Comparing the sizes of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
When it comes to comparing countries, the size is one of the most important factors to consider. Two Caribbean islands, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, are often compared in terms of their size. Both countries attract tourists from all over the world with their cultural and natural attractions. However, which country is larger in terms of land area and water area? In this article, we will explore the geographical locations, land area, water area, demographics, and economies of Jamaica and Puerto Rico to determine which country is larger.
Geographical Location of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
Jamaica and Puerto Rico are both located in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, with Cuba and Hispaniola being the largest. It is located south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola. Puerto Rico, on the other hand, is located east of Hispaniola and west of the Virgin Islands. It is an archipelago made up of the main island of Puerto Rico and several smaller islands.
The Size of Jamaica: Land Area and Water Area
Jamaica has a total area of 10,991 square kilometers, with a land area of 10,831 square kilometers and a water area of 160 square kilometers. The island is 235 kilometers long and 80 kilometers wide at its widest point. The highest point on the island is Blue Mountain Peak, which stands at 2,256 meters above sea level.
The Size of Puerto Rico: Land Area and Water Area
Puerto Rico has a total area of 13,790 square kilometers, with a land area of 8,870 square kilometers and a water area of 4,921 square kilometers. The main island of Puerto Rico is 160 kilometers long and 56 kilometers wide at its widest point. The highest point on the island is Cerro de Punta, which stands at 1,338 meters above sea level.
Comparison of the Land Area of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
In terms of land area, Puerto Rico is larger than Jamaica, with a land area of 8,870 square kilometers compared to Jamaica’s 10,831 square kilometers. This means that Puerto Rico has a land area that is approximately 22% larger than that of Jamaica.
Comparison of the Water Area of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
When it comes to water area, Jamaica has a smaller water area of 160 square kilometers compared to Puerto Rico’s 4,921 square kilometers. This means that Puerto Rico has a water area that is approximately 30 times larger than that of Jamaica.
Total Area Comparison of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
When we combine the land area and water area, we can see that Puerto Rico has a larger total area than Jamaica. Puerto Rico has a total area of 13,790 square kilometers, while Jamaica has a total area of 10,991 square kilometers. This means that Puerto Rico is approximately 25% larger than Jamaica in terms of total area.
Population Density of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
Jamaica has a population of approximately 2.9 million people, with a population density of 267 people per square kilometer. Puerto Rico, on the other hand, has a population of approximately 3.2 million people, with a population density of 361 people per square kilometer. This means that Puerto Rico has a higher population density than Jamaica.
Demographics of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
Jamaica’s population is predominantly made up of people of African descent, with a minority of people of European, Indian, and Chinese descent. Spanish and English are the official languages of Jamaica. Puerto Rico’s population is predominantly made up of people of mixed European and African descent, with a minority of people of European and African descent. Spanish and English are both official languages of Puerto Rico.
Economy of Jamaica and Puerto Rico
Both Jamaica and Puerto Rico have economies that are heavily dependent on tourism and agriculture. Jamaica is known for its production of coffee, sugar, and bananas, while Puerto Rico is known for its production of coffee and rum. Both countries also have a significant manufacturing sector, with Puerto Rico being a hub for pharmaceutical production.
Conclusion: Which Country is Larger?
In conclusion, when we compare the land area, water area, and total area of Jamaica and Puerto Rico, we can see that Puerto Rico is larger than Jamaica. However, it is important to note that both countries have their own unique cultural and natural attractions that continue to draw visitors from all over the world.
Sources and References
- CIA World Factbook: Jamaica
- CIA World Factbook: Puerto Rico
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jamaica
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Puerto Rico
