Understanding Puerto Rico's Status: Is it Still a US Territory?

Discover the current status of Puerto Rico as a US territory and learn about its unique rights and citizenship.

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Yes, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. It has been under U.S. sovereignty since 1898. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but the island is not a state, and thus it does not have full voting representation in Congress.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the relationship between Puerto Rico and the US? Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, which means it is under US sovereignty but does not have the same rights as a state.
  2. Do Puerto Ricans have voting rights? Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but do not have full voting representation in Congress, although they can vote in presidential primaries.
  3. When did Puerto Rico become a US territory? Puerto Rico became a US territory after the Spanish-American War in 1898 when Spain ceded the island to the United States.
  4. Can Puerto Rico become a U.S. state? Yes, Puerto Rico can apply for statehood, but it requires a majority vote from its residents and approval from the U.S. Congress.

Watch More

For a deeper understanding of U.S. territories and their implications, check out our video on the history of U.S. territories and the rights of their citizens.

  1. Understanding the Differences: Do Territories Count as Provinces? Explore the key distinctions between territories and provinces in governance and autonomy.