Our interactive guide to America's people, politics and economy

AMERICA'S constitution says that the president "shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient". In the modern era presidents have used this as an excuse to recite a colossal laundry-list of measures to tackle every problem you can think of, punctuated with cameo appearances by ordinary citizens who have done something noble. On January 28th Barack Obama will give his state of the union address for 2014, which will probably be his most-watched speech this year. To help readers put it all into context, we're publishing an interactive "stats of the union" graphic. Click on your state to find data on its population, economy and political history.

It is striking that although the jobless rate has fallen nationwide, it remains stubbornly high in California, Nevada, Michigan and Illinois. GDP growth is positive in every state except Connecticut, pretty darn good in Texas (4.8%) and stellar (13.4%) in oil-rich North Dakota. Personal income is highest in Washington, DC (nearly $75,000 per head) and lowest in Mississippi (under $34,000).

The population data are fascinating, too. Florida is the oldest state, with nearly 18% of its people over 65; Maine and West Virginia are close behind. Utah has the highest proportion of children (31% of Utahns are under 18), thanks to all those big Mormon families. Washington, DC is the least child-friendly jurisdiction (only 17% of DC natives are kids), though this probably just reflects the fact that it is 100% urban. Families with children generally prefer to live in the suburbs, where the schools are better and gardens are cheaper.