The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Juncos, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Juncos is a city located in the eastern central region of Puerto Rico. It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is nestled in the eastern central part of the island, bordered by the municipalities of Las Piedras, San Lorenzo, Gurabo, and Naguabo. The city is spread over 9 wards and Juncos Pueblo, which is the downtown area and the administrative center of the city.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Juncos, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.2295° N latitude and 65.9204° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Juncos is part of the Eastern region of Puerto Rico. It covers a total area of approximately 68 square kilometers (26.2 square miles), making it one of the smaller municipalities in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Juncos was approximately 40,290. The city is known for its diverse population, with a mix of different cultures and backgrounds. The majority of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin, primarily of Puerto Rican descent. The city is also home to a small number of non-Hispanic whites and African Americans.

    🏛️ History

    Juncos was founded on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico in 1797. Its name is derived from the native Taino word for the junco bird, which is plentiful in the area. The city’s economy was originally based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of tobacco and sugar cane. Over time, Juncos has transitioned to a more diverse economy, with a mix of manufacturing, services, and retail.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Juncos is known for its lush greenery and natural beauty. The city is home to several rivers including the Valenciano, Mariana, and Caguitas. The Valenciano River runs through the city, providing a natural water source and scenic beauty. The city also boasts several parks and green spaces, including the Juncos Plaza and the Valenciano Abajo Forest Reserve.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Juncos is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten through high school. Additionally, the city is home to the Roque de Duprey University College, a branch of the University of Puerto Rico.

    🚧 Transportation

    Juncos is accessible via several major highways, including Puerto Rico Highways 30, 31, 183, 198, and 992. Public transportation in the city is provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works, which operates bus routes in and around the city.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Juncos is known as “La Ciudad del Valenciano” (The City of the Valenciano) or “Los Mulos del Valenciano” (The Mules of the Valenciano), a nickname that dates back to its agricultural roots. The city hosts an annual festival known as the “Festival del Jibaro” in honor of the Puerto Rican countryman, which includes music, dance, and traditional Puerto Rican food.

  • Culebra, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Culebra is a small island municipality located in the northeastern Caribbean, part of the archipelago of Puerto Rico. It is positioned approximately 17 miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland, 12 miles west of St. Thomas, and 9 miles north of Vieques. Culebra is the smallest of Puerto Rico’s municipalities and is made up of the main island and 23 smaller islands that surround it, including Culebrita and Luis Peña.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Culebra are approximately 18.3030° N latitude and 65.3008° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Culebra is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands, which are also known as the Passage Islands. It covers a total area of about 11.6 square miles (30.0 km²). The main island itself is approximately 7 miles long and 3 miles wide.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Culebra had a population of around 1,818 residents, making it one of the least populated municipalities in Puerto Rico. The population is diverse, with a mix of locals and expatriates. The official language is Spanish, though English is widely spoken.

    🏛️ History

    Culebra was originally inhabited by the Taino Indians before the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. The island was used for farming and raising livestock during the Spanish colonial period. In 1901, the U.S. Navy began using the island as a gunnery and bombing practice site until 1975. The island was officially declared a wildlife refuge by Theodore Roosevelt in 1909. In 1976, Culebra was incorporated as a municipality of Puerto Rico.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Culebra is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife. It is home to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts a variety of bird species and sea turtles. The island’s clear waters make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Flamenco Beach, one of the island’s most famous beaches, is often ranked among the world’s best beaches.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Culebra is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The island has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. There are no institutions of higher education on the island, so students seeking university degrees typically travel to the mainland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Culebra can be reached by ferry from Fajardo or by air from Ceiba and San Juan. The island has one airport, Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport. On the island, transportation options include taxis, public buses, and private vehicle rentals.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Culebra hosts the Festival de la Ballena, a celebration of the humpback whales that migrate through the region. The island is also known for its New Year’s Eve festivities, which attract visitors from around the world. Despite its small size, Culebra has a rich history and vibrant culture that make it a unique and charming destination.

  • Luquillo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Luquillo is a beautiful town and municipality located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the north and El Yunque National Forest, a tropical rainforest, to the south. The town covers a total area of 35.71 square miles, with 7.43 square miles of it being water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, are approximately 18.3723° N latitude and 65.7161° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Luquillo belongs to the Fajardo Region of Puerto Rico, an area known for its stunning natural beauty and coastal attractions. The town itself spans an area of 26.7 square miles, with a significant portion of it covered by water bodies.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the most recent United States Census data, Luquillo has a population of approximately 20,000 residents. The town is culturally diverse, with a majority of the population being of Hispanic or Latino origin. The median age in Luquillo is around 36.8 years.

