Final answer:
In 2010, the U.S. Census reported that 0.9% of the U.S. population identified as Native American, with less than 2% considering themselves either solely Native American or of mixed Native heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the U.S. Census figures from the 2010 census, the percentage of the population in the United States of Native American heritage is approximately 0.9%. However, it is important to note that this figure does not represent the entire Native American population, as some individuals may identify with more than one ethnic group. In fact, about 2.9 million people identify as Native American alone, while an additional 2.3 million individuals identify as Native American mixed with another ethnic group. This accounts for less than 2% of the total U.S. population. Despite the small percentage, Native Americans have a significant presence, with 562 federally recognized tribal governments in the U.S., and the existence of 21 inhabited pueblos which are some of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America.