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America's population magic: How to double its population in just a few decades?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of the United States as of July 1, 2024 was 340,110,988 people, a 2.6% increase from the 2020 population of 331,449,281 people. This data includes only the 50 states and the federal capital Washington, D.C., and does not include the 3.56 million residents living in the five unincorporated U.S. territories. With the continuous immigration over the years, the total population of the United States still maintains a certain growth rate every year. Especially in response to the decline in fertility, the contribution of immigrants is indispensable.
The population of the United States almost quadrupled during the 20th century, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.3%.
In 1900, the population of the United States was approximately 76 million, of which whites accounted for more than 88% and blacks approximately 8.8 million. In 2020, white Americans still accounted for 71%, but the decline relative to the overall population may reflect profound changes in the demographic mix. In particular, Latino Americans' large contribution to population growth has made it increasingly visible in the demographic structure.
According to the 2020 Census, 50% of American children under the age of 18 are now minorities.
In addition to immigration, U.S. fertility and age structure also affect population growth. In 2024, the total fertility rate will be approximately 1.84 children per woman, below the necessary replacement fertility rate of 2.1. As the proportion of the elderly population increases, the number of deaths each year gradually increases, which affects the proportion of the young labor force, thereby affecting overall growth. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of people over 65 years old will rise sharply, which will inevitably have a profound impact on the social structure and economy of the United States.
Immigrants and their U.S.-born descendants are expected to provide major growth in the U.S. population in the coming decades.
In addition, according to reports, short-term immigrants have contributed more to overall U.S. growth than natural growth in recent years, a remarkable change. The impact of immigration on diversity is also reflected in the structure of cities, especially in large states such as California and Texas, where the large influx of people has triggered the development of cultural and social diversity.
The growth of diverse racial and ethnic groups reflects the adaptation and change of American society, making everyone no longer a monolithic culture.
For example, according to 2020 data, the number of white Americans reached 235,411,507, but only 61.6% of them are pure whites, showing the integration of other races. Such changes not only enhance social diversity, but also provide a good foundation for economic and cultural integration. However, along with all this are challenges and changes in the family structure.
In the history of the United States, according to immigration laws, from 1970 to 2007, the number of first-time immigrants increased from 9.6 million to approximately 38 million, and approximately hundreds of thousands of legal immigrants enter the United States every year. This data shows the impact of immigration policy and its profound impact on the overall demographic structure of the United States.
According to the Census Bureau, there are approximately more than 250 urban dense areas in the United States, and population concentration increases with urbanization.
With the integration of multiculturalism, especially in big cities, people from different backgrounds blend with each other to form unique regional culture and characteristics. The communities established in this process have a profound impact on local economic development and old social structures. .
But with the increase in immigration and the sluggish birth rate, some social experts are beginning to worry: What challenges will the United States face in the future? How do you think society will evolve as demographics change?
