The line graph illustrates the proportions of Internet users in five different countries, namely the USA, the UK, China, India and Brazil, between 2000 and 2020.
Overall, Internet penetration rose in all the countries during the two decades. The USA consistently recorded the highest percentages, while India remained the least connected nation, although it experienced the fastest growth.
In 2000, just over half of Americans (52%) used the Internet, which was the highest figure among the five nations. The UK ranked second at 38%, followed by Brazil at 17%. By contrast, China and India had very low rates, at 8% and 3% respectively.
By 2010, all countries saw notable increases. The USA reached 78%, maintaining a clear lead over the UK (67%). China more than quadrupled its rate to 34%, while Brazil climbed to 40%. India, though still the lowest, doubled its figure to 12%.
By the end of the period in 2020, the USA peaked at 93%, and the UK followed at 87%. China continued its sharp rise to 70%, narrowing the gap with the leaders. Brazil reached 66%, whereas India, despite strong progress, was still the lowest at 40%.