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March 01, 2004 at 02:00 AM
Government: Self-governing commonwealth under the U.S. Constitution
Geographical area: 9,100 sq. km, or about three times the size of Rhode Island
Population: 3.9 million
Rights & citizenship: Puerto Ricans are born American citizens. However, they cannot vote for the President of the United States while living in Puerto Rico.
History: In 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. A constitution was enacted providing for internal self-government in 1952.
ECONOMY
Currency: U.S. dollar
GDP: $43 billion in 2003. Encouraged by duty-free access to the U.S. and by tax incentives, U.S. firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. U.S. minimum wage laws apply.
