The Elders' Colony
Demographic changes threaten the future of Puerto Rico. The population is shrinking and aging fast. Puerto Ricans are abandoning their homeland after decades of high unemployment rates, violence and sub-par government services. One of few remaining colonies in the world, Puerto Rico has the demographic characteristics of a developed nation, but with an economy of a developing country. The combination of demography, economy, and political status represents a time bomb that will destroy the island if left unattended.