Time for a little geography lesson regarding the Latino population in the US. Before we begin, 2 quick rules for the road ahead.
UNO :: Not all Spanish-speaking people in the US are from México.
I know. Shocking.
Don’t assume or guess. But… if you find yourself in some strange situation where failure to provide a guess will surely result in saltwaterboarding… then guess Mexico. Nearly 7 out of 10 Latinos in the US are from Mexico, so play the odds.
DOS :: The designation “Latino” and “Hispanic” are both cool to describe, er… Latinos and Hispanics.
Seems simple enough, but in conversation White people frequently say “Latino” or “Hispanic,” then pause quickly, look around suspiciously and in hushed tones say, “Oooh, is that OK for me to say?”
The US Census Bureau defines “Hispanic or Latino” as “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.”
Pretty broad. The government covers themselves this way, so you can too. Or here is a novel idea – ask a Hispanic/Latino if they have a preference of one over the other. If they have a preferencia, ask Why. Be curious.
Two easy rules, eh? Now onto the Geo Lesson…. Grab a pen and paper. Go ahead – I’ll wait.
OK – now write the numbers Uno through Diez (1 thru 10) down the left margin of the sheet of paper on different lines. There are 10 questions in this test – all answers will be revealed at the end of this post.
PREGUNTA
(pray-GOON-tah)
question
PREGUNTA 1
Along with Mexico (nearly 70%), which Latino group represents the second largest population in the US?
PREGUNTA 2
Mexico is roughly the size of which 2 US states combined:
a. Michigan and California
b. Alaska and Oregon
c. Texas and Florida
d. Kanas and Arkansas
PREGUNTA 3
What country is this?
PREGUNTA 4
This country has the 3rd largest number of Hispanics in the US (4%). It’s name is translated as “The Savior.”
PREGUNTA 5
At 3.5%, Cuba holds the 4th spot for most Hispanics – which of these 4 Cuban cities has the coolest name?
a. Cienfuegos (100 fires)
b. Matanzas (Killings)
c. Isla de la Juventud (Youth Island)
PREGUNTA 6
Which Latin Country shares an island with Haiti?
PREGUNTA 7
Which 2 countries each have about 2% of the Hispanic population in the US?
a. Honduras and Colombia
b. Ecuador and Guatemala
c. Miami and Peru
d. Guatemala and Colombia
PREGUNTA 8
Which Central American country reminds me of Captain Hook?
PREGUNTA 9
Is Puerto Rico a country?
PREGUNTA 10
The ruins of Machu Picchu reside in this country which has about 1% of the US Hispanic population.
RESPUESTAS
(rays-PWAYS-tahs)
answers
- Puerto Rico
- b. Alaska and Oregon
- Belize
- El Salvador
- Trick question – It’s Morón.
- Dominican Republic (nearly 3%)
- Guatemala and Colombia each have about 2%
- Panama Hook (less than 1% Panamanians in the US)
- No. It’s an unincorporated territory of the US
- Peru
Bradley Hartmann is founder and el presidente at Red Angle (www.redanglespanish.com), a Spanish language training firm focused on the construction industry.
