The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Rincon, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rincon is a beautiful city located in the westernmost point of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is situated in the coastal valley region, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mona Passage to the north. Rincon is known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and breathtaking sunsets.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Rincon are approximately 18.3402° N latitude and 67.2500° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rincon is part of the Mayagüez Metropolitan Statistical Area in Puerto Rico. It spans an area of approximately 14 square miles (36 km²), of which about 8 square miles (21 km²) is land and 6 square miles (15 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Rincon was approximately 15,200 people. The city is a diverse mix of residents, with a significant number of people of Hispanic or Latino origin. The population is evenly distributed among different age groups, with a median age of around 38 years.

    🏛️ History

    Rincon was founded in 1771 by Don Luis de Añasco, who named it after a corner of land that juts into the sea, hence the name “Rincon,” which means “corner” in Spanish. The city has a rich history, with many of its buildings and structures reflecting Spanish colonial architecture. Rincon is also known for its role in the Spanish-American War, where one of the first skirmishes took place off its coast.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rincon is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring a variety of beaches, reefs, and wildlife. It is a popular destination for surfers, with many international surfing competitions held here. The city is also home to the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, a protected area known for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity. The humpback whale is a frequent visitor to the waters off Rincon, making whale watching a popular activity.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rincon is managed 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 opportunities for higher education in nearby cities, including the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rincon is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 2, which connects it to other major cities on the island. The city is served by the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, which provides domestic and international flights. Public transportation in Rincon includes public buses and taxis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Rincon is famous for its annual Festival of the Whales, which celebrates the migration of humpback whales through its waters. The city is also known for hosting the World Surfing Championship in 1968, which put Rincon on the map as a top surfing destination. The Rincon International Film Festival is another major event, attracting filmmakers and enthusiasts from around the world.

  • Moca, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Moca is a city located on the western side of the island of Puerto Rico, in the United States. It is part of the Aguadilla-Isabela-San Sebastián Metropolitan Statistical Area. Moca is known for its hilly terrain and fertile soil, which is ideal for agriculture. The city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the municipalities of Aguadilla and Isabela to the north, San Sebastián to the south, and Añasco and Aguada to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Moca, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.3956° N latitude and 67.1155° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Moca is part of the Porta del Sol region, a tourism area on the western side of Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of approximately 50.4 square miles (130.5 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller municipalities in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Moca is approximately 38,000 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of people of different races and ethnicities. The majority of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin, primarily of Puerto Rican descent. The city is also home to a small number of people of other races and ethnicities.

    🏛️ History

    Moca was founded on June 22, 1772, by José de Quiñones. The city was named after a type of tree that was abundant in the area, the Andira Ínermis or Moca. The city has a rich history, with many historical sites and monuments that reflect its past. Moca played a crucial role in the development of Puerto Rico’s coffee industry in the 19th century, and it was also a center for political and cultural activity.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Moca is known for its natural beauty, with a landscape that includes hills, rivers, and lush vegetation. The city is home to several parks and natural reserves, including the Hacienda Iruena Manor Park. The city’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures throughout the year and a rainy season that lasts from April to November.

    🏫 Education

    Moca is served by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are also several colleges and universities in the surrounding area, including the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus.

    🚧 Transportation

    Moca is accessible by road, with several major highways passing through the city, including Puerto Rico Highway 2. The city is also served by the Rafael Hernández Airport in nearby Aguadilla, which offers domestic and international flights. Public transportation in Moca is provided by public buses and taxis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Moca is known for its artisanal crafts, particularly its mundillo lacework. The city hosts an annual Mundillo Festival to celebrate this traditional craft. Moca is also famous for its gastronomy, particularly its pastelillos, a type of fried pastry. The city’s patron saint is Saint Joseph, and every year, Moca celebrates the Saint Joseph Patron Festivities.

  • Manati, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Manatí is a vibrant city located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the municipalities of Barceloneta and Florida to the west, Ciales and Morovis to the south, and Vega Baja to the east. The city’s terrain is diverse, consisting of coastal plains to the north and hilly areas to the south. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, including Los Tubos, Mar Chiquita, and Tortuguero.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Manatí, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.42 degrees latitude and -66.49 degrees longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Manatí is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area in Puerto Rico. The city spans a total area of about 51.35 square miles (133.0 km²), of which 29.64 square miles (76.8 km²) is land and 21.71 square miles (56.2 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Manatí had a population of approximately 44,113 people. The city is known for its diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and cultures. The majority of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The median age in Manatí is around 38 years, and there is a slightly higher percentage of females than males in the population.

