# Ponce

> city and municipality in the southern part of Puerto Rico

**Wikidata**: [Q864024](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q864024)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponce,_Puerto_Rico)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ponce

## Summary
Ponce is a city and municipality in the southern part of Puerto Rico, founded in 1692. It is known as "La Perla del Sur" (The Pearl of the South) and is the capital of the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce. The city has a population of 137,491 as of 2020, making it a significant urban center in the region.

## Key Facts
- Ponce was founded in 1692.
- It is located in the southern part of Puerto Rico.
- The city has a population of 137,491 (2020 census).
- Ponce is the capital of the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce.
- The area of Ponce is 118.56 square kilometers.
- Ponce is known by various nicknames, including "La Perla del Sur" (The Pearl of the South) and "La Ciudad Señorial" (The Manorial City).
- The city is situated at coordinates 18.010833° N, 66.613611° W.
- Ponce is bordered by the municipalities of Juana Díaz, Jayuya, Adjuntas, Peñuelas, and Utuado.
- The city has a per capita income of $11,680 (2020).
- Ponce is part of the Ponce metropolitan area.
- The city is located near the Río Portugués.
- Ponce has multiple postal codes, including 00715, 00716, 00717, and others.
- The city is twinned with Zaragoza, Spain.
- Ponce is served by the UTC−04:00 timezone.
- The city has a coat of arms and a flag.
- Ponce is described in various encyclopedic sources, including the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Encyclopædia Britannica.

## FAQs
- **What is Ponce's population?** Ponce has a population of 137,491, as recorded in the 2020 census.
- **When was Ponce founded?** Ponce was founded in 1692.
- **What are some nicknames for Ponce?** Ponce is known as "La Perla del Sur" (The Pearl of the South) and "La Ciudad Señorial" (The Manorial City).
- **What is Ponce's area?** Ponce covers an area of 118.56 square kilometers.
- **Which municipalities border Ponce?** Ponce is bordered by Juana Díaz, Jayuya, Adjuntas, Peñuelas, and Utuado.
- **What is Ponce's per capita income?** Ponce's per capita income is $11,680, based on the 2016–2020 American Community Survey.
- **What is Ponce's timezone?** Ponce operates on the UTC−04:00 timezone.
- **Is Ponce twinned with any other cities?** Yes, Ponce is twinned with Zaragoza, Spain.
- **What are Ponce's postal codes?** Ponce uses several postal codes, including 00715, 00716, 00717, and others.
- **What is Ponce's elevation above sea level?** Ponce is located at an elevation of 10 meters above sea level.

## Why It Matters
Ponce plays a crucial role in the cultural, economic, and historical landscape of Puerto Rico. As a major urban center, it serves as a hub for commerce, education, and tourism. The city's rich history, dating back to 1692, reflects its status as a historic and culturally significant location. Ponce's strategic position in southern Puerto Rico makes it an important administrative and economic center, contributing to the region's development. The city's nickname, "La Perla del Sur," underscores its significance as a jewel in Puerto Rico's southern region. Ponce's infrastructure, including its postal codes and timezone, supports its role as a functional and well-organized municipality. The city's twinning with Zaragoza, Spain, highlights its international connections and cultural exchange. Ponce's per capita income and number of households reflect its economic vitality and community structure. Overall, Ponce's importance lies in its dual role as a historic and modern city, shaping the identity and development of Puerto Rico.

## Notable For
- Ponce is known as "La Perla del Sur" (The Pearl of the South), a nickname that highlights its cultural and economic significance.
- The city is the capital of the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce, indicating its administrative importance.
- Ponce has a population of 137,491, making it a significant urban center in Puerto Rico.
- The city's area of 118.56 square kilometers reflects its substantial geographic footprint.
- Ponce's per capita income of $11,680 underscores its economic vitality.
- The city's elevation of 10 meters above sea level is notable for its location in a coastal region.
- Ponce's twinning with Zaragoza, Spain, demonstrates its international cultural connections.
- The city's postal codes, including 00715, 00716, and others, support its administrative and logistical functions.
- Ponce's timezone of UTC−04:00 is standard for much of Puerto Rico.
- The city's coat of arms and flag are symbols of its identity and heritage.
- Ponce's location near the Río Portugués is significant for its environmental and geographical context.

## Body
### History
Ponce was founded in 1692, establishing it as one of the oldest cities in Puerto Rico. The city's rich history is reflected in its status as a historic and culturally significant location. Ponce's founding date is a key marker of its longevity and enduring presence in the region.

### Geography
Ponce is located in the southern part of Puerto Rico, at coordinates 18.010833° N, 66.613611° W. The city covers an area of 118.56 square kilometers, making it a substantial urban center. Ponce is bordered by the municipalities of Juana Díaz, Jayuya, Adjuntas, Peñuelas, and Utuado, indicating its strategic position within the region. The city's elevation of 10 meters above sea level is notable for its location in a coastal region, where elevation plays a significant role in the local environment.

### Demographics
Ponce has a population of 137,491, as recorded in the 2020 census. The city's population has been recorded at 166,327 in the 2010 census and 149,028 in 2015, reflecting changes over time. Ponce's per capita income of $11,680, based on the 2016–2020 American Community Survey, underscores its economic vitality. The city's number of households, totaling 52,439, supports its community structure and economic activity.

### Administration
Ponce is the capital of the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce, indicating its administrative importance. The city's postal codes, including 00715, 00716, 00717, and others, support its administrative and logistical functions. Ponce's timezone of UTC−04:00 is standard for much of Puerto Rico, reflecting its regional alignment. The city's twinning with Zaragoza, Spain, highlights its international cultural connections and exchange.

### Culture and Identity
Ponce is known by various nicknames, including "La Perla del Sur" (The Pearl of the South) and "La Ciudad Señorial" (The Manorial City), which reflect its cultural and historical significance. The city's coat of arms and flag are symbols of its identity and heritage. Ponce's location near the Río Portugués is significant for its environmental and geographical context, influencing its cultural and natural landscape.

### Infrastructure and Logistics
Ponce's infrastructure includes multiple postal codes, which support its administrative and logistical functions. The city's elevation of 10 meters above sea level is notable for its location in a coastal region, where elevation plays a significant role in the local environment. Ponce's timezone of UTC−04:00 is standard for much of Puerto Rico, reflecting its regional alignment.

### Economic Significance
Ponce's per capita income of $11,680, based on the 2016–2020 American Community Survey, underscores its economic vitality. The city's number of households, totaling 52,439, supports its community structure and economic activity. Ponce's role as a major urban center in Puerto Rico contributes to its economic significance and development.

### International Connections
Ponce's twinning with Zaragoza, Spain, demonstrates its international cultural connections and exchange. The city's participation in various international databases and systems, such as the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and the National Library of Israel, reflects its global engagement and recognition.

### Historical and Cultural References
Ponce is described in various encyclopedic sources, including the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Encyclopædia Britannica. These references highlight the city's historical and cultural significance, contributing to its legacy and identity. Ponce's inclusion in these sources underscores its importance in the broader cultural and historical narrative of Puerto Rico.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Government Units. Geographic Names Information System](http://geonames.usgs.gov/docs/stategaz/GOVT_UNITS_20131208.zip)
3. Geographic Names Information System
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. MusicBrainz
7. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
8. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
9. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
10. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
11. GeoNames
12. BBC Things
13. 2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files
14. Quora
15. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
16. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/)
17. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)