A Longitudinal Study of Metropolitan Density Patterns in a Developing Country: Puerto Rico, 1899–1970

Abstract

One approach to the study of the growth and development of human settlements is through the analysis of changing residential patterns. The focus of this paper is upon the changing density patterns for Puerto Rico's three principal metropolitan areas from 1899–1970. The data show that San Juan's long-run residential deconcentration is consistent with the pattern usually displayed by cities in developed societies. The increasing congestion and stable concentration of Ponce and Mayaguez are consistent with the pattern found in cities in developing societies. Differences among the metropolitan areas are discussed in terms of the trajectory of Puerto Rico's economic development.