The line chart illustrates the changes in the percentage of female members of parliament in five European countries over the period from 2000 to 2012, at 4-year intervals, measured in percentage.
Overall, an upward trend can be observed throughout the period, except for Spain. While Belgium consistently remained the dominant category, Italy experienced the most dramatic growth and eventually overtook the UK. By contrast, Germany remained relatively stable throughout the timeframe.
In 2000, Germany emerged as the leading category, standing at 31%, while Spain and Belgium followed at 27% and 23% respectively. By comparison, the figures for Italy were far less significant, at approximately 3%. However, the subsequent years witnessed significant changes. While Italy rose sharply, Germany and the UK followed a similar trajectory, eventually reaching 32% and 20% respectively by 2008.
In contrast to the trends observed in Spain and Belgium, Italy and the UK followed a different 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 at approximately 38%, whereas Italy and the UK remained the lowest, standing at around 24%.