📍 Location & Geography
Gurabo is a municipality located in the eastern central part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is situated in the lush Caguas Valley, surrounded by mountains on three sides and the Gurabo River running through it. The municipality covers an area of approximately 70.04 square miles.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Gurabo are approximately 18.2550° N latitude and 65.9722° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Gurabo is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area within Puerto Rico. It is divided into 10 wards, with Gurabo Pueblo (the downtown area and administrative center of the city) being one of them. The total area of Gurabo is about 70.04 square miles, of which 27.58 square miles is land and 0.04 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Gurabo had a population of approximately 45,369 inhabitants. The population density was around 1,600 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, with a small percentage of other races. The population is fairly evenly distributed across all age groups, with a slight majority being female.
🏛️ History
Gurabo was founded in 1815 by Luis del Carmen Echevarría. The town was originally named after a local Indian Chief who was known as Gurabo. The town’s history is deeply rooted in tobacco farming, which was the main source of income for its inhabitants for many years.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Gurabo is known for its lush green landscapes, with the Gurabo River being a prominent feature. The river, which runs through the town, provides a natural habitat for various species of flora and fauna. The surrounding mountains also offer a variety of outdoor activities including hiking and bird watching. Gurabo’s climate is tropical, with an average temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
🏫 Education
Gurabo is home to several public and private schools. The town is also home to the Gurabo campus of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez, one of the leading higher education institutions in Puerto Rico. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, social sciences, and health sciences.
🚧 Transportation
Gurabo is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 30, which runs through the municipality from east to west. There are also several other state roads and highways that provide access to neighboring towns and cities. Public transportation in Gurabo is provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Gurabo hosts the “Festival del Tabaco”, a festival dedicated to its tobacco farming heritage. The event features tobacco rolling demonstrations, local food, music, and dance. Gurabo is also known as “La Ciudad de las Escaleras”, or “The City of Stairs”, because of a large staircase located near the town’s main square.