Hispánicos

Hispánicos is a term used to describe people who originate from or identify with the Spanish-speaking world. In English-language contexts, the equivalent term is Hispanic, and in public discourse it is often used to describe individuals or communities with origins in Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas as well as, in some usages, Spain. The term derives from Hispania, the Latin name for the Iberian Peninsula, and its adoption as a demographic category varies by country and institution. In the United States, Hispanic is commonly used in official statistics and media to group people with origins in Spanish-speaking nations.

The scope of the category is diverse. Spanish-speaking cultures span Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe, with wide differences in language, religion, and national identities. In the United States, Hispanic communities include people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American, South American, and other backgrounds, among many others. The term does not denote a single race and many individuals identify with multiple ethnic or national backgrounds. Language is a central common element, with Spanish spoken across most communities, often alongside English and, in some cases, Indigenous or other languages.

Terminology and identity are evolving. Some people prefer terms such as Latinos, Latinas, Latine, or simply the names of their national or regional communities. Debates about inclusivity, origins, and cultural belonging mean that the use and acceptance of “Hispánicos/Hispanic” can differ by country, generation, and personal preference.