In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. [Our emphasis] The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Here are just a few of the statistics (with sources) found on the page:
+ 46.9 million
The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2008, 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 4 million residents of Puerto Rico.
+ 27.7 years
Median age of the Hispanic population in 2008. This compared with 36.8 years for the population as a whole
+ 48%
The percentage of the Hispanic-origin population that lived in California or Texas in 2008. California was home to 13.5 million Hispanics, and Texas was home to 8.9 million.
+ 1.6 million
The number of Hispanic-owned businesses in 2002.
+ 21.5%
The poverty rate among Hispanics in 2007, up from 20.6 percent in 2006.
+ 1 million
Number of Hispanics 25 and older with advanced degrees in 2008 (e.g., master’s, professional, doctorate).
+ 4
The number of Hispanic surnames ranked among the 15 most common in 2000. It was the first time that a Hispanic surname reached the top 15 during a census. Garcia was the most frequent Hispanic surname, occurring 858,289 times and placing eighth on the list — up from 18th in 1990. Rodriguez (ninth), Martinez (11th) and Hernandez (15th) were the next most common Hispanic surnames.
+ 67%
Percentage of Hispanics 16 and older who were in the civilian labor force in 2007.
+ 1.1 million
The number of Hispanic veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
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