Which of the following statements best characterizes the United States’ overall population shift from 2000 to 2004?

AThe Northeast and the South gained population, while the Midwest and the West lost population.

BThe Northeast and the West gained population, while the Midwest and the South lost population.

CThe South and the West gained population, while the Northeast and the Midwest lost population.

DThe West and the Midwest gained population, while the Northeast and the South lost population.