Population rate

The line graph compares and predicts the proportion of the population, in three different age groups, in a particular country, from 1960 to 2040.

Overall, people aged 15-64 accounted for the greatest percentage of the population for all recorded and predicted years. It is also clear that while the proportion of people aged 65 and over increased during the period, the percentage of those aged less than 65 decreased, with both trends expected to continue into the future.

In 1960, just over half of the population was aged 15-64. The figure then slightly fluctuated over the next 50 years, peaking at about 60% in 1970 and 1990. It is foretasted to gradually decline to around 45% by 2040. Meanwhile, the percentage of people aged 0-14 began at 30% in 1960, and dropped to half of that by 2000. This figure is also predicted to continue decreasing to reach around 10% by 2040.

From the graph it can also be seen that the percentage of elderly people in this country experienced remarkable growth during the period. In 1960, only 15% of the population was aged 65 or older. The figure began to rise in 1970 to be at 20% in 2000. This figure has continued to rise, and is expected to continue rising in the future.

(215 words)

Vocabulary

• To account for
• To forecast