The association publishes reference works on the Spanish language and commemorative editions of Hispanic literature, among other publications.

[3][4][5][6] Through the initiative of then-president of Mexico Miguel Alemán Valdés, the first congress of academies convened with the purpose of maintaining the integrity of and fostering the further growth of Spanish.

[citation needed] In 2000 the association organised the School of Hispanic Lexicography and the Carolina Foundation to promote Spanish lexicography[citation needed], and together with the RAE, the association earned the Prince of Asturias Award for peace.

The National Academia of Judaeo-Spanish in Israel will then have the ability to petition to join as a full member, likely in 2019.

[15][needs update] There are no plans for Belize, Gibraltar, or Andorra to have their own academies, despite each having a majority Spanish-speaking population either as a first or second language.