How many Hispanics are there in the United States?
Hispanic Americans are thye largets ethnic minority in the US, making up nearly 20% of the population.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the United States pays tribute to the great impact and achievements made by and for the Spanish-speaking community in the nation.
“Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Americans who have roots from Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean”, notes the United States Census Bureau.
How many Hispanics are there in the United States?
The Hispanic community in the United States makes up the largest ethnic and racial minority in the country. According to the latest update from the Census Bureau, the United States has more than 333 million residents, of which, 63.7 million belong to the Hispanic community. This represents about 19 percent of the country’s total population.
According to official data, the states in the country that have one million or more Hispanic residents are:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Washington.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated?
In 1968, Congress passed a bill to celebrate the Hispanic community through Hispanic Heritage Week. The legislation was signed by the country’s 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson.
Two decades later, in 1988, the celebration was extended to an entire month, thanks to an order proclaimed by the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Regan. Hispanic Heritage Month was established from September 15 to October 15.
The beginning of the celebration has a historical signifiance, since 15 September marks independence in most of the countries of Central America, while Mexico and Chile will do the same on September 16 and 18, respectively.