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Vieques

Vieques, Puerto Rico
Municipality
Vieques from the air, looking west
Vieques from the air, looking west
Flag of Vieques, Puerto Rico
Flag
Coat of arms of Vieques, Puerto Rico
Coat of arms
Nickname(s): Isla Nena
Location of Vieques in Puerto Rico
Location of Vieques in Puerto Rico
Coordinates: 18°07′N 65°25′W / 18.117°N 65.417°W / 18.117; -65.417Coordinates: 18°07′N 65°25′W / 18.117°N 65.417°W / 18.117; -65.417
Country United States
Territory Puerto Rico
Government
 • Mayor Víctor Emeric (PPD)
 • Senatorial District 8 - Carolina
 • Representative District 36
Area
 • Total 134.42 sq mi (348.15 km2)
 • Land 52 sq mi (135 km2)
 • Water 82.30 sq mi (213.15 km2)
Population (2010)
 • Total 9,301
 • Density 69/sq mi (27/km2)
Demonym(s) Viequenses
Racial groups
 • White 72.7%
 • Black 13.8%
 • American Indian/AN 0.4%
 • Asian
Native Hawaiian/Pi
0.6%
0.8%
 • Other
Two or more races
8.8%
3.4%
Time zone AST (UTC-4)
Zip code 00765

Vieques (/vˈks/; Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbjekes], locally: [ˈbjẽke]), in full Isla de Vieques, is an islandmunicipality of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean, part of an island grouping sometimes known as the Spanish Virgin Islands. Vieques is part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and retains strong influences from 400 years of Spanish presence in the island.

Vieques lies about 8 miles (13 km) east of the Puerto Rican mainland, and measures about 21 miles (34 km) long by 4 miles (6 km) wide. Its most populated barrio Isabel Segunda (sometimes written "Isabel II"), the administrative center on the northern side of the island. The population of Vieques was 9,301 at the 2010 Census.

The island's name is a Spanish spelling of an American Indian word (likely Taíno) said to mean "small island". It also has the nickname "Isla Nena", usually translated from the Spanish as "Little Girl Island", alluding to its perception as Puerto Rico's little sister. During the colonial period, the British name was "Crab Island".

Vieques is best known internationally as the site of a series of protests against the United States Navy's use of the island as a bombing range and testing ground, which led to the navy's departure in 2003. Today the former navy land is a national wildlife refuge, with numerous beaches that still retain the names given by the navy, including Red Beach, Blue Beach and Green Beach. The beaches are commonly listed among the top beaches in the Caribbean for their azure-colored waters and white sands.


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Wikipedia

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