Band 8+: The line graph below shows the proportion of the population aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040 in three different countries. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The graph illustrates the proportion of people aged 65 and over in three countries — Japan, Sweden, and the USA — from 1940 to 2040.

Overall, while the percentage of elderly people increased in all three countries, Japan is projected to experience the most dramatic rise, especially after 2000, overtaking both Sweden and the USA by 2040. In contrast, Sweden and the USA show more gradual and steady growth.

In 1940, the USA had the highest proportion of elderly people at around 9%, followed by Sweden at approximately 7%, and Japan at just 5%. From 1940 to 1990, both the USA and Sweden saw steady increases, reaching about 15%, whereas Japan remained relatively flat.

After 1990, Japan’s percentage began to rise sharply, particularly after 2000, and is expected to reach nearly 27% by 2040, becoming the country with the highest proportion of people aged 65 and over. Sweden also experienced a consistent increase, rising to about 25% by the end of the period. The USA’s growth was more moderate, reaching just under 23% in 2040.

Notably, Japan had the lowest elderly population in 1940, but by 2040 it is projected to have the highest, indicating a significant demographic shift.