According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as an independent nation. Today, we often celebrate this day with parades, barbecues and fireworks. Here are some fun facts about the Fourth of July:

• In July of 1776, there was an estimated number of 2.5 million living in the United States - today the estimated number is 313.9 million.
• The dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2011 was $663,071.
• The value of fireworks imported to the United States in 2011 was $223.4 million.
• There is a 1 in 3 chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa.
• Potato chips and potato salad are some of the most popular foods for barbecues. In 2011, approximately half of the nation's potatoes were produced in Idaho or Washington state alone.
• Thirty-one places in the U.S. have the word "liberty" in their names.
• Only one place in the U.S. has the word "patriot" in its name; Patriot, Indiana.
• The Fourth of July was officially declared a national holiday in 1941.
• The American Pyrotechnics Association estimates that more than 14,000 fireworks displays light up U.S. skies on the Fourth of July.
• In the 19th century, American's celebrated the Fourth of July with a lot of greenery.

Sources
United States Census Bureau
The Stir
National Geographic