Row over ‘island of garbage’ comment: Puerto Rico’s unique relationship with US, influence in polls
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Row over ‘island of garbage’ comment: Puerto Rico’s unique relationship with US, influence in polls
Sub: IR
Sec: Places in news
Context:
- In a recent election rally in the US, a comedian remarked about Puerto Rico, which he referred to as a “floating island of garbage”. The comment has sparked controversy.
About Puerto Rico:
- Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and an unincorporated US territory, approximately 1,600 km off the coast of Florida.
- Population: Approximately 3.3 million residents (as of the latest estimates). Notable population of Puerto Ricans in the mainland US: around 5.8 million.
- It shares maritime boundaries with Dominican Republic to the west and the US Virgin Islands to the East.
Unique relationship with US:
- Puerto Rico was ceded to the US by Spain during the Spanish-American War (1898).
- In 1917, US Citizenship was granted to Puerto Ricans.
- Puerto Rico has a complex relationship with the mainland. Though Puerto Ricans enjoy US citizenship, they lack full voting rights in presidential elections.
- Residents can vote in primaries and caucuses but not in the general election.