Band 8+: Task 1: The bar chart below shows the percentage of share of total world production by Asia, Europe and other parts of the world from the years 1840 to 2000.

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of total world production contributed by Asia, Europe and the rest of the world between 1840 and 2000.

Overall, Asia had the highest share at the beginning and end of the period, although its production declined significantly before recovering. In contrast, Europe’s share increased until 1920 and then gradually decreased, while the rest of the world showed a steady upward trend overall.

In 1840, Asia accounted for about 50% of global production, which was far higher than Europe and the rest of the world at around 40% and 10% respectively. However, by 1880, Asia’s share had fallen sharply to approximately 30%, whereas Europe’s production rose to about 45%. Meanwhile, the rest of the world increased moderately to around 25%.

By 1920, Europe reached its peak at approximately 50%, becoming the largest contributor. In contrast, Asia declined further to about 20%. After that, the rest of the world continued to increase and peaked at around 38% in 1960. By 2000, Asia recovered to about 40%, while Europe and the rest of the world declined slightly to approximately 28% and 32% respectively.