Hispanic and Latino Americans
Latino culture’s rich diversidad owes much to the many national origins of people who identify as Hispano or Latino in the United States. “Hispanic” and “Latino” are sometimes interchanged to identify an individual’s ethnic background. The many nations and independent territories known as Latin America span Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Spain.
As you explore Latino culture in this lesson, notice not only its diversity and its contributions to our country’s multicultural heritage, but also those people you meet here, who embrace the culture and help preserve it. Also consider how Latino culture compares to your own cultural background.
You will also notice that many phrases, names, and words are so unique that they don't have an English translation.
Check out the graphics below that illustrate Hispanics by US states and national origins.
