City (pop., 2000: metro. area, 421,958), seaport, and capital of Puerto Rico.
It was visited in 1508 by Juan Francis Drake in 1595. In 1898, during the {{link=Spanish-American War">Spanish-American War , San Juan fell to the U.S. The city expanded rapidly in the 20th century and is one of the major ports and tourist resorts of the West Indies. Industries include petroleum and sugar refining, brewing, and distilling. San Juan is the commonwealth's financial capital and many U.S. banks and corporations maintain offices there. El Morro and San Cristóbal fortifications are among the city's historic remnants.