Ricans

Ricans is a demonym used to describe people from Puerto Rico or of Puerto Rican heritage. In English, the more formal term is Puerto Ricans, while Rican is sometimes used informally in various communities. In Spanish, many Puerto Ricans identify as puertorriqueños, and boricua is a common, culturally rooted self-designation drawn from the island’s indigenous name, Borikén.

Population and language context vary between the island and the mainland United States. Puerto Rico’s population was about 3.2 million in the 2020 census. The U.S. mainland hosts a large Puerto Rican diaspora, with communities concentrated in New York, Florida, New Jersey, and elsewhere. The island’s official languages are Spanish and English, with Spanish predominant in daily life; English is widely used in government, education, and business, contributing to bilingualism and frequent code-switching.

Historical background helps explain contemporary identity. Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. U.S. citizenship was granted to Puerto Ricans in 1917. In 1952, Puerto Rico adopted a constitution and established the commonwealth status, Estado Libre Asociado, offering a degree of self-government while remaining a U.S. territory.

Culture is diverse and continues to evolve. Puerto Rican culture has influenced music (such as salsa and reggaeton), literature, cuisine (including mofongo, arroz con gandules, and lechón asado), and sports. The identity of Ricans/ Puerto Ricans often reflects a blend of Taíno, African, and Iberian influences, along with ongoing U.S. connections. The term Rican varies in acceptance, and many people prefer Puerto Rican or boricua as their primary identifier.