How Big is Puerto Rico Compared to Other States?
Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States, is often compared to the states in terms of size. But how big is Puerto Rico compared to other states? This article will delve into the geographical comparisons between Puerto Rico and the 50 states, providing a clearer picture of its size in relation to its mainland counterparts.
Puerto Rico, with a total area of 3,515 square miles (9,104 square kilometers), is smaller than most of the states in the United States. In fact, it is only slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the country. However, when compared to the largest state, Alaska, Puerto Rico is significantly smaller. Alaska spans an impressive 663,267 square miles (1,717,856 square kilometers), making it over 200 times larger than Puerto Rico.
In terms of population, Puerto Rico is also relatively small. With an estimated population of around 3.2 million people, it ranks 51st in the United States, just behind the District of Columbia. This is in stark contrast to California, the most populous state, which has over 39 million residents.
When it comes to land area, Puerto Rico is larger than some states, such as Hawaii, New Mexico, and South Carolina. However, it is much smaller than states like Texas, which spans over 268,596 square miles (695,662 square kilometers), and North Dakota, which covers 698,696 square miles (1,823,036 square kilometers).
In terms of coastline, Puerto Rico boasts over 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) of beautiful beaches and coastline, making it one of the most picturesque territories in the Caribbean. This extensive coastline is a significant advantage for tourism, which is a major industry in Puerto Rico.
In conclusion, when it comes to size, Puerto Rico is a relatively small territory compared to the United States’ 50 states. However, it has a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape, and vibrant economy that make it a unique and important part of the American landscape.
