September 18, 2017 - In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. In 1989, Congress expanded the observance to a month long celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) of 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 is 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.
Population
Sept. 15 is 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.
Population
57.5 million
1,131,766
2.0%
119 million
63.4%
States and Counties
10.9 million
9
54.4%
15.3 million
4.9 million
39,600
Families and Children
16.7 million
48.0%
57.5%
67.2%
Spanish Language
40 million
72.9%
Income, Poverty and Health Insurance
$45,150
21.4%
16.2%
Education
66.0%
14.8%
4.7 million
1.5 million
17.0%
24.3%
Foreign Born
34.5%
64.3%
Jobs
67.0%
20.5%
Voting
9.2%
7.3%
Serving our Country
1.2 million
Business
312,738
$61.2 billion
Source:
2015 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs
Source: US Census Bureau
Source: US Census Bureau