Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC


The Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin Metro Area, commonly referred to as the Greenville Metropolitan Area, encompasses four counties in what is typically referred to as The Upstate of South Carolina. This area is located about half way between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC. The 2013 population is 850,965, an increase of 3.26% over 2010. This area is also part of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Combined Statistical Area, which is the 11th fastest growing in the nation.

As the largest Metropolitan Area in the state of South Carolina and with a rapidly growing foreign-born population, Greenville and its sister city of Spartanburg help to anchor the state's international business growth. South Carolina ranked 4th in the Nation in the percent of private-industry employment in foreign companies (US Bureau of Economic Analysis) and 1st in the Nation for jobs through foreign investment (IBM's 2012 Global Location Trends Report).

Total Population: 874,869

(An increase of 6.16 % in the past 5 years.)

Census Data

  • Foreign Born - 42,207
  • Language Spoken at Home - 55,046

[ Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Foreign Born and Language Spoken at Home]

Quick Facts

  • Over 150 different international firms are located in Greenville County. The larger 10-county Upstate region encompasses over 350 firms from 32 different countries.

  • The Vedic Center for Asian Indians is 25 years old

  • Greenville is host to several international festivals including: the Greenville Scottish Games; the Greek Festival; Oktoberfest; Hispanic Festival; A Day with India event; Shinnehkai and Bon Japanese Festivals, and the World Tai Chi Day.

  • Greenville has a sister city relationship with: Bergamo, Italy; Kortrijk, Belgium; and Tianjin, China.

  • Japanese, German, and Telugu weekend Schools and French, Chinese and Sikhi Schools allow internationals to maintain their cultural, linguistic, and religious connections to their home nations.

  • Religious opportunities are available for Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Coptic Orthodox, and Greek Orthodox

Profile

Greenville was once known as “The Textile Capital of the World”. The area was primarily a white and black community with the occasional migrant farmer passing through. Those days are long gone! With Michelin’s North American headquarters here, along with BMW, Bosch, Fuji, Fluor and numerous other international corporations, the population is increasingly international.

There are now at least 87 different ethno-linguistic people groups in the area. The primary ethno-linguistic groups are from Central and South America, including many Mexicans and Colombians, as well as lesser known indigenous groups such as the Chuj from Guatemala and the Chiltepec Chinantec from Mexico. However, there are other significant people groups including: Asian Indians; Mandarin Chinese; French; Germans; Arabs; Japanese, Greeks and Poles.

View Enlarged Map of Metro Area

People Group Profiles

Displaying 1-11 of 11 results.
PG Name Country Of Birth Affinity Bloc Primary Religion Baseline Population Total
GujaratiIndiaSouth Asian PeoplesHinduism2,274
MalayaliIndiaSouth Asian PeoplesHinduism500
GermanGermanyEurasian PeoplesChristianity - Orthodox1,440
GreekGreeceEurasian PeoplesChristianity - Orthodox949
PolePolandEurasian PeoplesChristianity - Roman Catholic545
TamilIndiaSouth Asian PeoplesHinduism500
ChujGuatemalaLatin-Caribbean AmericansEthnic Religions400
HungarianHungaryEurasian PeoplesChristianity - Roman Catholic271
ItalianItalyEurasian PeoplesChristianity - Roman Catholic244
RussianRussiaEurasian PeoplesChristianity - Orthodox237
Chinantec, ChiltepecMexicoLatin-Caribbean AmericansChristianity - Roman Catholic25

Ethnic Links

International Center of the Upstate - The International Center provides a wide range of programs and services that support and promote the image of the Upstate as an important hub for international investment and trade. Their vision is to be the leading international organization in the Upstate for services, resources, and information for individuals and businesses with global interests and activities, and to be an advocate for international cultural diversity and harmony in their community.

Greenville Area Development Corporation (International) - An overview of the international business climate and services and organizations devoted to helping internationals in the Greenville area. Links to area international organizations can also be found here.

Hispanic Alliance SC - Their vision is to improve the quality of life of the Hispanic community and the greater Greenville community through well-organized and collaborative social, educational, health, and legal outreach and services.

Japan America Association of South Carolina - The JAASC was formed due to the large influx of Japanese-owned businesses into South Carolina. Their purpose is to strengthen the bond of friendship between the peoples of the United States and Japan by seeking to foster greater understanding through meaningful educational, social and cultural exchanges. Examples include the operation of the Japanese Saturday School, a wide variety of social activities, and events in conjunction with the International Center of the Upstate.G

Greenville Greek Festival - An annual event held in May with Greek food, music, exotic Greek coffee, souvenirs, and tours of the beautiful Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Vedic Center of Greenville - Greenville's main Hindu temple.

Islamic Society of Greenville - Provides facilities and services to the Islamic population of Greenville.

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