Asian/Pacific American Community in DC What percentage of the DC population is Asian American? According to 2000 US Census figures, the Asian American population in DC from 1990 to 2000 has increased by 64 percent. The Asian American population now makes up about 3 percent of the city's population. Hundreds more do business in the District but live in the outlying suburbs. Virginia experienced a 95 percent jump in the number of Asian Americans, and Maryland saw a 73 percent increase. What groups make up the Asian population in DC? The three major Asian groups in DC are Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. There are, however, a total of 25 or more Asian ethnic groups represented in the District, with as many different languages and dialects spoken. Is the Asian population in DC mainly residential or business? The majority of Koreans do not live in the District of Columbia but own the majority of the "Mom and Pop" stores. The largest residential population is Chinese, primarily in the Chinatown area. Vietnamese is the second largest, concentrated in the Mt. Pleasant/Columbia Heights area. What role does the Asian/Pacific American community play in DC's economy? According to the Washington Post, two-thirds of small business licenses are owned by Asian Americans. The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) estimates that 30 percent of liquor stores and 80 percent of groceries selling beer and wine in the District are owned by Asian Americans. The DC Lottery Board estimates that between 60 and 80 percent of revenues is from Asian-owned stores. What issues are recent Asian immigrants faced with? Many recent Asian immigrants earn low income, are poorly educated, and come from rural areas in their native countries. Service providers estimate that there are now over 5,000 Vietnamese Americans living in the District, many of whom are refugees who have had little education and are holding down multiple jobs to make ends meet. While the Vietnamese population tends to be younger, Chinatown is home to an older population that is in need of a variety of health care services. What issues do Asian groups in DC face in having to co-exist with other various Asian groups? Unlike the Latino population who have Spanish as a common language and are predominantly Catholic, the various Asian ethnic groups in DC are often divided by language, religion, culture, and socioeconomic status. They are sometimes hindered from working together because of animosities from their countries of origin.