interesting facts about San Juan

12 Sassy Facts About San Juan

Like to know more about the capital cities of the world and increase your chances of being crowned the next quiz champion? Take a look at these fun facts about San Juan!

1. Where is San Juan?

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico.

2. Learn the phonetics!

Wondering how to say the name of this wonderful city? It’s pronounced San hwahn.

3. It’s truly huge!

The total land area of San Juan is 876 square miles (2,269 square kilometres)…that’s larger than Greater London. It also makes it Puerto Rico’s largest city.

Flag of Puerto Rico
Flag of Puerto Rico

4. However, it’s actually pretty sparse.

San Juan’s population was 340,903 in 2022 – that’s around 1/27th of the population of Greater London and gives it a population density of over 410 residents per square mile.

5. Not too far for a dip!

San Juan is located just 26 ft above sea level.

6. What are the people here called?

Residents of San Juan are known as Sanjuaneros.

7. It’s pretty warm out here!

Sanjuaneros enjoy a tropical monsoon climate with rain throughout much of the year, an average annual temperature of 80°F, a record high of 98°C and a record low of 60°F!

8. How to find San Juan with a compass!

Looking to fly yourself to San Juan? You’ll need the coordinates of 18.4500° N, 66.0667° W.

9. There’s some brilliant history here.

Make sure you visit Old San Juan if you’re in San Juan; as the name suggests, it’s the old part of the city and also happens to be the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It’s full of beautifully colourful homes, some of which date back to 1521!

Atlantic Beach, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Atlantic Beach, San Juan, Puerto Rico

10. What do people speak in San Juan?

The official languages of San Juan are Spanish and English.

11. Time to change the change!

United States Dollar is the official currency here.

12. It’s a big tourist resort.

Puerto Rico welcomed 3,200,000 tourists into the country in 2013, many of whom visited San Juan for its stunning beaches, rich history and sophisticated-yet-lively, nightlife.

San Juan street scene

FAQs about San Juan

Is San Juan safe for tourists?

Yes, most of the time - however, you may be advised to keep to the main tourist areas for optimum safety.

Can you drink the water in San Juan?

Yes, on the whole! The water in Puerto Rico is generally safe to drink, though it can be a little harder in the rural reaches.

Is it expensive to visit San Juan?

That all depends on what you do while you’re there - generally, $150 per day will likely see you through!

Do you know any fun facts about San Juan?  Share them in the comments below!

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This page was last modified on June 6, 2024. Suggest an edit

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