Hispanics

Hispanics are an ethnic group primarily identified by a shared heritage of Spanish-speaking or Spanish cultural traditions. The term is most frequently used in the United States to describe people with ancestry from Latin America, Spain, or the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic or Latino people constitute a significant portion of the U.S. population, with a growth rate that has outpaced many other demographic groups over recent decades. In 2020, the Census estimated about 62.1 million individuals in the United States identified as Hispanic or Latino, representing roughly 18.5 percent of the total population.

The origins of the Hispanic population trace back to the colonization of the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Over time, these communities merged with indigenous peoples, African slaves, and later European immigrants from other regions, giving rise to diverse cultural identities. In Brazil, the primary language is Portuguese, but a separate category known as “Latinos” is often used to refer to people whose ancestral ties lie in the wider Latin American region.

Culturally, Hispanics contribute significantly to the arts, cuisine, music, and religious practices throughout the Americas and beyond. Hispanic literature includes notable authors such as Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende. In contemporary society, Hispanics are active participants in politics, business, academia, and social movements, influencing policy discussions on immigration, education, and social justice.