Although this island is the smallest in the Greater Antilles, after Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica, it is by far the most affluent. Which island is this?

The four largest islands of the Caribbean Sea form an archipelago known as the Greater Antilles. While geographically the smallest in this group, Puerto Rico stands apart economically from its much larger neighbors (Review): Cuba, Hispaniola (home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Jamaica. It consistently maintains the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita among the four, making it the most prosperous island in the archipelago by a significant margin.

This economic distinction stems directly from the island's unique political status as an unincorporated territory of the United States. This relationship has fostered deep economic integration, attracting significant U.S. investment and federal support over the decades. Its very name, given by Spanish colonizers, translates to "Rich Port." While the Spanish originally sought gold, the island's modern wealth was built on a foundation (Review) of advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, all closely tied to the U.S. mainland. This has created a more developed and high-income economy compared to other sovereign nations in the region.