Why does it seem like there are far more people of indigenous descent in South and Central America than in North America?

by TakeOffYourMask

I'm not sure of the figures but in Canada and the U.S. it seems like the Native population was almost completely replaced by Europeans, Africans, and other immigrants, whereas South of the border that doesn't seem to be the case.

hatari_bwana

More answers and discussion are always welcome, but check out this section of the FAQ:

Why were Native Americans more completely displaced in British colonial areas than in Spanish/Portuguese colonial areas?

Why are there larger native and mestizo populations in former Spanish colonies (Latin America) than former British, French, and Dutch colonies (North America)?

Why are there a lot more Native (and native-mixed) people in South America than in North America?

Why did Natives mix with Europeans in Mexico but not as much in the United States/Thirteen Colonies?

Why are there more Indians and people descended from Native Americans in Latin America (ex. Mexico) than the United States? Shouldn't disease have wiped them out south of the border also?