This module offers a brief introduction to Latinos in the United States. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the population, now totaling 35.3 million. This figure is almost equal to the African American population (34.6 million). This demographic change has important cultural and political implications for the new millennium.

The number of persons who self-classified as Hispanic in the latest Census grew at a rate of 60% since the previous census. The projected statistic indicated that the Hispanic (who could be of any racial group) would become the largest minority of this century; however it seems that that milestone has been reached sooner than expected.

The Census classifies Hispanics as persons whose ancestors come from Spanish speaking countries. In the United States almost two thirds (66%) come from Mexico. People of Mexican origin are primarily located in the Southwest and in large cities.  Other sizeable groups are the Puerto Ricans and the Dominicans, located primarily in the eastern United States, particularly in the New York area.  Hispanics of Cuban origin are mostly found in the Miami area and represent another significant percentage of Hispanics in the U.S.  The most recent group of immigrants to the United States is made up of Central Americans (Nicaraguans and Salvadorians).