How America Changed in the Last 20 Years

Has America really changed between 1983 and today? If so, what is different about it? One thing that has changed significantly is the population. In the last 2 decades, the American population has grown from 233 million in 1983 to 313 million in 2013. This represents an increase of around 35 percent. Despite worries about the recent economic downturn, America's economy has grown a lot during this time period as well. 20 years ago, the GDP of the United States was $3.5 trillion. Now, this figure is sitting at $14.5 trillion.

Employment in nearly every sector has grown too. The only economic areas which have experienced a drop are production occupations, plus farming, fishing and forestry jobs. But most importantly, the technology that we have available to us has evolved to make our lives easier and more productive. A simple smartphone sold in 2013 can perform the functions of a computer, telephone, television, camera, and music player, all while being able to fit in your pocket.

Source: Life in America: 1983 vs. Today