America’s ethnic tapestry is a work in progress. According to the most recent Census Survey (2000), the US population is composed of 1.5% Native American Indians and Alaskans, 13% Hispanics, 13% African Americans, and 4% Asians. The remaining 68.5% identified their race as "white" (Caucasian), although this figure includes many of mixed race.

The current growth rate is less than 1%, and an aging population is a matter of concern for America’s politicians and employers. However, immigration continues to boost the population by about a million every year. Hispanics (who have a higher than average birth rate) have overtaken African Americans as the fastest-growing ethnic group.

If current patterns continue, the US, population is projected to reach 409 million in 2050. Immigration trends, fluctuate based on economic and political conditions at home and overseas, which in turn affect US immigration policies. Events such as the two World Wars and, more recently, terrorist attacks, spark periodic upsurges of nationalism, suspicion of certain ethnic groups, and pressure to limit the flow of immigrants.

(Adapted from, Culture Smart! USA by Gina Teague.)

Nationality:Noun: American (s)
Adjective: American

Population:303,824,646 (July 2008 est.)

Median age:Total: 36.7 years
Male: 35.4 years
Female: 38.1 years (2008 est.)

Sex ratio:At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
Under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2008 est.)

Ethnic groups:White 81.7%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Amerindian and Alaska native 1%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.2% (2003 est.)
Note: A separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the U.S. Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean a person of Latin American descent (including persons of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican origin) living in the U.S. who may be of any race or ethnic group (white, black, Asian, etc.)

Religions:Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)

Languages:English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census)
Note: Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii

Source: The World Factbook