Reference: Fast Facts About the USA: Fourth of July 2012 (Plus New Infographic)

The U.S. Census is online with two “fast fact” resources to impress your friends and family with during your 4th of July festivities and/or long after the holiday ends when reference help is needed.
First, the Fourth of July 2012 “Facts For Features” compilation. Here’s a small sample of what you’ll find.
2.5 million
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
$223.6 million
The value of fireworks imported from China in 2011, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($232.5 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $15.8 million in 2011, with Australia purchasing more than any other country ($4.5 million).
Please Pass the Potato
Potato salad and potato chips are popular food items at Fourth of July barbecues. Approximately half of the nation’s spuds were produced in Idaho or Washington state in 2011.
The complete compilation is available here.
Second, a new infographic: “How Do We Know?”
It’s the first infographic in a new series from the U.S. Census.

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