The Big List of Cities

Category: S

  • San German, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    San Germán is a city located in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled between the hills of the southwestern part of the island and is bordered by the municipalities of Sabana Grande, Hormigueros, Cabo Rojo, Lajas, and Maricao. The city is characterized by its charming colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant cultural scene.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for San Germán are approximately 18.0831° N latitude and 67.0458° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    San Germán is the second oldest city in Puerto Rico, after San Juan. It is located in the San Germán county and is part of the San Germán–Cabo Rojo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city covers a total area of approximately 54 square miles (139.89 square kilometers).

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of San Germán was approximately 35,527. The city is known for its diverse population, with a mix of people of different ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin, primarily of Puerto Rican descent. The city is also home to a significant number of people of African, European, and Indigenous Taíno descent.

    🏛️ History

    San Germán was founded in 1511 by Spanish conquistadors, making it the second oldest city in Puerto Rico. The city has a rich history, with numerous historical landmarks such as the Porta Coeli Church, one of the oldest churches in the Americas, and the San Germán Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city was an important center of political and economic activity during the Spanish colonial period.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    San Germán is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring lush green hills, picturesque landscapes, and a variety of flora and fauna. The city is home to several parks and natural reserves, including the Maricao State Forest, a popular destination for hiking and bird watching. The city’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season that typically occurs from April to November.

    🏫 Education

    The city is home to the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the Caribbean. The city also has several public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten through high school.

    🚧 Transportation

    San Germán is accessible by road through Puerto Rico Highway 2, which connects the city to Mayagüez and Ponce. The city is also served by the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, which provides domestic and international flights. Public transportation in the city includes public buses and taxis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    San Germán is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events held throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Festival de la Parguera, a celebration of the city’s cultural heritage featuring music, dance, and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. The city is also home to the Museo de Arte de San Germán, which showcases a collection of Puerto Rican and Caribbean art.

  • Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sabana Grande is a city located in the southern part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled between the municipalities of San Germán, Guánica, Yauco, Maricao, and Guayanilla. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, and is known for its fertile plains which are ideal for agriculture.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Sabana Grande are approximately 18.0797° N latitude and 66.9608° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sabana Grande is part of the Sabana Grande municipality in Puerto Rico. It covers a total area of approximately 36.8 square miles (95.3 square kilometers). The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including Machuchal, Rayo, Rincon, Santana, Sonador, Susua Baja, and Torre.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Sabana Grande was approximately 25,000 people. The city is predominantly Hispanic, in line with the overall demographics of Puerto Rico. The population is fairly evenly distributed across different age groups, with a slight majority of females over males.

    🏛️ History

    Sabana Grande was founded on December 21, 1813, by Pedro de Acosta. The city’s name, which translates to “Big Savannah,” is derived from the extensive plains located in this area. Sabana Grande is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, with numerous churches and monuments that date back to the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sabana Grande is known for its lush greenery and natural beauty. The city is home to the Maricao State Forest, a popular spot for hiking and bird-watching. The forest features a variety of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. The city also promotes environmental conservation and sustainability, with several initiatives aimed at preserving its natural resources.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Sabana Grande is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten through high school. These include the Sabana Grande District High School and the Susúa Baja Elementary School. There are also several colleges and universities within driving distance, including the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus.

    🚧 Transportation

    Sabana Grande is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 2, a major highway that runs along the southern coast of the island. The city also has a network of local roads for intra-city travel. Public transportation in Sabana Grande is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting. The nearest major airport is the Mercedita Airport in Ponce, which is approximately 30 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Sabana Grande is famous for its annual Festival of the Patron Saints Peter and Paul, a religious and cultural event that attracts visitors from across Puerto Rico. The city is also known for its local crafts, particularly its traditional Puerto Rican masks known as “vejigantes”. Sabana Grande is often referred to as the “City of the Prodigies” due to the number of notable individuals born in the city, including several renowned artists, musicians, and athletes.