Puerto Rico After Bootstrap

Archive Report

Rising Economic and Social Problems

Buffeted by a recession on the U.S. mainland and troubled by a flareup of the old debate over status, Puerto Rico is heading for a period of economic and political stress. The rapid economic growth that the island has enjoyed for the past two decades seems to be tapering off. Tourism is declining and agriculture is in a long-term slump. Unemployment is officially recorded at 11 per cent, nearly twice the mainland rate, but reliable sources say it is probably closer to 30 per cent.

Politically, there is a growing polarization between supporters of independence and statehood. The political center, long dominated by the Popular Democratic Party, is weak and divided, trying to pull itself together before the 1972 elections. Amid ...

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