Hector Lavoe

Ahh, the famous, succulent roast suckling pig of Puerto Rico, also known as lechón. People have come from far and wide to sample this delicacy, and I know at least one person who broke their no-pork-eating vow to try it. It's that irresistible. In fact, it's such a beloved dish that there is one road in Guavate, Puerto Rico that is known as the Ruta del Lechón. To get here, take Highway 52 south to exit 33 (Guavate). Turn left and .

 

PANAMA

Capital of Country: Panama City

Leader of Country: Ricardo Martinelli

Important Natural Resources: Copper, Mahogany, shrimp, and Hydro-power

Important Natural Attractions: Comarca Kuna Yala (beach)/ Darien National Park

Important cultural Attraction: Ruins of old Panama/ City’s Old Quarter/ Panama Canal

Popular Dishes: Sancocho/ Arroz con Guandú  y Coco

SPAIN

Capital of Country: Madrid

Leader of Country: King Juan Carlos I (Governor)/ José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (Prime Minister)

Important Natural Resources: Coal, lignite, Iron ore, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Uranium, tungsten, mercury

Important Natural Attractions: The Great Beach of San Sebastian in Guipúzcoa

Important cultural Attraction: Island Ibiza (popular night club)

Popular Dish: Cochinillo Asado (Roast suckling pig)

Natural Reserve: Sierra de las Nieves

PERU

Capital of Country: Lima

Leader of Country: El Presidente es Ollanta Humala,
El Primer Ministro es Salomon Lerner Ghitis

Important Natural Resources:

Important Natural Attractions: Las Cordilleras Paracas National Reserve
 Important cultural Attraction: Machu Picchu

Popular Dish: Papa a la Huancáina - Las papas frio con una salsa de queso picante.

Popular P.R. Dish

http://www.topuertorico.org/cocina/sopas.shtml#garba(chickpea soup with pig's feet)

Governor of Puerto Rico

 

Natural Resources:

Some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil.

CAPITAL:SAN JUAN

Natural Resources
Mona Island
• Just 47 miles southwest of Puerto Rico's main island lies Mona Island. Seven miles long and four miles wide, this tiny island contains many unique, rare and endangered species of birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as coral reefs, natural caves and archaeological relics. The uninhabited island has been compared to the Galapagos Islands and is now an official wildlife refuge, protected by the U.S. National Park Service and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources.


Read more: List of Puerto Rico's Natural Resources | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6670445_list-puerto-rico_s-natural-resources.html#ixzz1eBcfMFJz
o Rico

Education

Compulsory universal education is enforced. Some 800,000 students are enrolled in public and private elementary and high schools; 160,000 students are enrolled in universities, colleges, and professional and technical schools. Of Island college students, 54% are 20-24 years of age, one of the highest world attendance rates in this age group

Climate and Population

Climate Trade winds ensure year-round subtropical weather. The average temperature is 74 degrees F., however, highland areas are cooler. Rainfall is abundant along the north coast and in the highlands, light along the south coast.
Population Puerto Rico has 3.8 million people – the great majority of which are US citizens. Today, Island residents live in substantial middle-class circumstances, characterized by modern urban services and amenities. About 3.8 million Puerto Ricans also reside on the US Mainland.

Part of the USA

Puerto Rico is part of the US. There are no travel restrictions to other US areas and no customs duties or quotas on shipments between Puerto Rico and the US Mainland. Products manufactured in Puerto Rico are “Made in the USA”. The people of Puerto Rico do not vote in national elections. They are represented in Congress by a Resident Commissioner who has a voice in the House of Representatives but no vote. Most federal taxes are not levied in Puerto Rico. No federal income tax is collected from island residents on ordinary income, except in cases of Federal employees.

Political Trends

For many years there have been two major views in Puerto Rico with respect to the Island’s relationship with the United States, one favoring commonwealth status and the other favoring statehood. A small group supports independence for Puerto Rico. Voters supporting a continuing relationship for Puerto Rico with the United States Mainland have dominated Island elections over the years.

History

In 1993, Puerto Rico celebrated the 500th anniversary of its discovery by Columbus. Settled by explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, the Island was a Spanish possession for over four centuries. Puerto Rico came under United States sovereignty by the Treaty of Paris signed on December 10, 1898, terminating the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917. In July 1950, the US Congress enacted Public Law 600. It provided existing laws which defined the political, economic, and fiscal relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States should remain in full force. It also authorized Puerto Rico to draft and approve its own Constitution, which took effect on July 25, 1952. Puerto Rico’s relationship with the US is referred to as commonwealth status.

Geography

Puerto Rico measures 100 miles by 35 miles with an area of 3,464 square miles. Topography varies from coastal flat lands to mountainous central highlands.

Government

A democracy within the US Constitutional system, Puerto Rico’s government consists of Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, with all elective positions tested by the ballot every four years. Legal protection is provided by the Constitutions of Puerto Rico and United States, with ultimate appeal to the US Supreme Court