Spanish Virgin Islands

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The Spanish Virgin Islands are Vieques and Culebra, two small islands that belong to Puerto Rico. They sit between the main island of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. People also call them the Puerto Rican Virgin Islands or Islas Vírgenes Puertorriqueñas.

Geography and administration
Vieques and Culebra are part of the Virgin Islands group and are islands of Puerto Rico. They cover about 165 square kilometers (63.7 square miles) and have a small population. The main town on Vieques is Isabel II, and Vieques is sometimes called Isla Nena (the “girl island”). As part of Puerto Rico, Vieques and Culebra are island municipalities of Puerto Rico.

History in brief
Columbus first reached the area in 1493. For centuries, the islands were part of the Spanish Empire, but many other European powers fought over them. In 1898 Spain ceded the islands to the United States after the Spanish–American War. From the 1940s until 2003, the U.S. Navy used Vieques for military training, which displaced some residents. Today, much of Vieques and areas on Culebra are protected as wildlife refuges.

Today and notable features
Vieques and Culebra are known for their beautiful beaches and clear waters. Much of Vieques is part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, and Culebra includes the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge on nearby Culebrita. Culebra has varied landscapes with lagoons, mangroves, and beaches; its highest point is Mount Resaca, about 190 meters high.