Hispanic

Hispanic is a term used to describe people who originate from or whose ancestors originate from Spanish-speaking countries. In many contexts it is used to denote a cultural or linguistic heritage associated with the Spanish language. The term is not a race and people who identify as Hispanic may come from a wide range of racial backgrounds and national origins.

In the United States, Hispanic is an official ethnic designation used by government agencies, including the Census Bureau. It refers to heritage linked to Spanish-speaking countries and does not imply a single national identity. Some people prefer other terms, such as Latino or Latina, or gender-neutral Latino/a/o, to emphasize geographic origin rather than language.

Geographically, Hispanic populations are centered in Spain and the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, as well as communities in the United States and other parts of the world. Globally, there are hundreds of millions of people who speak Spanish, making Hispanic identity a broad and diverse category that encompasses many cultures, traditions, and histories.

The terms Hispanic and Latino/Latina overlap but are not identical. Hispanic emphasizes Spanish-language and heritage, while Latino/Latina emphasizes geographic origin in Latin America. Preferences for one term over the other vary by community and individual. In some contexts, people may also identify with more specific national, regional, or cultural affiliations, reflecting the diversity within Hispanic communities.