Band 9: The first table below shows changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables show changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The tables show how the population of New York City changed between 1800 and 2000, focusing on the difference between Manhattan and the other four boroughs together (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island).

In general, the total number of people living in New York City grew enormously over these two centuries. There was also a major change in where people lived, with the population moving from Manhattan to the other boroughs.

In 1800, the city’s population was very small, at about 79,000 people. Most of them (76%) lived in Manhattan. However, over the next 100 years, the city’s population increased dramatically to over 3.4 million by 1900. Although Manhattan’s population also grew, its share of the total population fell to 54%, meaning the other boroughs were growing faster.

This trend continued in the 20th century. By the year 2000, New York City’s population had reached 8 million. The most important change was that Manhattan was no longer the main home for most people. Only 19% of the population (about 1.5 million) lived there. In contrast, the four other boroughs were now home to the vast majority, with 81% of the total population, or about 6.5 million people.