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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Puerto Rico trivia: test your knowledge of history and culture

Quick, free Puerto Rico quiz on culture and history. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Thadpol PrabsaenpaiUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration on Puerto Rico culture and history trivia on a sky blue background

This Puerto Rico trivia quiz helps you check your knowledge of the island's history, culture, and landmarks in a few quick questions. See where you shine, learn a few facts, and compare with neighbors through our Cuba quiz and Dominican Republic quiz, or broaden the theme with a hispanic heritage quiz. Start now and get instant results after each question.

What is the capital city of Puerto Rico?
Carolina
San Juan
Ponce
Bayamón
San Juan is not only the capital but also the oldest European-founded city under U.S. jurisdiction, founded in 1521. It serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic center of Puerto Rico. The city is famous for its historic Old San Juan district and fortifications. .
What are the official languages of Puerto Rico?
Spanish and French
English only
English and French
Spanish and English
Puerto Rico recognizes both Spanish and English as its official languages, with Spanish being the primary language of daily life. English is taught in schools and used in government and business settings. The bilingual nature reflects the island's U.S. territorial status and rich cultural heritage. .
Puerto Rico is a territory of which country?
Mexico
Canada
Spain
United States
After the Spanish - American War in 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain to the United States. It remains an unincorporated U.S. territory with its residents holding U.S. citizenship. The island's political status continues to be a topic of debate and plebiscites. .
Mofongo is traditionally made from which main ingredient?
Rice
Corn
Yucca
Plantains
Mofongo is a classic Puerto Rican dish made by frying and mashing green plantains with garlic, pork cracklings, and olive oil. It is often shaped into a ball and served with broth or meat. The dish reflects the blend of Taíno, African, and Spanish culinary influences. .
What symbol appears on the Puerto Rican flag?
White star
Blue circle
Yellow moon
Red sun
The Puerto Rican flag features a single white, five-pointed star that represents the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is set against a blue triangle and red-and-white stripes, signifying the island's government and values. The design closely resembles the Cuban flag, reflecting solidarity among Caribbean independence movements. .
What currency is used in Puerto Rico?
United States Dollar
Dominican Peso
Euro
Puerto Rican Peso
Puerto Rico uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency, reflecting its status as a U.S. territory. No separate Puerto Rican currency is in circulation. This makes trade and tourism with the U.S. mainland straightforward. .
What type of rainforest is El Yunque National Forest?
Deciduous forest
Tropical rainforest
Temperate rainforest
Boreal forest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, known for its rich biodiversity and lush vegetation. It covers about 28,000 acres in northeastern Puerto Rico. The forest is a popular destination for hiking, waterfalls, and unique wildlife. .
Which indigenous people inhabited Puerto Rico before European colonization?
Inca
Maya
Aztec
Taíno
The Taíno were the principal indigenous people living in Puerto Rico at the time of Columbus's arrival in 1493. They had a complex society with distinct pottery, agriculture, and ceremonial practices. European diseases and colonization greatly reduced their population. .
In which year did Puerto Rico become a territory of the United States?
1892
1917
1952
1898
Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States by Spain under the Treaty of Paris in December 1898, following the Spanish - American War. This marked the beginning of its status as a U.S. territory. Subsequent laws and acts defined its political relationship with the U.S. .
Which famous Puerto Rican baseball player was the first Latino inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Iván Rodríguez
Juan Marichal
Roberto Clemente
Orlando Cepeda
Roberto Clemente, inducted posthumously in 1973, was the first Latin American and Caribbean player enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was known for both athletic prowess and humanitarian work. His legacy continues to inspire players globally. .
Which music genre, popular worldwide, originated in Puerto Rico during the 1990s?
Merengue
Bachata
Reggaeton
Salsa
Reggaeton emerged in Puerto Rico in the early 1990s as a fusion of reggae and Latin rhythms with rap-style vocals in Spanish. Artists like Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderón helped popularize the genre internationally. Its influence now spans global pop and dance music. .
Which bay in Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent microorganisms?
Mosquito Bay
Guanica Bay
San Juan Bay
Aguadilla Bay
Mosquito Bay, located on Vieques Island, is renowned as one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world. Its glow is caused by dinoflagellates that emit light when disturbed. Visitors kayak there at night to see the spectacular natural phenomenon. .
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historic fortress, is located in which city?
Mayagüez
Fajardo
San Juan
Ponce
El Morro, officially Castillo San Felipe del Morro, is a 16th-century citadel in Old San Juan. It was built by the Spanish to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay and defend the city from naval attacks. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. .
What traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink is similar to eggnog?
Coquito
Sangría
Hot chocolate
Ponche
Coquito is a creamy coconut-based alcoholic beverage often enjoyed during Christmas in Puerto Rico. It's made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, rum, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its name means 'little coconut' in Spanish. .
Which event is celebrated annually in Old San Juan featuring music, art, and parades?
Carnival of Ponce
San Sebastián Street Festival
Festival de la Palabra
Heineken Jazz Fest
The San Sebastián Street Festival, held every January in Old San Juan, honors Saint Sebastian with live music, crafts, parades, and food. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to the historic Calle San Sebastián. The event has become a signature cultural celebration. .
Which act granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans in 1917?
Foraker Act
Jones-Shafroth Act
Treaty of Paris
Organic Act of 1952
The Jones-Shafroth Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1917, conferred U.S. citizenship on residents of Puerto Rico. It also restructured the island's government and expanded civil rights. The act remains a foundational document in Puerto Rico's political relationship with the U.S. .
What is the largest municipality in Puerto Rico by land area?
Ponce
Arecibo
Mayagüez
San Juan
Arecibo covers approximately 1,254 square kilometers, making it the largest municipality by land area in Puerto Rico. It's located on the northern coast and is known for the Arecibo Observatory and historic sites. The city has a mix of urban and rural landscapes. .
Who was the Taíno chief known as the "Great Sun" who greeted Columbus?
Guarionex
Urayoán
Hatuey
Agüeybaná
Agüeybaná, whose name means "Great Sun," was the principal Taíno cacique of Borikén (Puerto Rico) at the time of Columbus's arrival in 1493. He welcomed the Spaniards but later led resistance when exploitative practices began. He is a key figure in early Puerto Rican history. .
What is the highest peak in Puerto Rico?
El Yunque
Mount Washington
Cerro Las Tetas
Cerro de Punta
Cerro de Punta, reaching 1,338 meters above sea level, is the tallest mountain in Puerto Rico. It's located in the Cordillera Central range near the town of Jayuya. The peak offers panoramic views of the island's interior. .
Under which treaty did Spain cede Puerto Rico to the United States?
Treaty of Paris (1898)
Treaty of Tordesillas
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, ended the Spanish - American War and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. Cuba became a U.S. protectorate. This treaty reshaped the colonial landscape. .
The musical style "plena" originated in which Puerto Rican city?
Arecibo
San Juan
Mayagüez
Ponce
Plena developed in Ponce in the early 20th century, emerging from working-class neighborhoods. Known as the "sung newspaper," it combined African rhythms with Spanish lyrical forms to comment on daily life. Plena remains a vibrant part of Puerto Rico's cultural identity. .
When was the first political status plebiscite held in Puerto Rico?
1967
2012
1998
1952
The first plebiscite on Puerto Rico's political status was held on July 23, 1967. Voters chose between commonwealth status, statehood, and independence. Commonwealth status won with over 60% of the vote. Subsequent plebiscites have been held to revisit the question. .
How many municipalities are there in Puerto Rico?
81
65
72
78
Puerto Rico is subdivided into 78 municipalities (municipios), each governed by a mayor and municipal legislature. This administrative division dates back to Spanish colonial organization. Municipalities range from densely populated urban areas to remote mountain regions. .
What is the title of Puerto Rico's non-voting representative in the United States Congress?
Delegate
Puerto Rico Commissioner
Territory Representative
Resident Commissioner
Puerto Rico's delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives is titled Resident Commissioner. This official can serve on committees and speak on the floor but cannot vote on final passage of legislation. The position has existed since 1900. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall key historical milestones of Puerto Rico -

