This map shows the percentage of each U.S. state's population that identifies as Native American or Alaska Native. While Native peoples have lived across North America for thousands of years, their populations are distributed unevenly today, reflecting centuries of migration, treaties, displacement, and the locations of federally recognized tribal lands and reservations.
Alaska stands out with the highest share of Native residents, followed by states such as Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota. Many of these states are home to large tribal nations, including the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation, Sioux tribes, and numerous Alaska Native communities. Their cultures, languages, and traditions continue to play an important role in the history and identity of these regions.
The modern distribution of Native American populations has been shaped by both ancient settlement patterns and more recent historical events. During the 19th century, policies such as the Indian Removal Act forced many tribes from their ancestral homelands, while reservations were established across parts of the West. Today, more than 570 federally recognized tribes maintain distinct governments, cultures, and legal relationships with the United States.
One interesting detail is that Oklahoma has the largest Native American population by total number, while Alaska has the highest percentage of Native residents. This illustrates how total population and population share can tell very different stories about a state's demographics.
Maps like this highlight the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples across the United States. They serve as a reminder that Native American nations remain an essential part of the country's history, culture, and future.
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