Where Do Most Latinos Live Outside Latin America?

Latinos have spread across the world, bringing their culture, traditions, and community spirit with them. Whether for better job opportunities, education, or simply a new adventure, millions of Latin Americans now call different countries home. But where exactly do most Latinos live outside of Latin America? Let’s take a look at some of the biggest Latino communities around the globe.

The U.S.: The Biggest Latino Hub Outside Latin America

No surprise here: the United States is home to the largest Latino population outside Latin America, with over 65 million people identifying as Latino or Hispanic. That’s 19.5% of the total U.S. population, and the number keeps growing.

• California takes the top spot, with nearly 16 million Latinos, making up more than 40% of the state’s population.
• Texas follows closely, with around 12.1 million Latinos, thanks to its deep historical and cultural ties with Mexico.
• Florida is home to around 6.19 million Latinos, including a huge Cuban-American community in Miami.
• New York also has a significant Latino presence, with 3.8 million Latinos, mostly Puerto Rican and Dominican.

One city stands out as a Latin American capital in the U.S.: Miami. With a population that is nearly 70% Latino, Spanish is spoken everywhere, from restaurants to government offices. The Cuban community is the largest, but Miami is also home to Venezuelans, Colombians, Argentinians, and Dominicans, making it one of the most vibrant Latino cities outside Latin America.

Spain: The Second Home for Many Latinos

The second most popular destination for Latin American emigrants is Spain, with over 4.2 million Latin American residents. The historical and linguistic ties make it a natural choice for many, especially those from Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, and Ecuador.

Madrid has become a cultural hub for Latin Americans, with a Latino population exceeding one million, meaning one in every seven residents is of Latin American origin. Latin music, food, and traditions are integral to everyday life in the Spanish capital. Other cities like Barcelona and Valencia also have growing Latino populations, with many choosing Spain for its work opportunities and ease of integration.

Canada: A Growing Latino Destination

While not as big as in the U.S. or Spain, Canada is home to over one million Latinos, with most living in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. The Latin American community is relatively new but growing fast, thanks to Canada’s immigration-friendly policies.

Toronto has a large Mexican, Colombian, and Salvadoran community, while Montreal is home to many Peruvians, Chileans, and Argentinians. Latinos in Canada have created strong communities, with Spanish-language radio stations, festivals, and cultural centers.

Europe Beyond Spain: Latinos in Italy, the U.K., and More

While Spain is the top European destination for Latinos, other countries also have growing Latin American populations.

• Italy has over 500,000 Latinos, many from Argentina and Peru, drawn by the historical migration of Italians to South America.
• The United Kingdom has about 245,000 Latinos, mainly from Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, with London being the primary hub.
• Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden also have Latino communities, although they are smaller.

Latinos in Europe often move for study or work, and they have built strong networks by organizing events, language exchange programs, and festivals to keep their cultures vibrant.

Japan: An Unexpected Latin American Community

Japan might not be the first place you’d associate with Latin America, but it actually has over 345,000 Latin Americans, mainly Brazilian with Japanese heritage. In the late 20th century, many Japanese-Brazilians, also known as Nikkei Brazilians, moved to Japan seeking better job prospects. They now make up the largest Portuguese-speaking community in Asia.

In cities like Nagoya and Hamamatsu, you’ll find substantial Brazilian neighborhoods, complete with Brazilian supermarkets, schools, and cultural centers. There’s also a noteworthy Peruvian community in Japan, with many members employed in the manufacturing sector.

Australia and New Zealand: Latinos in Oceania

Latinos have also made their way to Australia and New Zealand, with over 93,000 Latin Americans in Australia and nearly 39,000 in New Zealand. Sydney and Melbourne have large Chilean, Colombian, and Salvadoran communities. In New Zealand, Brazilians, Chileans, and Argentinians make up the majority of the Latino population. Many Latinos in these countries move for work, study, or adventure, and while the numbers are smaller than in the U.S. or Europe, their presence is growing.

Wherever they go, Latinos bring their culture, music, food, and traditions. From the bustling streets of Miami to the unexpected Latino hubs in Japan and Australia, the Latin American spirit is alive and well across the world. No matter where they settle, one thing is for sure, Latinos always find a way to make anywhere feel like home.