As Americans of every culture celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the nation's Hispanic population continues to grow at much faster rates than the population as a whole, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Hispanics (who may be of any race) constitute 14 percent of the nation's total population.

The population of Hispanics reached 42.7 million on July 1, 2005, accounting for about one-half of the national population growth of 2.9 million between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005.

By 2050, the projected U.S. Hispanic population is expected to reach 102.6 million. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 24 percent of the nation's total population on that date.

About 64 percent of Hispanic-origin people are of Mexican background. Another 10 percent are of Puerto Rican background, with about 3 percent each of Cuban, Salvadoran and Dominican origins. The remainder are of either some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic or Latino origins.

The average age for Hispanics in 2005 was 27.2 years, compared with 36.2 years for the population as a whole.

In 2002, the Census Bureau announced that the Hispanic community is now the nation's largest minority community -- which Louis Kincannon, director of the U.S. Census Bureau, called "an important event in this country."

"[It's] an event we know is the result of the growth of a vibrant and diverse population that is vital to America's future," he said.

The government said a high birth rate for Hispanics, along with an influx of immigrants, helped secure their position as the nation's largest minority group.

"The Hispanic community has blossomed to every level in every community in this country," said Emma Moreno of the League of United American Citizens. "It's a very positive impact as far as the growth, the educational growth, the social growth, the economic growth of the Hispanic community."

Of the total number of Hispanics in the United States, 49 percent live in California and Texas. California is home to 12.4 million Hispanics, and Texas is home to 7.8 million.

• More Details: Census.gov