What are the similarities and differences in Mexico and Puerto Rico?

Answer 1

First, the common traits. Mexico and Puerto Rico are both Latin American countries, meaning the two of them have a majority of people who speak Spanish, profess the Roman Catholic religion and at some point during their respective histories, were conquered, colonized and finally gained its independence from Spain.

Now, on the differences. Mexico is a North American country with access to the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, while Puerto Rico is a Caribbean nation. Mexico is a federation of 31 independent states and one federal district while Puerto Rico is a commonwealth belonging to the United States. The racial make up of Mexico is predominantly of mestizo (60%) and Amerindian people (30%) while the Puerto Rican people have mostly white (81%) and African-American (8%) backgrounds. In general terms, Puerto Rico is more economically developed than Mexico, but Puerto Rico would stand as the 72nd largest economy in the world while Mexico stands in the 11th place.

Finally, some statistics:

• Population: Mexico 114,975,406 / Puerto Rico 3,690,923 (Both July 2012 est.)
• Land area: Mexico 1,972,550 sq km (761,606 sq mi) / Puerto Rico 9,104 sq km (3,515 sq mi)
• Gross Domestic Product: Mexico USD$1,667 billion / Puerto Rico USD$64.84 billion (both 2011 est.).
• GDP Per Capita: Mexico USD$14,700 / Puerto Rico USD$16,300
• Median Age: Mexico 27.4 years / Puerto Rico 37.8 years