Band 8+: The table below gives information on household spending on different items in five different countries in 2004. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The table illustrates household spending on distinct items in five different nations in 2004, figures are measured in percentages.

Overall, while the proportions of the first (including food, drinks, and tobacco) and the third (leisure and education) categories were the largest in Turkey, the second group – clothing, footwear, and home accessories – was highest in Italy.

Regarding food, beverages, and tobacco in Ireland, it made up 28.90% of the total, whereas Italy commenced at 16.40% in 2004. Food, drinks, and tobacco in Portugal and Finland comprised 18% and 15.80%, respectively. Meanwhile, the biggest figure occurred in Turkey, standing at 32.10% of total expenditure.

By contrast, the group of clothing and home decor in Ireland registered at 6.40%, as opposed to Italy, at 9.80% in 2004. The proportion of the second category in Portugal and Turkey was similar, at 6.6%, compared with Finland at only 5.40% of total spending.

Turning to the remaining sector, leisure and education activities in Ireland and Portugal made up 2.20% and 2.50%, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of the third category in Italy was recorded at 3.20%, whereas the figure in Finland was 3.20% overall. It was Turkey where the proportion of leisure and education amounted to 4.40% of total expenses.