Carolina, Puerto Rico

Carolina is one of the fastest growing cities in Puerto Rico. with a population of 186,000 (2000 census). Carolina is part of what is known as the Metropolitan Area, which also includes San Juan and all its surrounding major cities, Bayamón, Guaynabo, Caguas and Cataño.

Carolina is commonly known as Tierra de Gigantes (Land of Giants). The name makes reference to Puerto Rico's tallest giant, 7'11" Felipe Birriel, a native of Carolina.

Luis Muñon Marín International Airport is Puerto Rico's main airport. It is located at the Isla Verde sector of Carolina, Puerto Rico, minutes away from Isla Verde's tourist hotel area.

Following are some of the many illustrious people native of Carolina:

Roberto Clemente, (1934-1972), star player of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the first Puerto Rican named to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ciudad Deportiva Roberto Clemente, a recreational park in Carolina, was built to honor Roberto's memory.

Julia de Burgos (1917-1953), one of the most renowned poets in Puerto Rico and Latin America.

The patron saint for Carolina is San Fernando, celebrated on May 30.