The given line graphs illustrate trend in population in the South Pacific countries based on the urban and rural population and three age groups (under 15 years, 15-65 years, and over 65 years) from 1950 and the present, with the projection up 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 population. In addition, people under 15 years were recorded as the dominant age group and are anticipated to remain in this position.
In the first graph, the total population initially was about 14 million, rising steadily to just under 40 million in 2020. It is expected to grow to around 45 million by 2040. The urban population, which stood at approximately 10 million in 1950, increased gradually to about 29 million in 2020, and is projected to rise to nearly 35 million by 2040. In contrast, the rural population experienced an upward trend from 5 million in 1950 to 10 million in 2020, which is expected to remain at this level until 2040.
In the second graph, the number of people under 15 years experienced the highest growth. It started with roughly 7 million in 1950 and rose to 25 million in 2020, with the prediction to grow around 28 million by 2040. Meanwhile, the age group over 65 years grew from 1 million in 1950 to 5 million in 2020 and is anticipated to increase to 10 million by 2040. In 1950, the number of people 15 – 65 years initially was just under 5 million, increasing slowly to around 6 million in 2020 and is expected to grow by 1 million by 2040, making it the lowest age group.