Puerto Rico Mug

An island originally inhabited by the Arawak Indians known as the Taínos (The good people) their history on the island goes as far back as 1,000 B.C. The natives named the Island Borikén (Land of the Brave) and referred to themselves as Boricuas. On his second voyage from Spain in 1493 Christopher Columbus accidentally came across the island and decided to claim the land under the rule of Spain. With the power of the ”Catholic Church” invested in him, Columbus renamed the island to what we know today as Puerto Rico. This island became a colony and was under Spanish rule for 500 years. As time went on, the population grew in diverse numbers with a African, Indigenous, and European diaspora. The people of the island grew tired of the Spanish rule and formed “El Grito de Lares” (Cry of Lares) which was an independence movement. The independence was short lived only to be invaded by the United States. Just to be a colony or a “commonwealth” again for the next 100 years. The people are divided between voting for Independence v. Statehood v. Status quo (remain as is) causing a separation amongst the people, it currently remains status quo. However, more and more people are fighting for independence due to recent political events taking place on the mainland (USA) and on the island. Facts: -The island is Three times bigger than the states Rhode Island & Delaware. -Puerto Rico is bigger than Singapore which just so happens to be one of the richest countries in the world.