The Big List of Cities

Category: G

  • Guayanilla, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Guayanilla is a charming town located in the southern region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled along the Caribbean Sea coastline, bordered by the municipalities of Peñuelas to the west, Ponce to the east, and Adjuntas and Yauco to the north. The town is part of the Ponce Metropolitan Statistical Area. Guayanilla spans across 109.9 square kilometers, with 26.6 square kilometers of water, mainly due to the Guayanilla Bay.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Guayanilla are approximately 18.02 degrees north latitude and 66.79 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Guayanilla is part of the Guayanilla County in Puerto Rico. The town’s total area is 109.9 square kilometers, making it the 37th largest municipality in Puerto Rico. The region is characterized by its coastal plains, hills, and mountains, with the highest peak being the Cerro Maravillas.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Guayanilla had a population of approximately 21,581 people. The population density is about 197 people per square kilometer. The majority of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin, primarily of Puerto Rican descent. The town is known for its close-knit community and rich cultural heritage.

    🏛️ History

    The town of Guayanilla was founded by Puerto Rican criollos in 1833, although its history traces back to the indigenous Taíno people who inhabited the area before the Spanish colonization. The name “Guayanilla” is derived from a combination of the Taíno words “Guaynia” (house) and “Guilla” (great). The town played a significant role in the island’s sugar cane industry during the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Guayanilla is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including beaches, rivers, and mountains. The Guayanilla Bay is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The town is also home to the Guilarte Forest Reserve, a lush tropical forest that offers hiking trails and stunning views. The region’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Guayanilla is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten through high school. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities such as Ponce.

    🚧 Transportation

    Guayanilla is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 2, which runs along the island’s southern coast. The town also has a network of local roads for internal transportation. The nearest major airport is Mercedita Airport in Ponce, which is approximately 30 kilometers away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Guayanilla is known for its vibrant cultural events and festivals. The most notable is the Three Kings Festival, celebrated every January. The town is also famous for the Guayanilla Pirogue, a type of canoe used by the indigenous Taíno people. The pirogue is depicted in the town’s coat of arms as a symbol of its rich cultural heritage.

  • Guanica, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Guanica is a town and municipality of Puerto Rico located on the southwestern coast of the island. It is bordered by the municipalities of Sabana Grande to the north, Yauco to the west, and Lajas to the east. Guanica is spread over 10 wards and Guanica Pueblo, the downtown area and the administrative center of the city. The town is known for its dry forest, beaches, and historical sites.

    🌎 Coordinates

    Guanica is located at 17.9716° N latitude and 66.9080° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Guanica is part of the Yauco Metropolitan Statistical Area in Puerto Rico. The municipality has a total area of 94.9 square miles (245.9 km²), of which 54.4 square miles (140.9 km²) is land and 40.5 square miles (105.0 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Guanica was approximately 19,000 in 2010. The majority of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin. The median age in Guanica is about 40 years, and the city has a slightly higher percentage of female residents compared to males.

    🏛️ History

    Guanica is historically significant as the site of the landing of U.S. troops in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. This event is known as the “Port of Guanica.” The town was officially founded by the Spanish in 1914, although it had been established as a community long before that. Guanica’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly sugar cane production, but tourism has become increasingly important in recent years.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Guanica is home to the Guánica State Forest, also known as the Guánica Dry Forest, a UNESCO-designated International Biosphere Reserve. This forest is one of the best examples of a dry forest in the Caribbean. The area is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Playa Santa, Tamarindo, and Ballena.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Guanica is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has several public and private schools that provide education from kindergarten through high school. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Guanica is accessible via Puerto Rico Highway 2, which runs along the island’s southern coast. The town is approximately two hours’ drive from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Public transportation in the area is limited, so most residents rely on private vehicles for transportation.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Guanica hosts a festival known as the “Fiesta de Santiago,” in honor of its patron saint, St. James the Apostle. The event includes parades, music, dancing, and traditional foods. Guanica is also known for its “Copa Marlin” fishing tournament, which attracts participants from all over the island.

  • Garrochales, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Garrochales is a small, charming community located in the municipality of Arecibo, in the northern coastal region of Puerto Rico. It is nestled within the lush, tropical landscapes of the island, and is approximately 50 miles west of the capital, San Juan. The community is surrounded by the natural beauty of the island, with the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Cordillera Central mountain range to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Garrochales are approximately 18.4519° N latitude and 66.6743° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Garrochales is part of the Arecibo municipality, which is one of the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico. The Arecibo municipality is located on the northern coast of the island and is part of the Northern Coastal Valley region. The community of Garrochales is relatively small, with a total area of less than a square mile.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Garrochales is a part of the larger Arecibo municipality, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the Arecibo municipality has a population of approximately 96,440 people as of the 2010 census. The population is diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and cultures, reflecting the rich heritage of Puerto Rico.

    🏛️ History

    Garrochales, like many communities in Puerto Rico, has a history that dates back to the early Spanish colonial period. It was part of the larger Arecibo region, which was established in 1616. Over the centuries, the region has seen the influence of various cultures, including the indigenous Taíno people, Spanish colonists, African slaves, and more recently, American influences following the Spanish-American War in 1898.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Garrochales is surrounded by the natural beauty of Puerto Rico, including the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Cordillera Central mountain range to the south. The region is known for its lush tropical landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a variety of flora and fauna. The climate is tropical marine, with an average temperature of around 80°F (27°C) throughout the year.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Garrochales is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. There are several public and private schools in the Arecibo municipality that serve the residents of Garrochales, offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, residents typically attend universities in nearby cities like the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo.

    🚧 Transportation

    Garrochales is accessible by road via the Puerto Rico Highway 2, which runs along the northern coast of the island. The community is approximately an hour’s drive from the capital, San Juan. Public transportation in the area is limited, and most residents rely on private vehicles for commuting. The nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    While Garrochales itself may not host large events, it is part of the Arecibo municipality, which is known for several cultural and historical events. These include the Arecibo Patron Saint Festival and the Arecibo Observatory, which was once the world’s largest single-aperture telescope. The observatory has been featured in several films and television shows, including the James Bond movie “GoldenEye” and the sci-fi film “Contact”.