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Population Estimates Highlight Hispanics as Rapidly Growing Group,
Says Census Bureau Director
The nation's Hispanic population totals about 30.0 million, a 35-percent gain
over the 1990 total of 22.4 million, according to the latest estimates of the
Department of Commerce's Census Bureau. Census Bureau Director Kenneth Prewitt
said today that the new numbers reaffirm the fact that Hispanics are one of the
nation's fastest-growing ethnic groups.
Prewitt noted that the data were released at the beginning of Hispanic
Heritage Month, which runs from Sept 15 through Oct 15.
"Census 2000 represents a great opportunity for Hispanics to affirm
their heritage," said Prewitt. "Hispanics should take pride in marking
the box on the Census 2000 questionnaire that declares their Hispanic
origin."
Hispanic heritage is also the underlying theme of the latest issue of the
Census Bureau's Facts for Features, a regular publication that includes
statistical data about Hispanic families, educational attainment, businesses and
employment. The Census Bureau also produces a daily, one-minute radio feature
called "Al Dia," which is distributed every business day to
Spanish-language radio stations throughout the country.
"The Census 2000 slogan for the Hispanic community is 'H gase Contar' of
'Make Yourself Count," said Prewitt. "Answering the census is
important, easy and safe. That's why on the occasion of Hispanic Heritage Month,
I urge the Latino community to do just that."
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