Essay Sample on Puerto Rico: Growth, Economy & US Influence

Introduction

Puerto Rico is an island that manipulates its growth and economic development. It is located northeast of the Caribbean Sea. The social and economic states have always improved by Latin American standards. The commonwealth nature of the island attracts different investments in the area from the United States. Politically wise, the island has always been led by the US union. The commonwealth pool by Island has resulted in an assimilation of the US culture in the area in terms of production and manufacturing set up of industries (Wagenheim, 1975). The subsistent output is no more, and advanced tools are used in production.

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The general landscape is also a feature that has contributed positively to the cultural practices of the area. The reliefs of Puerto Rico is hilly with terrains across. Steep slopes also cover it. The natural topography, therefore, has an impact on the general settlement patterns as well as social, economic activity. The sloppy ground and hilly does not therefore on one way or another suit cultivation. Instead, fishing and hunting become another means of survival hence the practice. The mountain basins around the island provide flat grounds for settlement. It, therefore, defines the pattern of settlement (Wagenheim, 1975). Again, since the area is naturally exposed to the earthquakes and tremors, simple structures are established, and that builds the cultures norm of construction of houses.

Due to an extensive network of rivers across the Island, Puerto Ricans find it easy to navigate through them. Therefore, the means of transport around the place is water. Nature, thus, allows the culture to advance in water transport more than any other means of transportation. Similarly, there is a norm that develops in place, in that, through the eroded fertile alluvial deposits at the south coast, residents have practiced cultivation on that shore. Therefore, an economic attribute of agriculture in their culture is adopted. The through permanent rivers across, hydroelectric power has been generated supplementing other sources of the energy in the community (Wagenheim, 1975).

Climate is another official trait that has a significant contribution to the culture of the island. The climatic conditions of the area are so adverse and therefore in one way or another it affects the way of life of people. Heavy precipitation and intense wind storms hinder some activities to be done. Therefore, the only activity that attracts their attention and climatically fits is fishing and hunting (Wagenheim, 1975). As a result, practice is developed in the community.

The natural vegetation and conducive environment provide an excellent habitat of wild animals and birds (Wagenheim, 1975). That, therefore, provides an attraction site for tourism. Through tourist, the residents of the area gain some cultural practices. Some of them include dressing codes as well as food types. Also, the mode of self-conduct is developed by emulating as well as trying to come tourist in the area.

Conclusion

Generally, Puerto Rico is an island of the commonwealth and naturally influences its culture in most aspect of life. The cultural structure has been determined by both external factors and internal factors of the area. The Spanish seem to dominate the island, thus incorporating the US aspect of social economics and leadership. The relative nature is all that have attracted investments and political strategies in the area, thus assimilating new culture in the area.

Reference

Wagenheim, K. (1975). Puerto Rico: a profile. Praeger Publishers.