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About the Region
Demographics
The Navajo Indian Tribe is the largest federally-recognized tribe in
the United States. Based on information obtained from the latest U.S.
Census (2000), 298,197 individuals claimed Navajo ethnicity. In November
2001, the Office of Navajo Nation Vital Records reported that 255,543 of
these are enrolled tribal members.
Approximately 168,000 Navajos live on Navajo Nation tribal land.
Another 80,000 Navajos reside near or within "border towns" of the
Navajo Nation.
Prominent among these are Farmington, Gallup, Grants, (New Mexico).,
Page, Flagstaff, Winslow, Holbrook (Arizona), Cortez, (Colorado) and
Blanding (Utah).
Poverty Statistics
The most recent report from the Navajo Nation Division of Economic
Development (2000/2001 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy)
provides the following information.
- Median Age (Census Count) 22.5 years
- Per Capita Income $6.217.00
- Percent below poverty line 56.1
- Unemployment Rate 43.65
Educational/Occupational/Social/Medical Barriers
Inadequate paved roads, lack of electricity, water,
telecommunication, and police and fire protection services are the most
striking examples of barriers faced by children and their families.
Travel is often difficult, especially in inclement weather. There are
approximately 9,286 miles of public roads on the reservation, with 78%
of those roads being dirt or graveled.
Housing is often inadequate. Of the 68,744 housing units on the
Navajo Nation, 15,279 homes, or 31.9 percent, lack indoor plumbing;
13,447 homes, or 28.1 percent, lack a kitchen facility; and 28,740
homes, or 60.1 percent, lack telephone service.
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