The effective quantum theory of near horizon regions of classical four-dime
nsional spatially Aat, Friedman-Robertson-Walker spacetimes is shown to be
approximately a two-dimensional conformal field theory. The central charge
and expectation value of the Hamiltonian of this theory, and the statistica
l entropy of horizon states which can be calculated using Cardy's formula,
are all proportional to the horizon area in units of Newton's constant. The
proportionality constant which is determined by Planck scare physics can b
e fixed such that the entropy is equal to a quarter of the horizon area in
units of Newton's constant, in agreement with thermodynamic considerations.