The line chart illustrates the changes in the percentages of female members of parliament in five European countries over the period from 2000 to 2012, at 4-year intervals, measured in percentages.
Overall, an upward trend can be observed throughout the period. While Belgium remained the dominant category, Italy experienced the most dramatic growth, eventually overtaking the UK. By contrast, both the UK and Italy remained the lowest for the duration of the timeframe, despite experiencing substantial growth.
In 2000, Germany emerged as the leading group, standing at 31%. While Spain, Belgium and the UK followed at 27%, 23% and 17%, respectively. By contrast, the figure for Italy was far less significant, standing at only around 3%. However, the subsequent years witnessed substantial change in the percentages of female members of parliament. While Belgium rose sharply to reach 35% and eventually overtook Germany by 2004. Meanwhile, Spain followed a similar trajectory, eventually overtaking Germany with a figure of 36% by 2004.
In contrast to the trends observed in Belgium and Spain, Italy followed a similar pattern throughout the timeframe. Although starting from a relatively low base, Italy experienced substantial growth, eventually overtaking the UK by 2008. By the end of the timeframe, Belgium had consolidated its position as the dominant category stood at approximately 38%, whereas both the UK and Italy remained the lowest throughout the time frame, standing at only around 23%.