<P> Vieques lies about 8 miles (13 km) east of the Puerto Rican mainland, and measures about 21 miles (34 km) long by 4 miles (6 km) wide . Its most populated barrio is Isabel Segunda (sometimes written "Isabel II"), the administrative center on the northern side of the island . The population of Vieques was 9,301 at the 2010 Census . </P> <P> The island's name is a Spanish spelling of an American Indian word (likely Taíno) said to mean "small island". It also has the nickname "Isla Nena", usually translated from Spanish as "Little Girl Island", alluding to its perception as Puerto Rico's little sister . During the colonial period, the British name was "Crab Island". </P> <P> Vieques is best known internationally as the site of a series of protests against the United States Navy's use of the island as a bombing range and testing ground, which led to the Navy's departure in 2003 . Today the former navy land is a national wildlife refuge, with numerous beaches that still retain the names given by the Navy, including Red Beach, Blue Beach and Green Beach . The beaches are commonly listed among the top beaches in the Caribbean for their azure - colored waters and white sands . </P> <P> Archaeological evidence suggests that Vieques was first inhabited by ancient American Indian peoples who traveled from continental America perhaps between 3000 BC and 2000 BC . However, estimates of these prehistoric dates of inhabitation vary widely . These tribes had a Stone Age culture and were probably fishermen and hunter - gatherers . </P>

Vieques an island off the shore of puerto rico has been the site of