Disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes are common in Puerto Rico. Only about 180 by 60 kilometers (110 by 40 miles) in extent, the small island lies 1,600 kilometers southeast of Miami, far from any major landmass. The Atlantic Ocean beats against its northern shores, and the placid Caribbean strokes its southern coast. Despite the dangers, Puerto Rico is a popular tourist destination and home to 3.2 million U.S. citizens, a resilient and diverse population long proud of the world-famous 305-meter (1,000-ft) radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory.
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