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About the USA    

About the USA is a digital collection of background resources on american society, culture, and political processes. In addition to featuring selected websites, it provides access to documents in full text format (E-Texts) on topics ranging from the history of German-American relations, government and politics to travel, holidays and sports. About the USA is maintained by the Information Resource Centers/U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Germany. usa.usembassy.de

In Focus: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15)

Latin Jazz, issued in September 2008 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, was designed by Michael Bartalos.

Hispanic Heritage Month honors the diverse people of Spanish-speaking backgrounds in the United States. From September 15 to October 15, a multitude of special programs, events, exhibits and Web sites celebrate the heritage, culture, spirit and extraordinary contributions of Hispanic Americans.

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included September 15 and September 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (September 15–October 15).

Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority group in the United States, according to the Census Bureau. The Hispanic population is projected to nearly triple, from almost 47 million to 133 million, from 2008 to 2050, and will jump from 15 percent to 30 percent of the population.

Today, more than ever, Hispanic Americans play an integral role in shaping the American experience. They serve as leaders in government, law, business, science, sports, the arts and many other occupations. The influence of Hispanic culture is reflected in every aspect of American life, from politics to education to music and television.

Facts for Features: Hispanic Heritage Month 2008

Population 

Dancers perform a flamenco style dance for school children in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (© AP Images)

45.5 million - The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2007, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constituted 15 percent of the nation’s total population. In addition, there are approximately 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico. Source: <Population estimates> and <Press Release> 64% - The percentage of Hispanic-origin people in the United States who are of Mexican background. Another 9 percent are of Puerto Rican background, with 3.4 percent Cuban, 3.1 percent Salvadoran and 2.8 percent Dominican. The remainder are of some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic or Latino origin. Source: <2006 American Community Survey> 27.6 years - Median age of the Hispanic population in 2007. This compares with 36.6 years for the population as a whole. Source: <Population estimates>

States and Counties

48% - The percentage of the Hispanic-origin population that lives in California or Texas. California is home to 13.2 million Hispanics, and Texas is home to 8.6 million. 44% - The percentage of New Mexico’s population that is Hispanic, the highest of any state. Hispanics also make up more than a quarter of the population in California and Texas, at 36 percent each, Arizona (30 percent) and Nevada (25 percent). 308,000 - The increase in Texas’ Hispanic population between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, which led all states. California (268,000) and Florida (131,000) also recorded large increases. Source: <Population estimates>

Families and Children

9.9 million - The number of Hispanic family households in the United States in 2006. Of these households, 62 percent included children younger than 18. Source: <Families and Living Arrangements>

Spanish Language

34 million - The number of U.S. residents 5 and older who speak Spanish at home. Spanish speakers constitute 12 percent of U.S. residents. Source: <2006 American Community Survey>

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance

$38,679 - The median income of Hispanic households in 2007, statistically unchanged from the previous year after adjusting for inflation. 21.5% - The poverty rate among Hispanics in 2007, up from 20.6 percent in 2006. 32.1% - The percentage of Hispanics who lacked health insurance in 2007, down from 34.1 percent in 2006. Source: <Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007>

Education

60% - The percentage of Hispanics 25 and older who had at least a high school education in 2007. 13% - The percentage of the Hispanic population 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2007. 3.3 million - The number of Hispanics 18 and older who had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2007, up from 1.7 million a decade earlier. 811,000 - Number of Hispanics 25 and older with advanced degrees in 2007 (e.g., master’s, professional, doctorate). Source: <Educational Attainment in the United States: 2007> 11% - Percentage of all college students in October 2006 who were Hispanic. Among elementary and high school students combined, the corresponding proportion was 19 percent. Source: <School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students: October 2006>

Educational attainment levels are higher among certain Hispanic groups than among others. For example, among Cubans 25 and older, 75 percent were at least high school graduates, and 26 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Source: <2006 American Community Survey>

Jobs

Liborio Markets in Las Vegas caters to the burgeoning Hispanic population in the area, offering products such as nopal cactus. (© AP Images)

68% - Percentage of Hispanics 16 and older who are in the civilian labor force. 17% - The percentage of Hispanics 16 or older who work in management, professional and related occupations. Roughly the same percentage work in construction, extraction, maintenance and repair occupations (although this percentage is significantly lower than for those in management, professional and related occupations). Approximately 24 percent of Hispanics 16 or older work in service occupations; 22 percent in sales and office occupations; 2 percent in farming, fishing and forestry occupations; and 18 percent in production, transportation and material moving occupations. Source: <2006 American Community Survey> 82,500 - Number of Hispanic chief executives. In addition, 46,200 physicians and surgeons; 53,600 postsecondary teachers; 43,000 lawyers; and 5,700 news analysts, reporters and correspondents are Hispanic. Source: <Upcoming Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 596>

Voting

7.6 million - The number of Hispanic citizens who reported voting in the 2004 presidential election. The percentage of Hispanic citizens voting — about 47 percent — did not change statistically from four years earlier. Source: <Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2004> 5.6 million - The number of Hispanic citizens who reported voting in the 2006 congressional elections. The percentage of Hispanic citizens voting — about 32 percent — did not change statistically from four years earlier. Source: <Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2006>

Military

1.1 million - The number of Hispanic veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Source: <2006 American Community Survey>

Last updated: September 22, 2008