    You will strengthen your grasp of major events shaping Puerto Rico, from pre-colonial Taíno society through modern developments.

  2. Identify iconic cultural and artistic traditions -

    You will explore Puerto Rico's vibrant culture through music, dance, and festivals that define the island's identity.

  3. Locate major geographical landmarks across the island -

    You will learn to pinpoint features like El Yunque, bioluminescent bays, and San Juan's historic forts on a map of Puerto Rico.

  4. Describe signature Puerto Rican cuisine and food facts -

    You will discover beloved dishes such as mofongo and lechón while uncovering fun facts about Puerto Rico's culinary heritage.

  5. Analyze and answer challenging questions -

    You will apply your knowledge of puerto rico trivia to tackle diverse questions spanning history, culture, and geography.

  6. Measure and improve your trivia proficiency -

    You will track your quiz performance and identify gaps in facts about Puerto Rico, guiding further learning and practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Spanish Colonial Fortifications -

    Explore the UNESCO-listed Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal in Old San Juan, built between the 16th and 18th centuries to defend against pirates and rival empires. Managed by the National Park Service, these Vauban-style forts feature layered bastions and deep moats. Mnemonic "6 Moats Around Morro" helps you recall its multi-tiered defense.

  2. Distinctive Geography -

    Puerto Rico spans roughly 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, featuring the central Cordillera Central mountains and coastal karst regions in the north. El Yunque National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Remember "100×35, Rainforest Alive!" to link dimensions with El Yunque's biodiversity.

  3. Iconic Puerto Rican Cuisine -

    Dive into mofongo, a mash of fried green plantains, garlic, olive oil, and chicharrón, rooted in West African culinary traditions and spotlighted in studies by Cornell's Food and Brand Lab. Also try tostones (twice-fried plantains) and the national dish arroz con gandules. The rhyme "Mofongo's Magic Mash" can help cement its place in trivia.

  4. Traditional Music and Dance -

    Understand bomba and plena, Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms documented by the Smithsonian Folkways archives; bomba features call-and-response vocals over barril drums, while plena adds narrative lyrics on the pandereta. These genres evolved as expressions of resistance and community storytelling. Recall "Drums Tell the Tales" to link drum patterns with historical narratives.

  5. The Coquí and Natural Symbols -

    Recognize the coquí frog, an endemic species whose high-pitched "ko-KEE" call can reach 80 decibels and is protected under Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. This tiny amphibian appears on stamps, souvenirs, and literature as a beloved national emblem. Use "Small Frog, Big Song" to remember its outsized cultural impact.

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