Race and ethnicity in the United States Census

In the U.S. Census, "race" refers to categories that describe physical characteristics, such as White, Black, Asian, or Native American. "Ethnicity" distinguishes whether someone is Hispanic or Latino, or not. People can identify with multiple races or ethnicities. These categories help gather data on population diversity, social trends, and resource needs, but they are social constructs that may not fully capture individual identities or experiences. The census aims to provide a clearer picture of the nation’s demographic makeup to inform policies and services.