Intermediate level KU The USA

On your map Colour in the West - Blue Now colour the South – Red North East – Green Mid West - Orange

Some basic information Population 314 million people 4 th largest country in the world It’s the worlds largest economy

Ethnic Groups in the USA American Indians – 1% White Americans – 66 % African Americans – 13% Hispanic Americans – 15% Asian & Pacific Islanders – 5 %

Settlement Patterns Approx 200 million Americans who are white. White people are more evenly distributed across four regions ( West, South, north-east & mid-west) and less in metropolitan areas. Cities with highest proportions of white people are located in the NE & MW. These regions don’t receive as many immigrants as the West & South.

Hispanics They are the fastest growing minority group. Over 40% of Hispanics are foreign born. The south & west account for 80% of the Hispanic population. Over 90% are concentrated in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico & California. Many of these states belonged to Mexico prior to the 1848 war.

Most Puerto Ricans live in states like NY and NJ. Cuban Americans – Form the 1/3 largest Hispanic group and are based in Florida. Closest point from Cuba and there is large Cuban community. They are more likely to find employment there. They are now spreading out of their traditional areas. Trying to gain employment.

African Americans: Majority live in the south, approx. 55% Brought to the USA as slaves to work in cotton & tobacco plantations in former slave owning states – Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia & S.Carolina After slavery many stayed in the south while others migrated north for jobs They got trapped in inner city ghettos in NYC as standards were not better. Middle class now move to suburbs

The middle classes are now moving back southwards to states such as Georgia, N.Carolina, Texas. 72% of the AA population growth between took place in the south. Atlanta is likely to overtake Chicago as the 2 nd largest black city. Many feel these areas offer a community where they can network.

API – based in LA, NY, San Fran. Over ½ in the west. Historical reasons for this is they were brought to work on Pacific Railway on the West Coast. Closest point of entry. Vietnamese live in Florida due to jobs. ½ live in wealthier suburbs as they are high earners

Native Americans First settlers Over 1/3 are concentrated in reservations in States such as Arizona, California & Oklahoma. They have retained their culture and tradition. Phoenix has grown 24.2% since 2000 in population

Activities 1.What conclusions can be drawn about the composition of the USA? 2.Why are Hispanics more likely to live in States such as California and Texas? 3.What role does slavery play in accounting for the high % of black settlers in the south?