The estimated population of the British colonies in North America in the early 1700s was around 250,000 people. This population was largely concentrated in the coastal areas of the colonies, particularly in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions. The majority of the population was of English origin, but there were also significant numbers of Dutch, French, German, and Scottish immigrants. The population of the colonies grew rapidly during the 18th century, due to both natural increase and immigration from Europe. By 1775, the estimated population of the colonies had reached 2.5 million people.