📍 Location & Geography
San Sebastián is a city located in the northwestern region of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. The city is nestled in the Northern Karst region of the island, characterized by rolling hills, caves, and sinkholes. The city is bordered by the municipalities of Moca and Aguadilla to the north, Lares to the south, Las Marías to the west, and Isabela and Quebradillas to the east.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, are approximately 18.34 degrees north latitude and 66.99 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
San Sebastián is part of the San Sebastián Metropolitan Statistical Area. It covers a total area of 70.4 square miles (182.3 square kilometers), with 70.1 square miles (181.5 square kilometers) being land and 0.3 square miles (0.8 square kilometers) being water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of San Sebastián was estimated to be around 38,799. The population is predominantly Hispanic, with Spanish being the primary language spoken in households. The city has a diverse age distribution, with a significant proportion of the population being under 18 and over 65.
🏛️ History
San Sebastián was founded in 1752 by Captain Cristóbal González de la Cruz, who among other residents had a Royal Decree to create the town. The town was originally named San Sebastián de las Vegas del Pepino but was later shortened to San Sebastián. The town has a rich history in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of coffee, tobacco, and fruits.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
San Sebastián is known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery and a variety of flora and fauna. The city is home to the Guajataca Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating. The Guajataca Forest Reserve, located nearby, is a tropical and subtropical moist forest that offers hiking trails and bird watching opportunities. The city also has several rivers, including the Culebrinas, Guajataca, and Guacio rivers.
🏫 Education
Education in San Sebastián is under the jurisdiction of the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten to high school. For higher education, residents often go to nearby cities, with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez being a popular choice.
🚧 Transportation
San Sebastián is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 111 from the north and Puerto Rico Highway 125 from the south. The city does not have a public transportation system, so residents primarily rely on cars for transportation. The nearest airport is the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, located approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) to the north.
📜 Trivia & Events
San Sebastián is known for its annual Patron Saint Festival, which is held in January in honor of Saint Sebastian. The festival features parades, music, dancing, and local food. The city is also home to the Museum of the Pepino, which showcases the city’s history and culture.