The Big List of Cities

Category: S

  • St John, Virgin Islands

    📍 Location & Geography

    St. John is one of the three main islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, about 50 miles east of Puerto Rico. The island is approximately 20 square miles in size, making it the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its terrain is largely mountainous, with the highest peak being Bordeaux Mountain at 1,277 feet.

    🌎 Coordinates

    St. John is located at approximately 18.33° N latitude and 64.79° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    St. John is part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. The island is divided into two districts: Coral Bay and Cruz Bay. With an area of roughly 20 square miles, St. John is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, St. John had a population of around 4,170 people. The population is diverse, with a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic, White, and other ethnicities. English is the primary language, but Spanish and other languages are also spoken.

    🏛️ History

    St. John was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib tribes before being colonized by the Danish in the 17th century. The island was primarily used for sugar cane production, with slaves from Africa working the plantations. In 1917, the United States purchased St. John, along with St. Thomas and St. Croix, from Denmark. Today, St. John is known for its well-preserved historical sites, including the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins and the Virgin Islands National Park.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Over half of St. John is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, which offers stunning views of the Caribbean, lush forests, and a diverse range of wildlife. The island is also surrounded by coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. St. John is committed to conservation efforts, with several initiatives in place to protect its unique flora and fauna.

    🏫 Education

    Education on St. John is overseen by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education. The island has one public school, the Julius E. Sprauve School, which serves students from kindergarten through ninth grade. For high school, students typically travel to St. Thomas. There are also private school options on the island.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation on St. John is primarily by car, with many residents and visitors choosing to rent a vehicle. The island has a public bus system that runs between Cruz Bay and Salt Pond Bay. There are also taxis available. St. John does not have an airport; the nearest one is on St. Thomas, with ferry services connecting the two islands.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    St. John is known for its annual Carnival, a month-long event held in June and July that features music, dancing, and parades. The island is also home to the Virgin Islands National Park, which attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. Fun fact: St. John has no traffic lights, adding to its laid-back, island charm.

  • St Thomas, Virgin Islands

    📍 Location & Geography

    St. Thomas is one of the three main islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and mountainous terrain. The capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is located on St. Thomas.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for St. Thomas are approximately 18.3 degrees North latitude and 64.9 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    St. Thomas is part of the Caribbean region. It covers an area of approximately 32 square miles, making it the second-largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island is divided into three large districts: East End, West End, and Northside.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of St. Thomas was approximately 51,634. The island is known for its diverse culture, with residents of African, European, and American descent. The majority of the population speaks English, though Spanish and Creole are also spoken by some residents.

    🏛️ History

    St. Thomas was originally inhabited by the Ciboney, Carib, and Arawak tribes. Christopher Columbus sighted the island on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. It was later colonized by the Danish in the 17th century and served as a major center of the Atlantic slave trade. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    St. Thomas is known for its rich biodiversity. The island is home to numerous species of tropical plants, birds, and marine life. Coral reefs surround the island, providing habitats for a variety of fish and other sea creatures. The island’s climate is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 77 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

    🏫 Education

    Education on St. Thomas is overseen by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education. The island has several public and private schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education is offered by the University of the Virgin Islands, which has a campus on St. Thomas.

    🚧 Transportation

    St. Thomas is served by the Cyril E. King Airport, the busiest airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island also has a well-developed road network, with both public buses and taxis available for transportation. Ferries provide transportation to the other Virgin Islands and to the British Virgin Islands.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    St. Thomas is known for its vibrant culture and hosts several annual events, including the St. Thomas Carnival, one of the largest festivals in the Caribbean. The island is also home to Blackbeard’s Castle, a national historic landmark said to have been used by the infamous pirate. Additionally, St. Thomas is a popular destination for cruise ships, with hundreds of ships docking at the island’s port each year.

  • Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Santa Isabel is a coastal town and municipality located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, bordered by the municipalities of Juana Díaz to the west, and Salinas to the east. It is part of the Ponce Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is known for its beautiful beaches and the Playa de Jauca, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

    🌎 Coordinates

    Santa Isabel is located at approximately 17.97 degrees north latitude and 66.40 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Santa Isabel is part of the Ponce Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is one of the three primary metropolitan areas in Puerto Rico. The town covers an area of approximately 34.43 square miles (89.2 square kilometers), of which 3.14 square miles (8.13 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, Santa Isabel had a population of approximately 23,274 people. The population is predominantly of Hispanic or Latino origin, with a significant majority identifying as Puerto Rican. The town is also home to a small community of non-Hispanic whites and African Americans.

