The Big List of Cities

Category: V

  • Villalba, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Villalba is a city located in the central region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled in the Cordillera Central mountain range, providing the city with a unique topography of lush hills and valleys. The city is bordered by the municipalities of Juana Díaz to the south, Orocovis to the north, Coamo to the west, and Jayuya to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Villalba, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.1301° N latitude and 66.4921° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Villalba is part of the Villalba County, which is one of the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico. The city covers an area of approximately 36.2 square miles (93.8 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller municipalities in terms of land area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Villalba is estimated to be around 24,000 people. The city is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the overall demographic trend of Puerto Rico. The population is evenly split between males and females, and the median age is around 36 years.

    🏛️ History

    Villalba was founded in 1917, making it one of the newer municipalities in Puerto Rico. The city was named after its founder, Luis de Villalba y Toledo. Since its founding, Villalba has been known for its agricultural production, particularly coffee, fruits, and tobacco. Over the years, the city has seen a shift from agriculture to manufacturing and services, reflecting the broader economic changes in Puerto Rico.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Villalba is known for its natural beauty, with the surrounding mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. The city is home to several rivers, including the Jacaguas River and the Toa River. The Guayabal Lake, located to the west of the city, is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The city’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from April to November.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Villalba is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. There are also vocational schools and colleges in the nearby areas, providing higher education opportunities for the residents of Villalba.

    🚧 Transportation

    Villalba is served by a network of highways, including the PR-149 which connects the city to the northern and southern parts of the island. Public transportation in the city is limited, with most residents relying on cars for commuting. The nearest airport is the Mercedita Airport, located about 20 miles to the south in Ponce.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Villalba hosts the Orange Festival, a celebration of the city’s agricultural heritage. The festival features music, food, and cultural events, and attracts visitors from all over Puerto Rico. Villalba is also known for its Christmas celebrations, which are some of the most vibrant in the region.

  • Vieques, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Vieques is an island-municipality of Puerto Rico located in the northeastern Caribbean, part of an island grouping sometimes known as the Spanish Virgin Islands. Vieques lies about 8 miles (13 km) east of the Puerto Rican mainland, and measures about 21 miles (34 km) long by 4 miles (6 km) wide. Its most populated areas are Isabel Segunda (the administrative center) and Esperanza, with populations of 1,000-1,500 each.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Vieques are approximately 18.1263° N latitude and 65.4401° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Vieques is part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. The island itself is part of the Vieques region, which also includes several smaller islands and islets. The total land area of Vieques is approximately 52 square miles (135 square kilometers).

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Vieques had a population of around 9,301 people. The population is predominantly Hispanic, with a mix of individuals of European, African, and indigenous Taíno descent. The island has a relatively high poverty rate compared to the mainland U.S., with a significant portion of the population relying on fishing, agriculture, and tourism for their livelihoods.

    🏛️ History

    Vieques has a rich history that dates back to the indigenous Taíno people. The island was claimed by Spain in the 15th century and remained a Spanish colony until the Spanish-American War in 1898, when it was ceded to the United States. From the 1940s to 2003, much of the island was used as a naval base and bombing range by the U.S. Navy. The Navy’s departure in 2003 has led to significant environmental restoration efforts and a boost in tourism.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Vieques is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous beaches, forests, and wildlife reserves. The island is home to the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, the largest wildlife refuge in the Caribbean. One of the island’s most famous natural attractions is Mosquito Bay, also known as Bioluminescent Bay, which is considered the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Vieques is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The island has several public and private schools that serve students from kindergarten through high school. There are no colleges or universities on the island; students wishing to pursue higher education typically travel to the mainland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation to Vieques is primarily by air or sea. The island has a small airport, Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport, which offers flights to and from San Juan, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are also regular ferry services between Vieques and the Puerto Rican mainland. On the island, transportation options include cars, taxis, and public buses.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Vieques is a popular destination for ecotourism, with many visitors drawn to its pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique wildlife. The island hosts several annual events, including the Vieques Humane Society’s Wacky Wahoo Fishing Tournament and the Vieques Cultural Festival. A notable fact about Vieques is that it was featured in the 2001 film “The Mexican”, starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.

  • Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Vega Baja is a city located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north. It is situated in the Northern Coastal Valley region of the island, between the cities of Manatí and Dorado. The city covers a total area of approximately 120 square kilometers, with 27.13 square kilometers being water. Vega Baja is known for its diverse landscapes, which include coastal plains, sandy beaches, and lush mountain ranges.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, are approximately 18.44 degrees latitude and -66.39 degrees longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Vega Baja is part of the Vega Baja County in Puerto Rico. The city is divided into several districts, known as barrios, including Algarrobo, Rio Abajo, and Pugnado Afuera, among others. It covers a land area of about 93.58 square kilometers and a water area of 27.13 square kilometers.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the U.S. Census Bureau, Vega Baja had a population of approximately 59,662 residents as of 2010. The population is diverse, with a mix of different ethnic and racial groups. The majority of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The city has a balanced age distribution, with a median age of around 37 years.

    🏛️ History

    Vega Baja was founded in 1776 by Francisco de los Olivos. The city’s name, which translates to “low plains,” is a reference to its geographical features. Vega Baja played a significant role in the sugar cane industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city is rich in history and culture, with several historical sites and monuments that reflect its past.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Vega Baja is known for its beautiful natural environment. The city is home to several beaches, including the popular Vega Baja Beach. The Tortuguero Lagoon Natural Reserve, located in Vega Baja, is a significant wetland reserve that hosts a variety of wildlife species. The city’s environment is characterized by a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.

    🏫 Education

    The city of Vega Baja is served by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. There are several public and private schools in the city, offering education from kindergarten through high school. Higher education opportunities are also available in nearby cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Vega Baja is accessible via several major highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 2 and Puerto Rico Highway 22. Public transportation in the city is provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works. The nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, located in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Vega Baja is known for its annual events, including the Melao Melao Artisan Fair, which showcases local crafts and products. The city is also home to the Vega Baja Museum of Art and History, which hosts a variety of exhibits and events throughout the year. Vega Baja is the birthplace of several notable individuals, including musician Tommy Olivencia and baseball player Iván Rodríguez.

  • Vega Alta, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Vega Alta is a vibrant municipality located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. It is nestled between the municipalities of Vega Baja to the west and Dorado to the east. Vega Alta is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The municipality is known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and scenic landscapes. Its terrain is mostly flat with some low hills, and it is home to the Rio Cibuco and Rio Mavilla rivers.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Vega Alta are approximately 18.41 degrees latitude and -66.33 degrees longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Vega Alta is part of the Vega Alta County in Puerto Rico. The total area of the municipality is approximately 28.58 square miles (74.04 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller municipalities in terms of land area in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, Vega Alta has a population of approximately 39,951 residents. The population is diverse, with a mix of different cultures and backgrounds, typical of Puerto Rico’s rich heritage. The majority of the population speaks Spanish as their first language.

    🏛️ History

    Vega Alta was founded in 1775 by Francisco de los Olivos. The name Vega Alta translates to “High Plain” in English, referring to its geographical location. The city has a rich history and is known for its contributions to music, sports, and arts in Puerto Rico.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Vega Alta is home to several beautiful beaches, including Cerro Gordo Beach, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The municipality also boasts the Bosque Estatal de Vega Alta, a state forest that offers hiking trails and picnic areas. The region is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various species of flora and fauna.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Vega Alta is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The municipality has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten to high school. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Vega Alta is well-connected by road to other parts of Puerto Rico. The main highway serving Vega Alta is Puerto Rico Highway 2, which runs along the northern coast of the island. Public transportation in the form of buses and taxis is available, and the nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Vega Alta is known as the birthplace of the renowned singer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created and starred in the Broadway musicals “In the Heights” and “Hamilton.” The town celebrates an annual festival, the “Festival del Güiro,” dedicated to a traditional Puerto Rican musical instrument. Vega Alta is also known for its “Plaza del Güiro,” a public art space dedicated to the güiro instrument.