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 ˝ hours, Los Angeles
8 hours. Miami 2 ˝ 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). |