The table illustrates the number of Internet users in five European countries in 1995, 2000 and 2004, while the pie chart shows the proportion of Internet shopping in these countries in 2004.
Overall, the number of Internet users increased in all countries during the period. The UK had the highest figures throughout the years, whereas Spain and Switzerland recorded the lowest numbers. In addition, the UK accounted for the largest share of Internet shopping in 2004.
In 1995, the UK had 16 million Internet users, which was considerably more than Germany with 5 million users. France and Switzerland had 2 million and 1 million users respectively, while Spain had the lowest figure at only 0.5 million. By 2000, the number of users had risen in every country. The UK reached 22 million users, Germany increased to 14 million, and Switzerland doubled its figure to 2 million.
The upward trend continued in 2004. The UK experienced the most significant growth, reaching 41 million users. Germany ranked second with 15 million users, followed by France at 6 million. Switzerland and Spain also saw increases, reaching 4 million and 2 million users respectively. According to the pie chart, the UK represented the largest proportion of Internet shopping in Europe in 2004, whereas Switzerland accounted for the smallest share.