The line graph illustrates the distribution of a country’s total population across three distinct age brackets – 0-14, 15-64, and 65 years and over – from 1960, with projections extending to 2040.
Overall, the data demonstrates a clear and consistent shift towards an ageing population, marked by a decline in the two younger age groups and a steady rise in the proportion of people aged 65 and above. Throughout the entire period, the 15-64 age group constitutes the largest segment of the population.
Starting in 1960, the working-age group (15-64) accounted for approximately 55% of the total, rising to a peak of just over 60% around 1990 before entering a period of decline. This downward trend is forecast to continue sharply, with this demographic expected to fall back to 45% by 2040.
Conversely, the population aged 65 and over began at the lowest figure, around 15% in 1960, but shows the most significant rate of increase. This group steadily climbed to reach parity with the 0-14 age group in 1990 (at approximately 20%) and is projected to rise further to meet the working-age group at the 45% mark by 2040.
Finally, the 0-14 age group, which started at 30% in 1960, experienced a slight dip and then a sharp decline after 1990. By the end of the period in 2040, this group is forecast to represent the smallest share of the population, at approximately 12%.