The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean Island is proudly independent in spirit but technically a territory or possession of the U.S. in 1898, and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917.  Puerto Ricans consider themselves American but are fiercely proud of their island and their culture. They don't usually call themselves Americans or "Americanos", but "Puertorriqueños" or "Boricuas". To the majority of Puerto Ricans, "my country" means "Puerto Rico", not the United States. Nevertheless, this subtropical Caribbean territory is urbanized, industrialized and relatively prosperous. Puerto Rico enjoys a dynamic economy with malls, vibrant outdoor activities, resorts, and restaurants. Puerto Rican voters in 1998 turned down options for statehood or independence from the US.