    🏛️ History

    Santa Isabel was founded on October 5, 1842 by Antonio Vélez. The town was named in honor of Queen Isabel II of Spain. Santa Isabel is also known as “La Ciudad de los Potros” or “City of Colts”, due to its rich tradition in horse breeding and horse racing.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Santa Isabel is blessed with a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The town is home to several natural attractions, including the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a protected area that is home to many species of birds and marine life. The town’s coastal location also provides for beautiful beaches and opportunities for water sports.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Santa Isabel 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. There are also opportunities for higher education in nearby towns and cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Santa Isabel is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 52, a major highway that connects the town to Ponce and San Juan. The town also has a public transportation system that includes public buses. The nearest airport is Mercedita Airport in Ponce, which offers domestic flights.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Santa Isabel is known for its annual Festival del Pescao, a festival that celebrates the town’s fishing heritage. The festival includes a fishing tournament, live music, and local food. The town is also home to the Santa Isabel Speedway, a popular venue for drag racing.

  • San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    San Lorenzo, often referred to as “El Pueblo de los Samaritanos” or “La Ciudad de las Palmas,” is a municipality located in the eastern central region of Puerto Rico. It is nestled in the foothills of the Cordillera Central range, with the Río Grande de Loíza river flowing through its northern region. The city is surrounded by Caguas and Gurabo to the north, Juncos and Las Piedras to the east, Patillas and Yabucoa to the south, and Cayey to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of San Lorenzo are approximately 18.19 degrees latitude and -65.97 degrees longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    San Lorenzo is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. It spans a total area of about 53.47 square miles (138.5 km²), of which 53.44 square miles (138.4 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 U.S. Census, San Lorenzo has a population of approximately 35,732 residents. The city is predominantly Hispanic, with a majority of the population being of Puerto Rican descent. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females. The median age of residents is around 38 years.

    🏛️ History

    San Lorenzo was founded in 1811 by Valeriano Muñoz de Oneca. The town was initially named San Miguel de Hato Grande, but was later renamed San Lorenzo in honor of Saint Lawrence. The city has a rich history of agriculture, with tobacco and sugar cane being the primary crops in the past. Today, it is known for its production of plantains and bananas.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    San Lorenzo is known for its lush, green landscapes and natural beauty. The city is home to the Carite Forest Reserve, a 6,000-acre nature reserve that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views. The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Puerto Rican tody, a small bird endemic to the island. The Río Grande de Loíza river, the longest river in Puerto Rico, also flows through the city, providing opportunities for water-based activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in San Lorenzo 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. There are also vocational schools and a technology institute in the city. For higher education, residents often go to nearby cities like Caguas or San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    San Lorenzo is served by several major highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 183, Puerto Rico Highway 181, and Puerto Rico Highway 203. The city is approximately 45 minutes away from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, the main airport in Puerto Rico. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    San Lorenzo is known for its vibrant local culture and community events. The city hosts an annual festival in honor of Saint Lawrence, its patron saint, which includes parades, music, dancing, and traditional Puerto Rican food. San Lorenzo is also known for its local basketball team, the San Lorenzo Samaritans, who have a strong following in the city.

  • Salinas, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Salinas is a picturesque city located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is bordered by the municipalities of Santa Isabel in the west, and Guayama in the north and east. The city is renowned for its beautiful coastline that stretches along the Caribbean Sea. Salinas is characterized by a mix of flatlands and modest hills, with the Cerro Las Tetas and Sierra de Cayey mountains visible in the distance.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Salinas are approximately 18.0 degrees north latitude and 66.3 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Salinas is part of the Salinas Municipality in Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of 70.05 square miles (181.43 square kilometers), of which 43.31 square miles (112.17 square kilometers) is land and 26.74 square miles (69.26 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the last U.S. Census Bureau data, the population of Salinas is approximately 31,000 residents. The city is known for its diverse mix of cultures, with a predominantly Hispanic population. Spanish is the most widely spoken language, followed by English.

    🏛️ History

    Salinas was founded on July 22, 1841, by Don Agustín Colón Pacheco as Mayor, Don Jose Maria Cadavedo as Secretary and Don Juan Colon de Torres and Don Antonio Semidey as Vocals. The city was named after the Salinas Pueblo in New Mexico. Over the years, Salinas has developed into a vibrant city known for its agricultural and fishing industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Salinas is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. The city is home to several natural reserves including the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Aguirre State Forest. These reserves offer a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The city’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, and the nearby mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Salinas is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten to high school. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities which host universities and colleges.

    🚧 Transportation

    Salinas is well-connected by a network of roads and highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 1, Highway 52, and Highway 180. The city doesn’t have a commercial airport; the nearest one is the Mercedita Airport in Ponce. For local transportation, residents rely on private vehicles, taxis, and a limited public bus service.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Salinas is known as “La Cuna del Mojito Isleño”, which translates to “The Cradle of the Island Mojito”. This is due to the city’s reputation for producing excellent seafood dishes, particularly the Mojito Isleño, a local delicacy. Salinas hosts several annual events, including the Festival del Pescao and the Festival de la Raza Taína, which celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage and history.