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US population to hit 300 million US population to hit 300 million
(about 4 hours later)
The United States' population will hit 300 million on Tuesday morning, just 39 years after it reached 200 million, the US Census Bureau estimates.The United States' population will hit 300 million on Tuesday morning, just 39 years after it reached 200 million, the US Census Bureau estimates.
A "population clock" will record the milestone at 0746 (1246 GMT) - a timing based on calculations that factor birth and death rates and migration. A "population clock" will record the milestone at 0746 (1146 GMT) - a timing based on calculations that factor birth and death rates and migration.
The bureau's maths suggests that the US gains one person every 11 seconds.The bureau's maths suggests that the US gains one person every 11 seconds.
But it is not possible to say if the 300-millionth American will be born, or cross one of the country's borders.But it is not possible to say if the 300-millionth American will be born, or cross one of the country's borders.
There is expected to be little of the hullabaloo that greeted the figure of 100 million in 1915, or the double century in 1967 when President Johnson gave a speech and newborn Robert Ken Woo Jr was hailed the 200-millionth American by Life magazine, correspondents say.There is expected to be little of the hullabaloo that greeted the figure of 100 million in 1915, or the double century in 1967 when President Johnson gave a speech and newborn Robert Ken Woo Jr was hailed the 200-millionth American by Life magazine, correspondents say.
Click here for a graph of US's rising populationClick here for a graph of US's rising population
Today the population figure is mired in the divisive politics of immigration - a hot-button issue ahead of the 7 November mid-term elections, they say.
The US is the third largest country in the world, behind China and India.The US is the third largest country in the world, behind China and India.
The population figure is mired in the divisive politics of immigration - a hot-button issue ahead of the 7 November mid-term elections, they say.
According to the Census Bureau, 14% of the current US population is Hispanic, compared to 4% in 1966, and it is projected that a quarter of the population will be Hispanic in 2050.According to the Census Bureau, 14% of the current US population is Hispanic, compared to 4% in 1966, and it is projected that a quarter of the population will be Hispanic in 2050.
It is also expected that in the next 50 years there will be more Hispanic births in the US than immigrants.It is also expected that in the next 50 years there will be more Hispanic births in the US than immigrants.
Environmental groups have also cautioned on America's growing consumer consumption, and what they say are damaging "patterns" of population expansion.Environmental groups have also cautioned on America's growing consumer consumption, and what they say are damaging "patterns" of population expansion.
Michael Replogle, of Environmental Defense, told the Associated Press news agency: "If the population grows in thriving existing communities, restoring the historic density of older communities, we can easily sustain that growth and create a more efficient economy without sacrificing the environment."Michael Replogle, of Environmental Defense, told the Associated Press news agency: "If the population grows in thriving existing communities, restoring the historic density of older communities, we can easily sustain that growth and create a more efficient economy without sacrificing the environment."
Vicky Markham, director of the Center for Environment and Population, said "sprawl has become the most predominant form of land use", with the US becoming a "suburban nation".Vicky Markham, director of the Center for Environment and Population, said "sprawl has become the most predominant form of land use", with the US becoming a "suburban nation".
"Sprawl is, by definition, more spread out. That of course requires more vehicles and more vehicle miles travelled," she told AP."Sprawl is, by definition, more spread out. That of course requires more vehicles and more vehicle miles travelled," she told AP.
Other figures released by the Census Bureau, show how America has been changing since previous population milestones.Other figures released by the Census Bureau, show how America has been changing since previous population milestones.
  • In 1915, immigrant citizens came mostly from Germany; in 1967 from Italy; and in 2006 mostly from Mexico
  • In 1915, immigrant citizens came mostly from Germany; in 1967 from Italy; and in 2006 mostly from Mexico
  • The average US family had 4.5 people in 1915, 3.3 in 1967 and 2.6 in 2006
  • The average US family had 4.5 people in 1915, 3.3 in 1967 and 2.6 in 2006
  • Some 45.9% of Americans were property owners in 1915. That grew to 63.6% in 1967 and reached 68.9% in 2006
  • Some 45.9% of Americans were property owners in 1915. That grew to 63.6% in 1967 and reached 68.9% in 2006
  • There were 4.5 million people aged 65 and older in 1915, or 4.5%; 19.1 million in 1967 (9.5%) and 36.8 million in 2006 (12.4%)
  • There were 4.5 million people aged 65 and older in 1915, or 4.5%; 19.1 million in 1967 (9.5%) and 36.8 million in 2006 (12.4%)
  • Life expectancy was 54.5 years in 1915, 70.5 years in 1967 and 77.8 years in 2006
  • Life expectancy was 54.5 years in 1915, 70.5 years in 1967 and 77.8 years in 2006
  • About 23%of women were in the work force in 1915, compared to 41% in 1967 and 58% in 2006
  • About 23%of women were in the work force in 1915, compared to 41% in 1967 and 58% in 2006
  • There were 2.5 million cars in 1915, 98.9 million in 1967 and 237.2 million in 2006
  • There were 2.5 million cars in 1915, 98.9 million in 1967 and 237.2 million in 2006
  • John and Mary topped the list of most popular names in 1915; Michael and Lisa were favourites in 1967; and Jacob and Emily were preferred in 2006.
  • John and Mary topped the list of most popular names in 1915; Michael and Lisa were favourites in 1967; and Jacob and Emily were preferred in 2006.
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