The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Coamo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Coamo is a municipality located in the southern region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is situated in the Coamo Valley, with the Coamo River running through the city. The city is bordered by the municipalities of Barranquitas and Aibonito to the north, Salinas to the east, Santa Isabel to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Coamo, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.08° N latitude and 66.36° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Coamo is part of the Coamo County in Puerto Rico. It covers a total area of approximately 78 square miles, making it one of the larger municipalities in terms of land area on the island.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 United States Census, Coamo had a population of approximately 40,512 people. The majority of the population is of Hispanic descent, as is common throughout Puerto Rico. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming community.

    🏛️ History

    Coamo was founded in 1579, making it one of the oldest European settlements on the island. It played a significant role in the island’s agricultural development during the Spanish colonial period. Coamo was also the site of the Battle of Coamo during the Spanish-American War in 1898, which marked the end of Spanish rule in Puerto Rico.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Coamo is home to several natural attractions. The Coamo Thermal Springs, known for their therapeutic properties, are a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The city is also surrounded by lush green hills and has several parks and outdoor spaces for nature lovers.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Coamo 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. Coamo also has a branch of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, offering higher education opportunities to residents.

    🚧 Transportation

    Coamo is served by a network of roads and highways, including the PR-52, a major highway that connects the city to San Juan and Ponce. Public transportation in the city is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Coamo is known for hosting the San Blas Half-Marathon every February, which attracts runners from all over the world. The city is also famous for its annual Patron Saint Festival in honor of Saint Blaise. Additionally, Coamo was the first place in Puerto Rico where baseball was played, earning it the nickname “Cuna del Beisbol Puertorriqueño” or “Cradle of Puerto Rican Baseball”.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.