How many Indians were living in North American when Christopher Columbus arrived?

Some sources say 1.2 million and others are 20, is there a definite amount?

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The exact population of Native Americans living in North America when Christopher Columbus arrived is a topic of debate among historians, and there is no single definitive answer. Estimates vary greatly, and different sources may provide different figures.

To get a more accurate understanding of the estimated population, historians use various methods such as archaeological evidence, historical records, and demographic models. These methods have limitations, resulting in different estimates.

Some estimates suggest that the population of Native Americans in North America before European contact was significantly higher than what is commonly believed, while others offer lower figures. The estimates can range from several million to tens of millions.

It's important to consider that the arrival of European explorers and colonizers brought significant changes to the Native American population due to disease, warfare, displacement, and other factors. These effects make it challenging to determine the precise number of Native Americans in North America at the time of Columbus' arrival.

Therefore, while some sources may indicate specific figures like 1.2 million or 20, it is essential to be aware that these are estimates, and there is no definite amount universally accepted by historians.