Life in Puerto Rico

VIEQUES, PR - AUGUST 10: University of Puerto Rico students protest the U.S. Navy performing bombing exercises on Vieques Island off the east coast of Puerto Rico on August 10, 2001. The Navy began using the island as a practice range in 1947. This use was an ongoing source of controversy with the Navy asserting its need to conduct ordinance training and the protesters claiming the exercises harm the environment and the health of the island's 9500 residents. The Navy officially stopped bombing the island in May of 2003 in response to protests like these. Puerto Rico was an outpost of Spanish colonialism for 400 years, until the United States took possession in 1898. Today Puerto Rico's Spanish-speaking culture reflects its history - a mix of African slaves, Spanish settlers, and Taino Indians. Puerto Ricans fight in the U.S. armed forces but are not entitled to vote in presidential elections. They passionately debate their relationship with the U.S. with about half the island wanting to become the 51st state and the other half wanting to remain a U.S. commonwealth. A small percentage feel the island should be an independent country. While locals grapple with the evils of a burgeoning drug trade and unchecked development, drumbeats still drive the rhythms of African-inspired bomba music. (Photo By Amy Toensing/Getty Images)