Puerto Rico, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is an island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, east of the Dominican Republic. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 during his second voyage to the Americas, the island was originally inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people before Spanish colonization began. For over 400 years, Puerto Rico remained under Spanish rule, serving as an important military outpost. In 1898, following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris, marking the start of a new chapter in its history. Throughout the 20th century, Puerto Rico evolved politically and culturally, becoming a U.S. unincorporated territory with its own constitution and local government in 1952. Despite its ongoing political status debate, Puerto Rico remains a vibrant island, rich in culture, music, and traditions, blending Indigenous, African, Spanish, and American influences.