Global coal consumption increased by 50% from 2000 to 2010, with 75% of growth in Asia-Pacific. Coal meets 30% of global energy needs and generates 40% of electricity. China, the US, India, Japan, and South Africa consume over 80% of coal. Coal production is expected to increase by 50% from 2010 to 2030, and known […]
Child mortality rates decreased by 40% from 1990 to 2010 due to comprehensive education programs on vaccines, family planning, nutrition, and sanitation. Increased public spending on affordable healthcare is also necessary. Chronic diseases in adults have increased, while Kuwait, Tonga, and Zimbabwe saw no decrease in infant mortality rates. Education for young girls is crucial. […]
The US population has grown from 4 million in the late 1700s to over 310 million in 2011, with a growth rate of 20-30 million every decade. The first census in 1790 reported 3.9 million people, and by 1920, it had reached 100 million. The US population is predicted to increase by 46% by 2050, […]
US oil imports have risen by 50% since 1980, with nearly 60% imported in 2009. Texas is the largest oil-consuming state, using over a billion barrels annually, and the US consumes more oil per day than Europe. Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the US are the top oil-producing nations. US oil imports have increased about 50% […]
US firefighters have increased by 40% since the 1970s despite a 40% decrease in fires. They now provide paramedical services, education, and accompany ambulances. Volunteer firefighters are more common than professionals. In 2010, 87 firefighters died on duty. Many emergency requests are for hook-and-ladder trucks, and 911 calls for medical assistance have tripled since 1980. […]
The top 1% in the US changed significantly from 2007 to 2009, with only 43% remaining in that category. The turnover rate is high, with three out of five households dropping out within a decade. The top 1% earned as much as the bottom 60% combined in 2005 and paid 38% of all federal income […]
Teen birth rates in the US have decreased since the 1950s, but are still higher than other Western countries. US teens are less likely to use contraception, resulting in higher pregnancy rates. The highest teen pregnancy rates in the US are in the District of Columbia and states like New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona. Overall, […]
US household net worth dropped from $126,400 in 2007 to $77,300 in 2010, with those only having a high school education losing the most wealth. 74.9% of households had debt in 2010, but debt levels and credit card use had declined since 2007. Income levels played a key role in net worth, with the top […]
The US Hispanic population increased over 450% from 1970 to 2010, with Mexicans making up 63% and Central Americans increasing by 137% from 2000 to 2010. The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” are controversial, and many prefer to identify with their country of origin. Hispanics/Latinos made up over half of the overall population increase in the […]
Chicago’s population has decreased to 1920s levels, with residents leaving the city for surrounding suburbs. Despite this, it remains the third largest city in the US, with a majority of minorities and a history of immigration. Chicago’s population has declined to what it was in the 1920s. Although Cook County, where Chicago is located, remains […]
College attendance in the US increased by 50% between 1986 and 2011, with most new entrants studying humanities. The number of students in STEM fields has remained the same or decreased, and 40% of graduates end up in jobs that don’t require a degree. Disciplines with the best job placement include education, engineering, math, and […]
US manufacturing has declined since the 1960s, losing over 5.5 million employees since 2000. The US struggles to produce newer goods like cell phones and circuit boards, while traditional goods like tiles are outsourced. China is the strongest producing country, with 8% of the world’s manufacturing output. Asian countries surpass the US in technology production, […]
The Statue of Liberty underwent extensive conservation and restoration work in the 1980s, including the replacement of the torch due to damage from previous modifications and a bombing. The original torch is now in the Statue of Liberty Museum, and the new torch is covered in 24K gold. The Statue of Liberty may seem like […]
American homes have doubled in size since the 1950s, despite smaller families. Australia has the largest average home size, while Iraq has the largest household size. Scandinavian countries have the smallest household sizes. Japan has the smallest average house size. The average size of American homes has more than doubled since the 1950s, despite the […]
Marriage rates in the US have halved since 1960, with only 35% now married. Demographics have also changed, with only a quarter of 20-somethings married in 2008. College graduates are more likely to marry, despite 40% thinking marriage is obsolete. Marriage rates in the United States have dropped by about half since 1960. In 1960, […]
People walk 10% faster than they did 10 years ago, according to a study by the University of Hertfordshire and the British Council. The average pedestrian travels 3.5 km/h, with walking rates varying by city. Some experts are concerned about the increased walking pace and its impact on health. According to a 2007 study by […]
Life expectancy has increased throughout history due to changes in medical knowledge, nutrition, and sanitation. The US saw a dramatic increase in the 20th century due to a drop in infant mortality rates. Women have a longer life expectancy than men, and rates are lower in poorer nations. Obesity can lower life expectancy rates over […]
