The bar graph illustrates the population of three cities – São Paulo, Shanghai, and Jakarta (in millions) – in 1990, predictions for the next decade, and the actual numbers in 2000. Overall, these projections did not work out in every city, as all three surpassed the predicted numbers by remarkable margins, with São Paulo consistently recording the highest figures. Shanghai, which was the only city forecast to decline in population, showed the most striking contrast with the anticipated figure.
In 1990, São Paulo had the largest population out of all cities listed, at about 17 million, whereas Jakarta failed to record even half that number (about 8 million). Shanghai, by contrast, accounted for a more moderate number, having around 12 million citizens.
The leader, São Paulo, was forecast to register the most striking growth (to roughly 22 million), maintaining its lead while significantly widening the gap. The population of the other two cities was predicted to match by 2000 following divergent trends, at approximately 11 million each, half of Sao Paulo’s total population.
All three predictions turned out to be untrue. São Paulo considerably outperformed expectations, reaching around 23 million, while a similar scenario was evident in Jakarta, albeit to a lesser extent (to roughly 13 million). Shanghai, whose population was projected to drop minimally, went against expectations and rose to 15 million.