The Growth and Diversity of AAPI Populations

This session looks at the demography of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It examines the rapid growth of the AAPI population, addresses at the considerable diversity among AAPIs, and reminds us that the common perception of Asians as a "model minority" is a myth that overlooks significant health disparities among AAPI populations.

Approximately 12 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders live in the US-about 5% of the total population. It is projected that by the year 2020, the AAPI population will reach 20 million. By 2050, they are expected to make up 9.3% of the US population (US Census Bureau 2004).

Asians represent a vast array of cultures and hundreds of languages and dialects.

The largest Asian ethnic group in the US is Chinese, followed by Filipinos, Asian Indians, Vietnamese, and Koreans (US Census Bureau 2004).

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