Is Portuguese Hispanic or White?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. Portuguese people can be of both Hispanic and white descent, and there is a long and complex history behind this.

History of the Portuguese People

The Portuguese people are descended from a variety of different groups, including the Celts, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. The Moors, who were Muslim conquerors from North Africa, ruled over Portugal for over 500 years. During this time, many Portuguese people converted to Islam and adopted Arabic customs.

After the Reconquista, or the Christian reconquest of Portugal, many of the Muslims who had converted to Christianity remained in the country. These people, known as Moriscos, were often discriminated against by the Portuguese government. In the 16th century, the Portuguese Inquisition was established to suppress heresy, and many Moriscos were forced to convert to Catholicism or leave the country.

As a result of this history, many Portuguese people have both Hispanic and white ancestry. This is reflected in the country’s culture, which is a blend of European and Arabic influences.

Portuguese Identity

Today, most Portuguese people identify as white. However, there is a growing number of people who identify as Hispanic. This is due in part to the increasing immigration from Latin America to Portugal.

According to the 2011 Census, there were over 500,000 foreign-born residents in Portugal. Of these, over 200,000 were from Latin America. This number has been growing steadily in recent years.

The arrival of these immigrants has led to a more diverse Portuguese population. This is reflected in the country’s culture, which is becoming increasingly influenced by Latin American traditions.

Conclusion

So, is Portuguese Hispanic or white? The answer is both. Portuguese people are descended from a variety of different groups, and their culture is a blend of European and Arabic influences. Today, most Portuguese people identify as white, but there is a growing number of people who identify as Hispanic. This is due in part to the increasing immigration from Latin America to Portugal.

Additional Information

• The Portuguese language is a Romance language that is spoken by over 250 million people worldwide.
• Portugal is a member of the European Union.
• Portugal is a popular tourist destination, with over 20 million visitors each year.

Tables

Table 1: Portuguese Ancestry

Table 2: Portuguese Immigration

Table 3: Portuguese Culture

Table 4: Portuguese Identity