While specific numbers vary depending on the source and how "Spanish speaker" is defined, California consistently has the highest concentration of Spanish speakers. This is due to a number of factors, including:
* Historical immigration: California has historically been a major destination for Spanish-speaking immigrants, particularly from Mexico.
* Proximity to Mexico: California shares a long border with Mexico, and many residents have family ties across the border.
* Large Hispanic population: California has the largest Hispanic population of any US state, which naturally leads to a large number of Spanish speakers.
It's important to note that while California has the most Spanish speakers in absolute numbers, other states might have higher percentages of their populations speaking Spanish, depending on how "Spanish speaker" is defined.