The line graph illustrates the number of smokers per 1,000 men and women in Canada between 1950 and 2000.
Overall, men smoked at a much higher rate than women throughout the period. While the male smoking rate steadily declined, the rate for women increased until 1980, then remained mostly stable with a slight decrease by 2000.
In 1950, approximately 500 men smoked per 1,000, compared with only 50 women. Male smoking gradually decreased to around 450 in 1960 and 420 in 1970. After 1970, the decline accelerated, falling to about 400 in 1980 and reaching roughly 300 by 2000, showing a significant reduction over the 50 years.
For women, smoking rose from 50 in 1950 to 100 in 1970, before peaking at 200 in 1980. After this, the figure remained mostly unchanged, slightly decreasing to around 190 by 2000.
In summary, men’s smoking rates consistently decreased, women’s rates increased before a small fall, and men always smoked at a much higher level than women.