Where is the ukulele originally from?

Hawaii

The ukulele, with its distinctive and cheerful sound, is closely associated with Hawaiian culture. It was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 19th century by Portuguese immigrants who came to work in the sugar plantations. Quickly adopted by the local population, the ukulele was integrated into Hawaiian music and culture, gaining popularity across the United States in the early 20th century and later becoming a global symbol of island music. The term "ukulele" means "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, referring to the rapid movement of the players' fingers on the strings of the instrument.