Plena, which celebrates the island’s traditional music and dance. The city is also home to the Caguas Criollos, a professional baseball team in the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League.