Within the Latin American minority, there are people of different national and ethnic origins. Physical appearances vary widely and often show the blending of European, Amerindian, and African features that has occurred over many generations. Most Central Americans, as is other Latin Americans, are mestizos. Mestizos have both European and American Indian ancestors and, in some cases, African ancestors as well. Their European ancestors were mostly Spaniards. Most Spaniards possess typical Mediterranean features - olive skin, dark hair and eyes. Their Indian ancestors were living in what is now Latin America when the Spaniards arrived. The European ancestors of Brazilians are mostly Portuguese. Most of the African ancestors were brought as slaves to the region while it was in Spanish control. Some Colombians are of mixed Spanish and African descent, with their African ancestors having been brought over by the Spaniards to work as slaves, while many other Colombians are of Amerindian, Arab, German, Italian and Spanish descent. Most Argentine-Australians are of Spanish and/or Italian descent, though other ethnic groups such as the British, Eastern Europeans, Arabs, Mestizos, Mulattoes and Asians also immigrated to Argentina. Most Chilean-Australians are mestizos and of Spanish descent, and other ethnic groups such as the British, Germans, Eastern Europeans, Arabs, and Asians also immigrated to Argentina.
Distribution
Sydney is home to the largest proportion of Latin American Australians - 66% of Uruguay-born, 62% of Peru-born, 47% each of Chile-born and Colombia-born, and 42% of Brazilian-born respondents at the 2006 Census were residing in Sydney. Persons from El Salvador however have different settlement patterns - only 18% were residing in Sydney, while 32% were in Melbourne and 21% were in Brisbane. As of 2014, there are 4,960 Mexican-born people living in Australia.
Culture
Cuisine
Food is one area in which Latin America has influenced cuisine in Australia. Mexican foods are especially popular. The taco, a folded tortilla filled with meat, cheese and other ingredients. Other Latin American dishes, such as enchiladas, tamales, tostadas and empanadas are also served in many Latin American-themed restaurants.
Notable Latin American Australians
There have been many distinguished Latin American Australians, in sports, the arts, politics and other areas. These include: ;Film and Television