Amish are growing westward; eyeing settlements in Alaska, Mexico

A recently published study of Amish Americans measured a significant increase, 10 percent, in population during the past two years. Thus far, there are Amish settlements in 28 states and Ontario, Canada.According to the study, the Amish population is charted at 249,000, and has risen from 227,000 in 2008. However, a clear majority of Amish still reside in the traditional Pennsylvania strongholds they've established.

The study was undertaken by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College, in Elizabethtown, Pa.The study noted that additional potential Amish settlements are being scouted in Ontario as well as Mexico.

Historically, the Amish are descendant from approximately 5,000 immigrants who came to the United States during the early 20th century.

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