The line graph illustrates global population trends (rural and urban population and age structure) between 1950 and 2020, with predictions for 2040. All the data are presented in percentages.
Overall, the figures of rural and urban population mirrored each other, demonstrating a decline of villagers and an increase of city residents. Notably, the age structure showed an aging trend among population.
In terms of area, starting from 60%, rural population experienced a gradual decrease to 20% by 2010, only to remain stagnant until 2020. The figure is expected to dip to 10% in 2030 and be unchanged by the close of the timeframe. In contrast, urban population doubled (from 40% to 80%) by 2010, with substantial period of stability until 2020. The percentage of city residents is predicted to grow to 90% in 2030, maintaining this proportion by 2040.
As for age, under 15 and 15-65 age groups illustrated a downward trend, with fluctuations over the period, while over 65 cohort saw a surge throughout the span. The percentages of children fell steadily from 45% to 30% by 2020, being expected to reach 25% by the end of the timeframe. Similarly, adults percentages, which rose to just over 40% by the turn of the century, dipped to its initial 35% in 2010, presenting a modest recover to slightly over 35% by 2020 and being predicted to decline to 30% by 2024. Conversely, the figure of elderly people soared to about 35% in 2020, after a stagnation at nearly 20% until 1990. The number of old people is expected to surge to 45% by the end of the span.