New Mexico is located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is the sixth most sparsely inhabited U.S. state and has the highest percentage of Hispanics with approximately 44% of the population being Hispanic. Many of these are descendants of Spanish colonists, while some are recent immigrants from Latin America. It also has the third highest percentage of Native Americans after Alaska and Oklahoma. The New Mexico flag includes red and gold to represent Spain, and the Zia symbol which is an ancient Native American symbol for the sun.