population (millions)
1950-2000
census
1950            2 555  
1960            3 040  
1970            3 708  
1980            4 454  
1990            5 276  
2000            6 079  
 growth factor
1950-2000
      2.38  
average compound
annual rate of growth
1.748%
years to double   96            40  
double     1                    2