The bar chart illustrates the percentages of women, divided into six groups based on various range of ages, when they gave birth to their first child in Australia in the years 1966, 1986, and 2006.
Overall, women from 19-24 group initially dominated the rates in 1966. However, the trend was changed, with 25-30 group showing the highest proportion in 1986 and 30-34 group overtaking its position in 2006. By contrast, women over 40 had the lowest birth rates throughout the period. Both under 19 and 19-24 groups followed downward trends, whereas 30-34 group saw significant growth. Meanwhile, the rates of 25-30 and over 40 groups fluctuated over the period given.
In 1966, women with the age of 19-24 showed the highest proportion, at 62%. The rates then declined steadily, falling to 37% in 1986, and continued to fall to 28% by the final year. Similarly, the youngest age group experienced a steady drop, from 33% in 1966 to 11% in 2006. By contrast, the proportion of women with middle ages (30-34) increased slightly by 5%, reaching 18% in 1986. Following this, the figure surged dramatically to peak at 45% in 2006, becoming the most preferred age group for women to have their first birth.
Subsequently, the percentage of women from 25-30 group, which initially began at 36%, climbed considerably, peaking at 50% in 1986, making it the most popular group, before falling to 38% by 2006. Conversely, women over 40 consistently showed the lowest proportion, fluctuating between 2% and 4% throughout the years.