The bar chart provides information about the ratio of overall global output in three different areas: Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over a period of 160 years.
Overall, it is clear Europe and the rest of the globe followed an upward trend, with the former decreasing only at the end. Meanwhile, Asia experienced a downward trend, dominating over other categories at both the beginning and the end of the period.
Focusing on Asia first, more than half of the worldwide production was belonged to Asia in 1840, and the figure decreased to nearly 32% in 1880. Similarly, the percentage went down progressively in the next 80 years, constituting approximately 22% in 1960. By contrast, the proportion of the total world production for Asia rose significantly to 42%, and Asia accounted for the largest share in 2000.
As for the Europe, the figure went up steadily throughout the period, starting with almost 40% in 1880. Afterwards, this category consistently represented the highest proportions for 80 years, and reached its peak of 50% in 1960. In contrast, Europe saw a considerable decline in the share, translating to 28% in 2000. Finally, the ratio of overall production in remaining parts of the world climbed gradually, only dipping marginally in 1920. It was in 2000 that the figure for the rest of the world slightly surpassed that of Europe.