As of 2006, New York was

the third largest state in

population after California

and Texas.

The major ancestry groups in

New York state are African

American (15.8%), Italian

(14.4%), Irish (12.9%),

German (11.1%) and English

(6%). According to a 2004

estimate, 20.4% of the

population is foreign-born.

Catholics comprise more than

40% of the population in New

York. Protestants are 30% of

the population, Jews 8.4%,

Muslims 3.5%, Buddhists 1%,

and 13% claim no religious

affiliation.