Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_12496904_1 ( _august_15 VARCHAR, _2002 VARCHAR, population INTEGER )

### Question ###
What is the highest population for the

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT MAX(population), _august_15, _2002 FROM table_12496904_1