    🏛️ History

    Luquillo was founded in the year 1797 by Cristóbal Guzmán. The town was originally named “San José de Luquillo.” The name Luquillo is derived from the Indian cacique Loquillo, who died a few years after the last Indian rebellion in 1513.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Luquillo is blessed with natural beauty, with its most prominent feature being the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The town also boasts a beautiful coastline with popular beaches like Luquillo Beach and La Pared Beach. The offshore waters are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and other water sports.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Luquillo is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town is home to several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, residents typically commute to nearby cities such as Fajardo or San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    Luquillo is well connected by road to other parts of Puerto Rico. The PR-3, a major highway, runs through the town, providing easy access to nearby cities and towns. Public transportation in Luquillo is primarily served by públicos, shared taxi services that operate on set routes. The nearest airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Luquillo is famous for its “Kioskos,” a stretch of kiosks that sell a variety of local foods and crafts. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Festival del Coco (Coconut Festival) and the Festival Patronal San José de Luquillo, both of which celebrate the town’s rich culture and heritage.

  • Loiza, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Loíza is a small coastal city located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the municipalities of Canóvanas to the south, and Carolina to the west. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, mangroves, and the Loíza River, which flows through the city and into the Atlantic Ocean.

    🌎 Coordinates

    Loíza is situated at approximately 18.4310° N latitude and 65.8800° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Loíza is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area in Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of approximately 65 square miles, of which about 19 square miles is land and 46 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, Loíza has a population of approximately 27,000 people. The city is known for its rich African heritage, with a majority of the population being of Afro-Puerto Rican descent. Spanish is the primary language spoken in Loíza, though English is also widely understood and spoken.

    🏛️ History

    Loíza was founded in 1719, but its history dates back to the early 16th century when it was inhabited by the Taíno Indians. The city is named after Yuiza, the only female Cacique (chief) of the Taíno tribe in Puerto Rico. Loíza played a significant role in the island’s defense against British and Dutch invaders due to its strategic coastal location.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Loíza is home to several natural attractions. The city boasts beautiful sandy beaches like the Aviones and Vacía Talega. The Pinones State Forest, a mangrove forest with a network of trails and boardwalks, offers opportunities for bird watching and nature walks. The Loíza River, apart from being a significant feature of the city’s geography, also provides various recreational activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Loíza 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. Post-secondary education opportunities are available in nearby cities such as San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    Loíza is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 187, which runs along the city’s coastline. The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, located in nearby Carolina, provides air travel facilities. Public transportation in Loíza primarily consists of public cars (“públicos”) and taxis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Loíza is famous for its traditional festivals, particularly the St. James Festival (Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol), a week-long event held in July featuring music, dance, and processions. The city is also renowned for its traditional Afro-Puerto Rican crafts, especially the colorful vejigante masks and coconut dolls. Loíza is often referred to as “The Capital of Tradition” in Puerto Rico due to its strong cultural heritage.

  • Las Piedras, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Las Piedras is a city located in the eastern part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled within the Las Piedras County and is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is characterized by a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a terrain that includes mountains, valleys, and rivers.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Las Piedras are approximately 18.1871° N latitude and 65.8642° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Las Piedras is part of the Eastern Coastal Plains region of Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of approximately 33.89 square miles (87.78 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller municipalities in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Las Piedras had a population of approximately 38,675 people. The city is predominantly Hispanic, with the majority of residents identifying as Puerto Rican. The city is also home to a diverse range of ages, with a significant proportion of young families.

    🏛️ History

    Las Piedras was founded on July 25, 1801, by Diego de Alvarado. The city’s name, which translates to “The Stones,” was inspired by the large amounts of stone found in its soil. Las Piedras played a significant role in Puerto Rico’s agricultural history, with tobacco farming being a major industry in the area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Las Piedras is surrounded by natural beauty, with the El Yunque National Forest to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The city is home to several rivers, including the Río Grande de Loíza and the Río Gurabo. The region’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season that typically occurs from April to November.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Las Piedras is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten through high school. Higher education opportunities are also available nearby, with the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao located just a short drive away.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Las Piedras primarily consists of private vehicles, with many residents commuting to nearby cities for work. The city is served by several major highways, including Route 198 and Route 30. Public transportation options are limited, but there are some bus services available.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Las Piedras is known for its annual “Festival del Güiro,” a celebration of the güiro, a musical instrument that is integral to Puerto Rican culture. The festival includes music performances, art exhibits, and food vendors. The city is also home to the Las Piedras Shopping Center, one of the largest shopping malls in eastern Puerto Rico.