Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and traditions of United States residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean? Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.
Here are some facts about Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S.:
· Estimated Hispanic population as of July 1, 2007 is 45.5 million. (15% of total population). In addition, there are approximately 3.9 million residents in Puerto Rico.
· Percent increase in the Hispanic population between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005 was 3.3% (fastest-growing minority group).
· The projected Hispanic population on July 1, 2050 is 132.8 million. If so, Hispanics will constitute 30% of the nation’s total population on that date.
· In U.S., percentage of Mexican origin is 64%, Puerto Rican 9%, Cuban 3.1%, Salvadoran-2.8% and Dominican-2.8%.
· About 50% of the nation’s Dominicans live in New York City and about half of the nation’s Cubans in Miami-Dade County, Fla.
· In Monroe County, NY, Hispanics comprise 5.7% of the county population.
Joann Santos
CSTEP
09/26/2008 |