The line graphs illustrate changes in the populations of countries in the South Pacific between 1950 and the present, with projections extending to 2040.
Overall, it can be clearly seen that the total population has grown and is expected to increase because of the growth of both urban and rural populations. In addition, people under 15 years were recorded as the dominant age group and are anticipated to remain in this position.
Regarding the urban and rural populations trend, in 1950, the urban and rural populace shared similar figures, at nearly 11 million and 9 million, respectively. Thereafter, the former rose to about 35 million in 2010, whereas the latter followed a similar pattern but at a slower pace as it climbed to approximately 27 million. Finally, in the future, both are projected to increase until 2040, with respective figures of nearly 43 million and 33 million.
Turning to population by age, in 1950, the number of children aged under 15 stood at approximately 7 million, higher than the figures for the 15-to-65-year-old group and the oldest age bracket, at approximately 5 million and 1 million respectively. Thereafter, in 2010, the younger population rose to exactly 25 million, while the figures for the remaining age cohorts remained at around 5 million, while the over-65 group rose to a similar level. By 2040, the number of the youngest individuals is forecasted to rise to a high of nearly 30 million, far exceeding that of people aged over 65 years (9 million) and 15-65 years (7 million).