The size and distribution of the American Indian population: Fertility, mortality, migration, and residence

This paper is a descriptive analysis of the basic demographic characteristics that determine the size and distribution of the American Indian population. The data reported are obtained from the 1990 Census, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Indian Health Service. Among the findings reported in this paper is that American Indians have higher levels of fertility than other groups, especially whites. Mortality due to accidents, diabetes, and alcohol-related illness is especially high for American Indians. And despite relatively high levels of residential mobility, the distribution of the American Indian population has been relatively stable since 1970.