ABOUT PUERTO RICO   Puerto Rico Both Spanish and English are the official languages, the local currency is the U.S. dollar. Mail is sent through the US Postal Service at the same rates as on the mainland. Geography Puerto Rico is 100 long by 35 miles wide and as a result of its geographical position in the center of the arc of the Antilles, Puerto Rico is essentially a crossroads of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. Despite its very diverse influx of cultures, Puerto Rico has been a part of the United States since 1898 and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917. Culture Close to 4 million people live on the " Island of Enchantment ," with more than a million in the greater San Juan metropolitan area alone. It is a vibrant, modern, bilingual, multicultural society, one that has been molded by Spanish, African, Indian and U.S. influences. Residents of Puerto Rico have much in common with their fellow Americans in the continental United States , yet they retain a decidedly Hispanic heritage. Business hours are similar to those on the mainland, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays. Climate The climate is as close to perfect as it can get, averaging 83°F (22.7°C) in the winter and 85°F (29.4°C) in the summer. Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Time Zone, but does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Currency There are no customs duties on articles bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the U.S. mainland. Major credit cards are accepted at most businesses, and ATMs connected to major US and international networks are easy to find. (The Puerto Rico Tourism Company www.gotopuertorico.com) Puerto Rico Economic Fact Sheet