The difference between ‘Hispanic’ and ‘Latino’

The term “Hispanic” derives from the people of the Iberian Peninsula that includes Spain and Portugal. “Latino” derives from the indigenous people of the Americas (Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Central America and South America). Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and most nations in Central and South America speak Spanish because they were once colonies of Spain.

A large number of the population in the United States got used to hearing the term “Hispanic” because the term was added to the census questionnaire in 1970. The term has not only appeared on the census forms, but also on federal, state and municipal applications for employment, school enrollment and government assistance.

The term “Latino” has, however, begun to be recognized by many people in the United States due to the large number of immigrants from Latin America currently living in the United States. It is worth noting that immigration from Latin America has considerably increased since 1980. Latin America consists of Mexico, Cuba, the Central American nations and the South American nations.

There are people who do not believe the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” should be used interchangeably. Nonetheless, the Hispanic community and the Latino community together represent a diverse group of individuals who share many things in common such as language and customs.

(Courtesy of the Latino-Hispanic Historical Society)