U.s. Population The U.s. Is The Fastest Growing ...

U.S. Population The U.S. is the fastest growing industrialized nation in the world, growing by 2.8 million people a year (a fertility rate of 2.05). Although 12% of the U.S. population is 65 or older, higher fertility rates and immigration keep America younger than Europe. About 40% of our population growth comes from immigration, both legal and illegal, reports the Census Bureau. However, if the fertility rate remains unchanged, all of America’s population increase will eventually come from immigration. The Census Bureau projects the population will hit 300 million in 10/06. By 2050, the U.S. is projected to have 420 million people. By contrast. India will likely add 473 million people by 2050 for a new total of 1.6 billion, passing China as the world’s most populous country. (Leadership Network Advance 8/8/06)