The difference between Hispanic and Latino Published Oct. 3, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Maria Duluc RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The term "Hispanic" is derived from the people of the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain and Portugal. The term "Latino" is derived 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. Many people in the U.S. became accustomed to hearing the term "Hispanic" because the term was added to the census questionnaire in 1970. The term has not only been appearing on the census forms, but also on federal, state, and municipal applications for employment, school enrollment, and government assistance. The term "Latino" is recognized by many people in the U.S. due to the large number of immigrants from Latin America currently living in the U.S. 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.