The Big List of Cities

Category: Y

  • Yabucoa, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Yabucoa is a small city located on the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico, bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south. It is nestled within the Yabucoa Valley, surrounded by hills and mountains. The city is part of the Yabucoa County and is divided into ten wards, with Yabucoa Pueblo being the downtown area and the administrative center of the city.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Yabucoa are approximately 18.05 degrees north latitude and 65.88 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Yabucoa is part of the Eastern Coastal Plains region of Puerto Rico. It covers a total area of approximately 55.4 square miles (143.3 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller cities in Puerto Rico. Despite its small size, Yabucoa boasts a diverse landscape, with coastal areas, mountains, and fertile plains.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Yabucoa had a population of approximately 37,941 people. The majority of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The median age in Yabucoa is around 38 years, with a roughly equal gender distribution.

    🏛️ History

    Yabucoa was founded on October 3, 1793, by Manuel Colón de Bonilla. The city’s name is derived from a Taino Indian word meaning “place of waters”. Yabucoa’s history is deeply rooted in sugar cane cultivation, and it was once home to one of the island’s most productive sugar mills, Central Roig. The mill, now a historical landmark, serves as a reminder of the city’s agricultural past.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Yabucoa is home to several natural attractions. The Humacao Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for bird watching and exploring native flora and fauna. The city is also home to the Punta Yeguas Nature Reserve, a coastal forest with hiking trails and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Yabucoa’s coastline features beautiful beaches, including El Cocal Beach, known for its golden sand and clear waters.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Yabucoa is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities, as there are no universities within Yabucoa’s city limits.

    🚧 Transportation

    Yabucoa is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 3, a major highway that runs along the island’s eastern coast. The city’s public transportation needs are served by the Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority, providing bus services to other parts of the island. For air travel, residents typically use the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, located approximately 50 miles to the north of Yabucoa.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Yabucoa is known for its annual Sugar Cane Festival, a celebration of the city’s agricultural heritage featuring music, dance, and traditional foods. The city is also home to the Yabucoa Lighthouse, a historic structure built in the late 19th century. Despite being damaged by hurricanes, the lighthouse remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Yabucoa’s resilience.

  • Yauco, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Yauco is a city located in the southwestern part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled between the mountains of the Cordillera Central and the Caribbean Sea. The city covers an area of approximately 68.4 square miles, of which 1.6 square miles is water. The city’s terrain is a mix of mountains, hills, and coastal plains, with the highest peak being Cerro Lucero.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Yauco are approximately 18.0380° N latitude and 66.8499° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Yauco is a part of Yauco Municipality in Puerto Rico. It is divided into 20 wards, with Yauco Pueblo being the downtown area and the administrative center of the city. The city spans a total area of 176.5 square kilometers.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, Yauco had a population of approximately 35,000 residents. The city’s population has a diverse ethnic mix, with a majority identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age in Yauco is around 39 years. Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, followed by English.

    🏛️ History

    Yauco was founded by Spanish colonists in 1756. The city played a significant role in Puerto Rico’s coffee industry during the 19th century, earning the nickname “the coffee town.” Yauco was also the site of the Battle of Yauco during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The city’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, including the historic Yauco City Hall and the San Francisco de Asis Church.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Yauco is known for its natural beauty, with a variety of flora and fauna. The city is home to the Guilarte Forest Reserve, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the Cordillera Central. The city is also known for its coffee plantations. Yauco’s climate is tropical, with a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year.

    🏫 Education

    The education in Yauco is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten to 12th grade. For higher education, Yauco is home to the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Yauco and the Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Yauco Campus.

    🚧 Transportation

    Yauco is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 2, which connects the city to Ponce and Mayagüez. The city is also served by Puerto Rico Highways 127, 128, and 336. Public transportation in Yauco is provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Yauco is famous for its annual Coffee Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich coffee heritage. The event features coffee tasting, music, dance, and art. Yauco is also known for its vibrant street art, particularly the Yaucromatic urban art project, which has transformed the city’s buildings into a colorful outdoor gallery. The city also hosts the Festival de Mariposas, a butterfly festival, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of butterfly conservation.