The bar chart compares the percentage of world production output contributed by Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world in five different years between 1840 and 2000.
Overall, Asia and Europe experienced opposite trends over the given period, while the rest of the world saw a gradual increase. Asia started as the highest contributor, then declined significantly before recovering again by 2000. In contrast, Europe’s share rose to a peak in 1920, then fell sharply.
In 1840, Asia produced the largest share at 50%, followed by Europe at 40%. The rest of the world contributed only 10%. By 1880, Asia’s output had dropped to 30%, while Europe’s increased to around 45%, making it the highest contributor at that time. The rest of the world also grew slightly to about 25%.
In 1920, Europe reached its highest point at 50%, while Asia fell to just 20%, its lowest. The rest of the world continued to rise, reaching 30%. By 1960, Europe and the rest of the world produced equal shares, both around 37%, whereas Asia began to recover, reaching roughly 26%.
By 2000, Asia’s share had increased again to about 45%, becoming the largest contributor once more. Meanwhile, Europe’s output had dropped to around 28%, and the rest of the world maintained a stable share at 30%.