General

Island name:  Isla de la Mona.

Country: Puerto Rico (RQ).

Language: Spanish, English.

Capital: San Juan.

Population: The island is a natural reserve and, though there are no native inhabitants, rangers from the island's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources reside on the island to manage visitors and take part in research projects.

Climate: Semi-arid sub-tropical.
 

Geography

Area: Isla de Mona has 57 sq km (22 sq mi).

Coastline:  km.

Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 66 30 W.

Highest point: .

Location: 66 km west of Puerto Rico and 61 km east of Hispaniola.

Size: 11 km (7 miles) long and 7 km (4 miles) wide.

Terrain: Flat. There are many high cliffs, coral reefs, mangrove forests, caves, beaches and unusual, rare wildlife.
 

Tourist Information

Accommodations: Camping is permitted at Playa Sardinera and Playa Pájaro with a DRNA permit.

Activities: Hiking, diving, kayaking, and other water activities.

Average tourist arrivals: 1,300,783 (2009).

Crime: Puerto Rico has a crime problem, as of 2002 the island's murder rate was twice that of New York City! Most crime is either passional or drug-related. Violence does not extend into ordinary life. Visitors should observe the same precautionary measures that would apply anywhere else.

Electricity: 120 Volts, 60 cycles. Only flat blade plugs are used.

Entry Requirements: There are no passports or visas necessary for United States citizens, they only need to have some form of official government issued picture identification such as a current driver's license. Citizens of other countries have the same requirements as for entering the USA.

Extension of stay: Possible. You must apply for an extension of stay before your previous stay has expired.

Telephone: Country code - 1-787.

Time: Atlantic Standard Time (EST +1; GMT -4) all year around.

Tourism Office: La Princesa Bldg., #2 Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan, P.R. 00902.
 

Money

Cost of living: PR: Cheaper than in the United States, except for in San Juan where it is expensive.

Credit cards: Widely accepted for accommodations, dining and shopping.

Currency: US Dollar.

Tipping: Tipping is expected, usually 15 % in restaurants, 10 % in bars, and 10 - 15 % for taxi drivers, hairdressers, and other services, depending on the quality of the service rendered. Tip a porter, either at the airport or at your hotel, $1 per bag.
 

Transport

Airport: The small airstrip on Isla Mona is currently closed.

Departure Tax: 5 USD, usually included.

Flight Times: PR: New York  3 ½ hours, Los Angeles  8 hours. Miami  2 ½ hours, Europe  8 - 12 hours.

Ground Transportation: Cars and mini-buses provide low-cost public transportation around the island, but w.e suggest to rent a car.

Ferry Service: Boat passage alone costs $135-400. Most charters charge more for food, equipment, tour services, and snorkeling or diving.

Ports and harbors: PR: Guayanilla, Mayaguez, San Juan.
 

Politics

Ethnic groups: PR: White (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2 %, black 6.9 %, Asian 0.3 %, Amerindian 0.2 %, mixed 4.4 %, other 12 % (2007).

Government type: Commonwealth.

Legal system: Based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice.

Literacy: 94.1 %.

Religions: Roman Catholic 85 %, Protestant and other 15 %.
 

Economy

Agriculture-products: Sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock products, chickens.

GDP per capita: $17,100 (2009 est.).

Industries: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism.

Natural resources: Some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil.

Unemployment rate: 12 % (2002).