Economic Geography

The economic geography of Puerto Rico is shaped by its location, agriculture, natural resources, and historical influences. As a tropical island with beautiful Condado and Isla Verde beaches, historic sites like Old San Juan,  and cultural festivals, Puerto Rico attracts millions of visitors annually, (Puerto Rico: Caribbean gem of diversity, culture, and resilience, 2024) contributing significantly to its economy. Tourism is mainly visible in coastal and historic areas. Despite fertile land and a good climate, Puerto Rico’s agriculture contributes little to the economy, employing only 2% of the workforce and generating less than 5% of its food. The island’s reliance on imports leaves it vulnerable to food shortages during disasters. Challenges include old farmworkers, salinity in coastal lands, (Hadeninteractive, 2021), and small farms that struggle to compete internationally. Puerto Rico’s natural resources, which include limited arable land, livestock, fish, minerals, and scenic beauty, contribute modestly to the economy. However, The island is facing a bigger economic crisis, with governmental debt reaching 100% of GDP and an experienced recession since 2006. Poor governance (Kiprop, 2018) and politically motivated policies have worsened financial instability, limiting long-term economic growth. Puerto Rico’s economic geography shows an intricate relationship between natural resources, tourism, agriculture, and economic concerns. They need strategic planning to ensure sustainable growth and resilience.