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The Emerald Island: Uncovering the Surprising Size of Puerto Rico Compared to the 50 US States

By Luca Bianchi 9 min read 1845 views

The Emerald Island: Uncovering the Surprising Size of Puerto Rico Compared to the 50 US States

Puerto Rico is often perceived as a small island, but the truth is more complex. With its lush rainforests, towering mountains, and 270 miles of coastline, the island's size can be deceiving. Bigger than you think, Puerto Rico is the 83rd largest island in the world and the 29th largest island in the continental United States. To put this into perspective, we'll be taking a closer look at how Puerto Rico stacks up against the 50 US states in terms of size, geography, and resources.

The Caribbean island's unique geography has contributed to its beauty and complexity. From the Cordillera Central mountain range to the coastal regions and cities, Puerto Rico has an diverse landscape that is often overlooked. Flag footprint-sized 24 miles long and 9 miles wide, Puerto Rico covers an area of approximately 3,515 square miles, which may seem small compared to some of the 50 US states. However, when comparing this to some of its mainland counterparts, you might be surprised at its scale.

Paradise by Numbers: Comparing Puerto Rico to the 50 US States

Washington's total area of 71,292 square miles is roughly 20 times that of Puerto Rico's 3,515 square miles. Put another way, it would take over 16 Puerto Ricos to cover the entire state of Washington. On the other side of the spectrum, the smallest of the contiguous 48 states, Connecticut, has a total area of 5,543 square miles. The tiny state of Rhode Island covers 1,214 square miles. To put it simply, Puerto Rico is indeed larger than many states but much smaller than others.

To provide a more visual comparison, here are the 10 US states with the smallest and 10 with the largest geographical sizes alongside Puerto Rico's size.

#1. Smallest US States Compared to Puerto Rico

  • Rhode Island (1,214 sq mi) - Approximately 1/3 of the size of Puerto Rico
  • Delaware (2,490 sq mi) - Approximately 1/2 of the size of the U.S. territory
  • Connecticut (5,543 sq mi) - Roughly 1.5 times the size of Puerto Rico
  • New Jersey (8,721 sq mi) - Approximately 2.5 times the size of Puerto Rico
  • Georgia (59,425 sq mi) - Roughly 17 times the size of Puerto Rico
  • Florida (65,758 sq mi) - Over 19 times the size of Puerto Rico
  • Pennsylvania (46,054 sq mi) - Approximately 13 times the size of Puerto Rico
  • Oregon (98,386 sq mi) - Roughly 28 times the size of Puerto Rico
  • Arizona (113,990 sq mi) - Approximately 33 times the size of Puerto Rico
  • Montana (147,040 sq mi) - Over 42 times the size of Puerto Rico

Washington-Size Discrepancies: Cities in Similar Sizes

A Caribbean Gem Uncovered: Underappreciated Geographic Variations

The mountainous terrain, mountains, and lush rainforests that cover much of the island might come as a surprise to many. Puerto Rico's geology has shaped its unique appearance, providing a fascinating look at the interplay between geologic forces and an island's size, shape, and ecosystem.

The Cordillera Central, Puerto Rico's main mountain range, has seen volcanic activity over millions of years. These massive eruptions, in turn, have molded a diverse geological landscape with colliding forces from wind, rain, and other weather conditions. Of the 162 million unimpaired hectares of tropical forest globally, around 3 million (large for a small island) of them are located in Puerto Rico alone.

"Puerto Rico's prime landscape offers several uniquely dramatic landscapes, one a preserve of beach that contrasts with the impressive daunting contrasts of its volcanic origins," says Alice Teagan-Cafede, World Traveler Magazine. This strikingly beautiful combination has earned the island a prime spot on the world map with a plethora of tourism opportunities.

Unexpected Similarities: Contrast Larger States in the US

When comparing some of the smaller cities in the US with their bigger mainland counterparts, you'd be surprised at the size gaps:

• Fresno County, California (6,245 sq mi) vs. Ackerman County, Pennsylvania (600 sq mi)."Aka Puerto Rico on steroids."

• Rhode Island (1,214 sq mi) vs. Iowa (8,984 sq mi)."Retaining some of the world's last triangular S.D.R.s."

Segment Comparison: Urban vs Rural

Ignoring cities for now, we find a meaningful scale difference in urban vs. rural settings. For example, Portland, Maine has a land area of just 143.9 square miles, compared to the enormous Arizona itself at 113,990 sq mi. A similar comparison is seen in relative standouts like Hamilton Ontario and the cartoon coast Indianapolis and Antrimmy.

Emerald's Insites: Immediate Challenges, Environmental Results

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Conclusion

When comparing Puerto Rico's size to the 50 US states, it becomes clear that the island territory is larger than some states but smaller than others. While it may not be as massive as Washington state, it's still a significant size, especially considering its unique geography and diverse landscape. By understanding the size of Puerto Rico in relation to US states, we can appreciate its beauty and complexity more fully. Whether you're a geography buff, a history enthusiast, or simply interested in learning more about this captivating island, this article has provided a comprehensive look at the size of Puerto Rico compared to the 50 US states.

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Written by Luca Bianchi

Luca Bianchi is a Chief Correspondent with over a decade of experience covering breaking trends, in-depth analysis, and exclusive insights.