The Fourth of July
Every year, America celebrates a major holiday in the middle of summer called the Fourth of July (or simply, July 4th.)
This holiday is also called Independence Day since it represents the birthday of America when the former colonies of Britain revolted and created a new nation.
The 4th of July is a fun holiday with parades, fireworks, barbecues, and other celebrations. It is a time to meet with family and friends and to have a great time together.
I have discovered some interesting facts about the 4th of July. Here they are.
Although the US produces much of its own fireworks, it also imports fireworks from many other countries. $122 million ($122,000,000) in fireworks is imported from China.
The US also exports fireworks. Japan buys $7 million ($7,000,000) in fireworks from the US.
Most people display an American flag on July 4th. Over $52 million ($52,000,000) worth of flags were imported into the US. $30 million were imported from China. The US exported only $500,000 worth of flags - mostly to Mexico.
Most people eat one, or more, of the following foods during the celebrations: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, salads, potato salads, chips and watermelons.
Most beef comes from the state of Texas. It produces 7,500,000,000 pounds of beef each year.
Most hot dogs come from the state of Iowa. That state has 14,900,000 pigs.
California produces the most lettuce of any state, as well as tomatoes. California also produces much of the watermelon.
North Dakota produces most of the beans, and Idaho produces most of the potatoes.
Other interesting facts:
Did you know that 56,000,000 Americans were born in other countries, or their parents were born in other countries? California has 9,000,000 foreign born residents (out of a population of about 30,000,000.) New York only has about 4,000,000 foreign born residents.
Finally, unlike Japan, it never rains in California during the summer. The rainy season is from October to April. In Northern California today (July 11, 2002) it is 112 degrees (which is about 45 degrees Celsius.) Luckily, it is not humid here, but it is a dry heat.
