The bar chart illustrates the proportions of six groups of age of Australian females when they gave birth to their first child in 1966,1986, and 2006.
Overall, the group of aged 19-24 initially recorded the largest figure, whereas it was the group of aged 30-34 showed the highest proportion at the end of the period. By contrast, over 40 consistently remained the smallest figures throughout the period. While the group of under 19 and 19-24 followed a downward trajectory, 25-30 and over 40 fluctuated, the remaining groups showed an increase.
Regarding the youngest groups, by 1966, the 19-24 category had the greatest level, accounting for 61%, followed by under 19 at 33%. Both categories saw a decline, with aged 19-24 presenting 28% and aged under 19 making up 12% by the final year. Meanwhile, the group of aged 25-30 rose from 36% in 1966 to 50% in 1986 before falling to 38% by 2006.
Turning to the remaining categories, both groups of aged 30-34 and 34-39 experienced an increase. Stood at a significantly lower level (12%) than the previous younger groups, category of aged 30-34 rose dramatically, reaching a peak of 45% by 2006. The group of aged 34-39 also showed a rise, climbing from just 8% in 1966 to 30% in 2006. Conversely, the proportion of women over 40 fluctuated between 2% and 4% over four decades.