Recent genetic studies have shown that Neanderthal DNA is present in modern humans, primarily those of non-African descent. This genetic legacy varies significantly across different populations around the world.
Research indicates that people of European descent tend to have between 1% to 2% Neanderthal DNA on average. In particular, individuals from Northern Europe, especially Scandinavia and the British Isles, often exhibit higher percentages of Neanderthal ancestry.
Additionally, populations in East Asia, such as the Chinese and Japanese, also have notable amounts of Neanderthal DNA, typically around 1% to 2%. This suggests that as modern humans migrated out of Africa, they interbred with Neanderthals primarily in Europe and Asia.
Overall, while Neanderthal DNA is found across various populations, individuals from Europe and East Asia appear to have retained a higher proportion of this ancient genetic material compared to those from Africa and other regions.