Dec. 31 New Year's Eve

Profile America -- Friday, Dec. 31. On this New Year's Eve, some 295 million Americans of all ages are ready to greet the year 2005:

Fifty years ago, the U.S. population was just over 162 million; a century ago, it was 82 million. To show how fast the nation is growing, by this time tomorrow, there will be some 84 thousand new babies on hand to welcome the New Year. Not only is the population growing, it is moving to new locations. For several years, the fastest growing states have been in the West. The population of Nevada jumped almost 9 percent in just two years, followed by Arizona at over 6 percent. Four states added nearly 5 percent -- Colorado, Florida, Georgia and Texas. The men and women of the U.S. Census Bureau wish you a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

Sources:

Chase's Calendar of Events 2004, p.642

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2003, pg. 7, Figure 1.1

http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract-03.html