Kansas

Kansas, derived from the Siouan word Kansa meaning "People of the south wind," is a Midwestern state in the United States. The U.S. postal abbreviation for the state is KS.

Demographics

As of 2004, the population of Kansas was 2,735,502. This includes 149,800 foreign-born (5.5% of the state population), and an estimated 47,000 illegal aliens (1.7% of state population).

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The increase in population was only 0.4% from the prior year. Only eight states and the District of Columbia have slower growth rates. Between 1990 and 2004, the state grew by 246,000, a 9% increase.

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Race and ancestry

The racial makeup of the state and comparison to the prior census:

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The largest reported ancestries in the state are: German (25.9%), Irish (11.5%), English (10.8%), American (8.8%), French (3.1%), and Swedish (2.4%). 'American' includes those reported as Native American or African American.

Related Topics:
German - Irish - English - French - Swedish - African American

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Americans of British ancestry are common throughout Kansas, as are German-Americans. People of German ancestry are especially strong in the northwest, people of British ancestry and descendents of white Americans from other states are especially strong in the southeast. Mexicans are present in parts of the southwest. Kansas City and Junction City are predominantly black. Many African Americans in Kansas are descended from the "Exodusters", newly freed blacks who fled the South for land in Kansas following the Civil War.

Related Topics:
Americans of British ancestry - German-American

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Religion

The religious affiliations of the people of Kansas are as follows:

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• Christian – 82%
• Protestant – 60%
• Methodist – 14%
• Baptist – 14%
• Lutheran – 4%
• Presbyterian – 3%
• Church of Christ – 3%
• Mennonite/Pietist – 1%
• Other Protestant – 21%
• Roman Catholic – 20%
• Other Christian – 2%
• Other Religions – 1%
• Non-Religious – 17%

"Rural flight"

Kansas, as well as five other Midwest states (Nebraska, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota and Iowa), is feeling the brunt of falling populations. 89% of the total number of cities in those states have fewer than 3000 people; hundreds have fewer than than 1000. Between 1996 and 2004, almost half a million people, nearly half with college degrees, left the six states. "Rural flight" as it is called has led to offers of free land and tax breaks as enticements to newcomers.

Related Topics:
Nebraska - Oklahoma - North - South Dakota - Iowa

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