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Mexican Ethnic Groups, a Brief History

Thousands of years before Europeans arrived, Mexico was home to dozens of flourishing indigenous tribes. Most well known among them were the Maya, Aztecs, and Olmecs who, respectively, settled the Yucatan, central and south regions, and Gulf Coast regions of Mexico.

The first Spanish conquistadores, led by Herman Cortez, arrived in Veracruz in 1591. Within two years, he had defeated the Aztecs and captured their capital Tenochtitlan. From their base in central and southern Mexico the conquistadores vastly expanded their control northward to include what is now the Southwestern United States.

For the next 300 years, Mexico remained a Spanish territory until her independence in 1821.

Mestizos, at approximately 60% of the population, are the largest ethnic group, followed by Amerindian at 30%.