The line graph compares the proportion of female parliamentarians in five European countries (Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and Belgium) from 2000 to 2012.
Overall, all countries experienced growth, but Germany consistently maintained the highest percentage, while the UK, despite starting from a much lower base, saw the most significant relative increase. France and Belgium followed similar upward trends, whereas Italy’s rise was more pronounced, eventually overtaking France.
In 2000, Germany led with 33%, significantly ahead of Italy (27%) and France (25%). Belgium, at 22%, was slightly behind France, while the UK lagged far behind at just 5%. Over the years, Germany’s percentage rose steadily, peaking at 38% in 2012. Italy, which started second, closed the gap with Germany and reached 35%, surpassing France, which increased modestly to 33%.
Belgium mirrored France’s pattern but remained marginally lower, finishing at 30%. In contrast, the UK’s fivefold increase to 25% represented the most dramatic improvement, although it still trailed the others.
In conclusion, Germany and Italy dominated in representation, while the UK’s rapid growth contrasted sharply with its initially low figures. France and Belgium demonstrated slower yet consistent progress.