Fourth of July gives us all a chance to revel in summer, whether
that means beating the heat with a cold one at a backyard
barbecue, or bracing against fierce Bay Area winds to see fog-
shrouded fireworks. We can also celebrate the 236th anniversary
of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a few fun
facts for the Fourth from the folks at the federal Census
Bureau: Population then and now 2.5 million: Estimated number of
people living in the newly independent nation in July 1776.
313.9 million: The nation's estimated population this July 4.
$3.6 million: Value of U.S. imports of American flags in 2011.
The vast majority ($3.3 million) was for U.S. flags made in
China. $663,071: Value of U.S. flags exported in 2011. Mexico
was the leading customer, purchasing $80,349 worth. Almost 1 in
3: Chance that any hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the
Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to
an estimated 19.7 million hogs and pigs on March 1, 2012, nearly
one-third of the nation'