Is Puerto Rico South America? Debunking Geographic Misconceptions

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 02/04/24 •  13 min read

Table of Contents



While Puerto Rico often shares cultural similarities with South America, it is not geographically located in South America.

Actually, Puerto Rico is situated in the Caribbean Sea, to the east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.

Its unique geographic location gives rise to its rich cultural identity influenced by a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno cultures.

Despite this vibrant blend, there are ongoing debates about Puerto Rico’s political status as an unincorporated territory of the United States – stirring strong sentiments of nationalism amongst its inhabitants.

As with all nations, Puerto Rico’s geopolitical circumstances differ greatly from those faced by countries in South America.

Nonetheless, culturally it shares more similarities with Latin America and other Caribbean countries due to shared history and influences.


is puerto rico south america
Courtesy of @openaidalle
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1. Geographic Location of Puerto Rico

First things first: Is Puerto Rico South America? The simple answer is no! Puerto Rico, a beautiful island located in the Caribbean Sea, is roughly 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. With the Dominican Republic to its west and the U.S Virgin Islands to its east, this tropical paradise is not in South America but considered part of North America, as it’s a territory of the United States.

2. Cultural Identity and Influences in Puerto Rico

The culture of Puerto Rico shines bright with hues from different parts of the world! A mix of Taino (native), Spanish, African, and U.S influences have resulted in a unique cultural identity that resonates closely with Latin American countries. This can be seen through their use of both English and Spanish as official languages.

3. Debates on Puerto Rico’s Political Status

Did you know there’s much debate about the political status of Puerto Rico? Some argue for it becoming a U.S state or an independent country; others favor maintaining its current unincorporated U.S territory status. In any case, regardless of these ongoing debates about Puerto Rican power within United States, deep-rooted nationalism binds everybody in this island nation.

4. Nationalism in Puerto Rico

Above all controversies lies a powerful force that unites all who call this island home – their strong sense of nationalism! Amidst debates on whether Puerto Rico is a country or a U.S territory, the love for their homeland remains strong.

5. Differences in Geopolitical Circumstances

It’s important to note that due to its unique geopolitical circumstances, some argue that Puerto Rico doesn’t align with Latin America since most countries in Latin America are independent nations. This creates a comparison of Puerto Rico vs South America, examining their political freedom.

6. Similarities in Culture with Latin America and the Caribbean

Now that I think about it, despite any geopolitical differences, Puerto Rican culture shares striking similarities with other Caribbean and Latin American cultures due to historical ties and geographical proximity. From music to food (speaking of which, you must try Puerto Rican cuisine), tourism to history – there’s so much shared between Puerto Rico and its neighboring regions! Whether you’re researching for academic purposes or simply curious about Puerto Rican geography, I hope this has helped clarify where exactly this dynamic island stands – both geographically and culturally!

is puerto rico south america


Sure! Visiting best day trips in Puerto Rico can give you an overview of the amazing places in this Caribbean island. Whether it’s the scenic beaches or the lush mountain landscapes, there’s always something to see and explore. Preparing for a trip also involves knowing the duration of your flight. For instance, if you’re coming from Georgia, check how long is the flight from Atlanta to Puerto Rico on our site.

If you’re a music enthusiast, our list of famous Puerto Rican singers will introduce you to internationally acclaimed artists who’ve made significant contributions to Latin music. One can’t also forget about Puerto Rico without mentioning its famous drinks. Our guide on the best rum tours in Puerto Rico will take you straight to distilleries where these spirits are made.

Adding a unique twist to your trip would be experiencing one of nature’s wonders – bioluminescence. Discover how magical it is by reading about the best bioluminescent tour in Vieques, one of Puerto Rico’s offshore islands known for this phenomenon.

Lastly, understanding why it is important to learn about Puerto Rico provides insight into its vibrant culture and rich history. Check our post on “Why is it important to learn about Puerto Rico?” to delve deeper into this topic. From its indomitable spirit, colorful traditions, and its significance to the United States, learning about Puerto Rico is indeed a profound journey.

My Personal Take about Is Puerto Rico South America.

Hey there, friend, glad to chat with you again!

Today I wanted to tackle a recurring question that keeps popping up on my desk: ‘Is Puerto Rico South America?’. A laughable misconstruction at best but allow me to straighten things out, Puerto Rico is, in fact, an unincorporated territory of the United States found in the Caribbean.

By the way,

Now that I think about it – this might seem just like an innocent geographic misconception but it indicates how little we know about such a vibrant area. But wouldn’t you prefer feasting your eyes on its breathtaking vistas than debating where it falls on a map? After all, that’s the true traveler’s spirit!

Words of Advice here…‘Drop the map and hit the road’. You see, shedding those layers of trivial geographical ignorance will help you experience Puerto Rico for its rich culture, picturesque landscapes and hospitable folks. Who knows? Maybe overlooking these teeny-tiny details might open doors to your new favorite destination! Detach yourself from unessential facts and dive right into experiences; voyage into the sunshine bathed beaches of Puerto Rico – stroll their colonial streetscapes hand in hand with history.

In any case,

Filled with renewed knowledge and bristling enthusiasm – isn’t it time we looked beyond our borders and embrace immense learning possibilities borne out travel?“Not all classrooms have four walls!” – remember? Let wanderlust take over because the world is far too big, beautiful and diverse. So, hop onto that plane, cruise ship or whatever sets off your journey -and witness a cocktail of exotic cultures dipped in alluring landscapes while you crack your way through another enticing coconut! Puerto Rico awaits.

 
 
 
 
 
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Frequently Asked Questions about Is Puerto Rico South America.

Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Puerto Rico’s geographical location and political status

Puerto Rico is not South America, folks! It’s actually a stunning island found in the Caribbean Sea, chilling out approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Who needs to deal with South American jungles when you can have beautiful beaches and clear blue waters? Okay, enough gloating. Here’s the kicker: even though it’s a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico technically falls under North America because it’s part of the good ol’ U.S. of A. But don’t let that fool you into thinking you’re visiting Iowa or Texas – this place has its own unique flavor.

Takeaway 2: Puerto Rican cultural identity

Welcome to the melting pot of all melting pots! Puerto Rico is like that awesome dish your grandma used to make – a little bit of everything mixed together in perfect harmony. Influenced by Taino (the native people), Spanish conquerors (Ole!), African slaves (we’ll dance to their rhythm), and even our American neighbors (McDonald’s for everyone!), Puerto Rican culture is rich and diverse. We’re practically honorary members of the Latin American countries club – we’ve got the same vibes going on.

Takeaway 3: The Puerto Rican conundrum

Let me tell you something: here in Puerto Rico, we like to keep things interesting. We can’t seem to agree on what our political destiny should be! Some folks want us to be a full-on state like California or New York, while others dream of an independent nation waving our own flag high in the sky (we’d probably throw an epic party). Then there are those who say we should stick with what we’ve got as an unincorporated U.S territory – the middle ground, if you will. It’s a never-ending debate, but hey, what keeps us together is our Puerto Rican pride and love for our island.

In conclusion, Puerto Rico may not be your typical Latin American country on paper, but let me tell you a secret: we’re practically cousins. We’ve got that Caribbean flair and cultural kinship going on. So next time you find yourself here in Puerto Rico, grab a piña colada (they’re delicious!) and soak in the sun while immersing yourself in this vibrant culture that’s part Latin American, part Caribbean, and a whole lot of awesome.

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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.

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