<P> The Canary Islands had an indigenous population called the Guanches whose origin is still the subject of discussion among historians and linguists . </P> <P> Indigenous societies range from those who have been significantly exposed to the colonizing or expansionary activities of other societies (such as the Maya peoples of Mexico and Central America) through to those who as yet remain in comparative isolation from any external influence (such as the Sentinelese and Jarawa of the Andaman Islands). </P> <P> Precise estimates for the total population of the world's Indigenous peoples are very difficult to compile, given the difficulties in identification and the variances and inadequacies of available census data . The United Nations estimates that there are over 370 million indigenous people living in over 70 countries worldwide . This would equate to just fewer than 6% of the total world population . This includes at least 5000 distinct peoples in over 72 countries . </P> <P> Contemporary distinct indigenous groups survive in populations ranging from only a few dozen to hundreds of thousands and more . Many indigenous populations have undergone a dramatic decline and even extinction, and remain threatened in many parts of the world . Some have also been assimilated by other populations or have undergone many other changes . In other cases, indigenous populations are undergoing a recovery or expansion in numbers . </P>

What percentage of the world's population is indigenous