    🏛️ History

    Manatí was founded in 1738 by Don Pedro Menéndez Valdés. The city, whose name is derived from a sea mammal found in the area called the ‘manatee’, played a significant role in the sugar industry during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was known as the “Athens of Puerto Rico” in the early 20th century due to its vibrant cultural and intellectual activities.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Manatí is home to a variety of natural attractions. The Tortuguero Lagoon Natural Reserve is a popular spot, known for its diverse ecosystem and as a nesting site for sea turtles. The city’s beaches, such as Mar Chiquita, are also popular for their natural beauty. The city is committed to preserving its natural environment and has several initiatives in place to protect its coastal and marine areas.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Manatí is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools serving students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Higher education opportunities are also available with institutions like the American University of Puerto Rico, Manatí Campus, and the Dewey University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Manatí is well-connected by road, with Puerto Rico Highway 2 being the major thoroughfare passing through the city. It also has access to Puerto Rico Highway 22, which connects it to San Juan and other major cities. Public transportation in the city is provided by the Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority, which operates several routes in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Manatí is known for its vibrant cultural scene and hosts several events throughout the year. One of the most notable is the Manatí Carnival, held annually in February, which features parades, music, and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. The city is also home to the Manatí Athenaeum, a cultural institution that hosts various artistic and cultural activities. In sports, Manatí is home to the Atenienses de Manatí, a professional basketball team in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league.

  • Las Marias, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Las Marías is a town and municipality located on the western side of the island of Puerto Rico. It is nestled within the central mountain range, with lush greenery and a tropical climate. The town is bordered by Maricao and San Sebastián to the north, Lares to the east, Mayagüez to the west, and Anasco and Maricao to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Las Marías, Puerto Rico, are approximately 18.2527° N latitude and 66.9916° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Las Marías is part of the Mayagüez Metropolitan Statistical Area, despite its mountainous location. The municipality covers an area of about 120 square kilometers, making it relatively small in comparison to other municipalities in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, the population of Las Marías is approximately 7,927. The town has seen a decrease in population over the years, largely due to urbanization and migration to larger cities. The majority of the population is Hispanic, as is typical in Puerto Rico, and Spanish is the primary language spoken.

    🏛️ History

    Las Marías was founded in 1871 by Benito Recio. The town was named after Maria Alonzo y Arizmendi, the wife of the governor of Puerto Rico at the time, José María Marxuach. The town has a rich history in agriculture, especially in the cultivation of coffee, fruits, and grains.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Las Marías is known for its beautiful tropical landscapes and fertile lands. The town is surrounded by hills and mountains, with the Rio Grande de Anasco running through it. The region is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers. The climate is tropical, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Las Marías 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. However, there are no universities within the town, so students seeking higher education typically travel to nearby cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Las Marías is mainly by road. The town is served by several main roads, including PR-108, PR-119, and PR-407. There is no public transportation system within the town, so residents typically rely on private vehicles. The nearest airport is the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport in Mayagüez.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Las Marías hosts the Orange Festival, a popular event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage. The festival includes music, dances, and a variety of orange-based foods and drinks. Las Marías is also known for its traditional Puerto Rican music, particularly the décima, a type of ten-line folk song.

  • Lares, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Lares is a city located in the central-western region of the island of Puerto Rico. It is nestled in the Lares Valley, surrounded by the Cordillera Central mountain range. The city is known for its hilly terrain and lush vegetation, with the Rio Grande de Añasco river running through it.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Lares, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.29 degrees north latitude and 66.88 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Lares is part of the Lares municipality and is situated in the Lares-Adjuntas-San Sebastián metropolitan statistical area. The city covers a total area of 161.59 square kilometers (62.39 square miles), making it one of the larger cities on the island.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Lares was approximately 27,000 residents. The city is known for its diverse population, with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities. The majority of the population speaks Spanish as their primary language, with a smaller portion of residents speaking English.

    🏛️ History

    Founded in 1827 by Francisco de Sotomayor and Pedro Vélez Borrás, Lares has a rich history tied to Puerto Rico’s struggle for independence. It is famously known for the Grito de Lares, a revolt against Spanish rule that took place in 1868. Today, the city is home to the Grito de Lares Museum, which commemorates this significant event in Puerto Rican history.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Lares is characterized by its beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and forests. The city is home to the Maravilla Cave System, a natural wonder consisting of various caves and underground rivers. The area is also rich in biodiversity, with numerous species of flora and fauna.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Lares is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city hosts several public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten through high school. Additionally, the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico has a campus in Lares, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

    🚧 Transportation

    Lares is served by Puerto Rico Highway 111, which connects the city to other parts of the island. Public transportation in the city is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting. The nearest major airport is the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, approximately an hour’s drive from Lares.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Lares celebrates the Festival del Grito de Lares, a commemoration of the 1868 revolt against Spanish rule. The city is also known for its production of artisanal ice cream with unusual flavors, attracting visitors from across the island and beyond. Additionally, the city hosts the annual Lares Triathlon, a popular event that draws athletes from all over Puerto Rico.