The meaning of Independence Day and some fun facts!

2.5 million: In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970

304 million: The nation's population on this July Fourth.
Source: Population clock.

More than 74 million: Number of Americans who said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year.
It’s probably safe to assume a lot of these events took place on Independence Day.
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008

Fireworks - $207 million: The value of fireworks imported from China in 2007, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($217 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $14.9 million in 2007, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($3.8 million).
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics

Fireworks - $17.3 million: The value of U.S. manufacturers' shipments of fireworks in 2002.
Source: 2002 Economic Census

Flags - $4.7 million: In 2007, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags.
The vast majority of this amount ($4.3 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics

Flags - $2.4 million: Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2007.
Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $1.2 million worth.
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics

Flags - $349.2 million: Annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation's manufacturers, according to the latest published economic census data.
Source: 2002 Economic Census

Eagle: Thirty-one places are named "eagle" -- after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. (Places include cities, towns, villages and census-designated places.) The most populous such place is Eagle Pass, Texas, with 26,401 residents.