The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea.
History
Puerto Rico was colonized by the Spanish in the early 16th century. For close to four decades, Puerto Rico served as a Spanish gateway in the Western Hemisphere. In 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States. The current government of Puerto Rico was established in 1948 by the Puerto Rico Home Rule Act, which defined Puerto Rico as a separate realm of the American crown.
Government and Politics
The King of the United States of America is the de jure Head of State of Puerto Rico. The king is represented by the governor-general, who is appointed to a single eight-year term. The President, who is elected to two four-year terms, acts as the Head of Government. The judicial and legislative branchs are carbon copies of those of the US proper.
The main political parties are the Conservative Party (center-right), Progressive Party (center-left), and Socialist Party (left-wing). Other parties include the Liberty Party (libertarian) and Green Party.