Puerto Ricans in the United States facts for kids
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
 5,791,4531.77% of the U.S. population (2018) |
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| Regions with significant populations | |
| Majority concentrated in the Northeast region and the southern state of Florida New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey Smaller numbers in other parts of the country, including other parts of the Northeast like Rhode Island, Delaware and Maryland. Also major cities in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas down South, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin in the Midwest and California and Hawaii out west, among other areas. |
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| Languages | |
| Spanish and English | |
| Religion | |
| majority Roman Catholic and Protestant, minority African diasporic religions | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Criollos, Mestizos, Mulattos, Taíno, Europeans, Africans |
Puerto Ricans in the United States, also called Stateside Puerto Ricans or Puerto Rican Americans, are people who live in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. They are either born in Puerto Rico or have family roots there. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. This means Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, even if they are born on the island.
Contents
Where Do Puerto Ricans Live in the U.S.?
Most Puerto Ricans in the United States live in certain areas. A large number live in the Northeast, especially in states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Many also live in Florida.
Smaller groups of Puerto Ricans can be found in other parts of the country. This includes states like Rhode Island, Delaware, and Maryland. You can also find them in big cities in the South, like in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. In the Midwest, they live in places like Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin. On the West Coast, they are in California and Hawaii.
Puerto Rican Culture in the U.S.
Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. keep their culture alive in many ways. They often speak both Spanish and English. Many Puerto Ricans are Roman Catholic or Protestant. Some also follow African diasporic religions.
Their culture is rich with music, dance, and delicious food. You might find lively festivals and parades, like the annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. These events celebrate their heritage with colorful costumes, traditional music, and community spirit.
Food and Music
Puerto Rican food is a mix of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. Popular dishes include arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), mofongo (fried plantains mashed with garlic and pork cracklings), and pasteles (meat-filled masa wrapped in banana leaves).
Music is also a big part of Puerto Rican culture. Genres like salsa, merengue, and reggaeton are very popular. These musical styles often combine traditional rhythms with modern sounds.
Notable Puerto Rican Americans
Many Puerto Ricans have made important contributions in various fields in the United States.
In Government and Law
- Sonia Sotomayor was born in the Bronx, New York. She became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. This is the highest court in the U.S.
- Antonia Novello served as the Surgeon General of the United States. She was the first woman and the first person of Hispanic descent to hold this important health position.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a well-known politician. She represents parts of New York City in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In Entertainment and Arts
- Jennifer Lopez is a famous singer, actress, and dancer. She was born in the Bronx and is known for her successful career in music and movies.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda is a talented writer, composer, and actor. He created the popular Broadway musical Hamilton.
- Ricky Martin is a global music superstar. He is known for his energetic performances and hit songs.
- Rita Moreno is an actress, dancer, and singer. She is one of the few people to have won all four major American entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony (EGOT).
- Aubrey Plaza is an actress and comedian known for her roles in TV shows and movies.
- Marc Anthony is a Grammy-winning singer and actor, famous for his salsa music.
- Melanie Martinez is a singer and songwriter known for her unique musical style.
- Adrienne Bailon is an actress, television personality, and entrepreneur.
- Lymari Nadal is an actress, film producer, and scriptwriter.
- Mj Rodriguez is an actress and singer, known for her groundbreaking roles.
In Science
- Neil deGrasse Tyson is a famous astrophysicist and science communicator. He helps people understand complex science topics in an easy way.
Images for kids
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Teatro Puerto Rico (1950s) in the South Bronx, New York City
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Ricky Martin at the annual Puerto Rican parade in Manhattan
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The 2005 National Puerto Rican Parade in New York City
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Division Street (Paseo Boricua) in Chicago, facing east from Mozart Street, one-half block west of California Avenue
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Sonia Sotomayor, born in the Bronx, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court
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The Puerto Rican population in the United States, 2000 (graphic by Angelo Falcón)
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The Puerto Rican flag in East Harlem in New York City, outside of the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, winter 2005
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Aubrey Plaza, actress and comedian.
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Adrienne Bailon actress, television personality, and entrepreneur.
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Antonia Novello – Surgeon General of the United States
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Rita Moreno actress, dancer, and singer.
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Jennifer Lopez, one of the highest-grossing and most multi-faceted triple threat entertainers in global history, is a Nuyorican, born in the Bronx.
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Melanie Martinez in February 2014
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Lymari Nadal actress, film producer and scriptwriter.
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Melissa Mark-Viverito
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See also
In Spanish: Puertorriqueños de los Estados Unidos para niños
