Band 7+: The bar chart below gives information about the percentage of the population living in urban areas in the world and in different continents. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of people living in urban areas worldwide and in five different continents in 1950, 2007 and 2030. The essay will include similarities and differences in this topic.

Overall, the percentage of people living in cities increased in all regions over the period shown. North America and Latin America had the highest levels of urbanisation, while Africa and Asia remained the least urbanised areas despite significant growth.

In 1950, North America had the largest urban population, at 64%, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean with 42%. Europe also had a relatively high figure of 51%. By contrast, only 15% of people in Africa and 17% in Asia lived in urban areas. The global average stood at 29%.

By 2007, urbanisation had risen considerably in every region. North America increased to 79%, while Latin America reached extremely high peaks, as 76%, overtaking Europe, which recorded 72%. Africa and Asia also experienced noticeable growth, rising to 37% and 41% respectively. The worldwide average result climbed to 49%.