Anglotracker

Methodology

The 2020 Census recorded 46.6 million Americans claiming English ancestry, but this is widely acknowledged as a significant undercount. Demographers note that many Americans of English descent — particularly in the South and Appalachia where English settlement was earliest — now simply identify as "American" (about 20 million people chose this).

English settlers dominated colonial America. By 1790, roughly 60% of the white population was of English origin. While subsequent immigration from Germany, Ireland, Italy and elsewhere diluted this, English ancestry remains the largest single origin — just underreported.

We estimate 80 million Americans (about 24% of 331 million) have majority English ancestry, roughly doubling the self-reported figure to account for those identifying as "American."

Methodology

The 2021 Census recorded 74.4% of England and Wales identifying as "White: English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British" — about 44.4 million people. This is a combined category, but the vast majority in England specifically would be ethnically English.

We use 45 million as our estimate for people in England with majority English ancestry, accounting for the fact that some identifying in this category are Scottish, Welsh, or of more recent immigrant background.

Methodology

The 2021 Census recorded 8.4 million Australians (33%) claiming English ancestry. A further 7.6 million (29.9%) identified simply as "Australian" — and the Bureau of Statistics notes most of these are of Anglo-Celtic descent.

English settlers were the clear majority of colonial migration to Australia. The First Fleet and subsequent waves of assisted migration were predominantly English, with significant Scottish and Irish minorities. By 1901, the population was overwhelmingly British-origin.

We estimate about 60-65% of European Australians have significant English ancestry. With roughly 76% of Australians being of European descent (19.3 million), and accounting for mixed British ancestry (English-Scottish, English-Irish combinations), we estimate about 11 million Australians have majority English ancestry.

Methodology

The 2021 Census recorded 5.4 million Canadians (14.7%) claiming English ancestry, making it the second most common specific ancestry after "Canadian" (15.6%). As with the US and Australia, many Canadians of British descent identify simply as "Canadian."

Canada has a distinctive split between French-speaking (primarily Québec) and English-speaking regions. English settlement was concentrated in Ontario, the Maritimes, and British Columbia. The English population grew rapidly in the early 20th century through mass immigration.

We estimate about 8 million Canadians (20% of 40 million) have majority English ancestry, accounting for those who identify as "Canadian" in historically English-settled regions.

Methodology

The 2023 Census recorded 67.8% of New Zealanders as "European" (3.4 million), but doesn't break out English ancestry specifically. England is the top overseas birthplace at 4.2% of the population.

New Zealand's European settlement pattern was similar to Australia — predominantly British, with English settlers as the largest group. The 1870s saw large-scale assisted migration from Britain. Scottish settlement was notably strong in the South Island (Dunedin was nicknamed "the Edinburgh of the South").

We estimate about 65% of European New Zealanders have majority English ancestry, giving us roughly 2.2 million people (44% of 5 million total population).

Methodology

The 2022 Census recorded 4.5 million white South Africans (7.3% of 62 million). Of these, about 36% are English-speaking (primarily of British descent), while 61% are Afrikaans-speaking (primarily Dutch/Afrikaner descent).

English settlement began seriously with the 1820 Settlers and expanded through the 19th century, particularly around the Cape, Natal (Durban), and the gold/diamond mining regions. English-speakers are concentrated in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

We estimate 1.6 million South Africans (36% of 4.5 million whites) are of majority English ancestry. Some Afrikaans-speakers also have partial English ancestry through intermarriage, but we count only those likely to be majority-English.

Methodology

Estimates of British expats in Spain range from 300,000 to 800,000 depending on the source and whether part-year residents are included. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Balearic Islands have large retirement communities. Post-Brexit registration requirements have made tracking more difficult.

We use 300,000 as a conservative estimate of permanent British residents. This includes all British nationalities, not just English.

Methodology

About 290,000 UK-born people live in Ireland according to UN estimates. This is a complex category given the historical relationship between the countries, the Common Travel Area, and the fact that many Irish citizens were born in the UK and vice versa.

We count current UK-born residents only. The historical question of English ancestry in Ireland (through the Plantations and later settlement) is a separate and more contentious topic we don't attempt to estimate here.

Methodology

Estimates of British expats in the UAE range from 100,000 to 240,000. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have significant British communities, primarily professionals and their families in finance, property, and other industries.

The UAE doesn't publish detailed demographic breakdowns, so figures come from UK government estimates and surveys. We use 240,000 as an upper estimate.

Methodology

Estimates put the British population in France at 150,000-180,000. Popular areas include Dordogne, Brittany, Normandy, and the south of France. Many are retirees or those who purchased second homes that became primary residences.

Methodology

Around 100,000 British citizens live in Germany, including legacy populations from post-war military bases and more recent arrivals. Major concentrations in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Methodology

The Algarve region has a well-established British expat community. Estimates of permanent British residents range from 35,000 to 60,000. The number has grown in recent years due to favourable tax regimes and lower cost of living compared to Spain.