The two line graphs illustrate changes in the population of southern Pacific Ocean countries between 1950 and 2040. The first chart compares total, urban and rural populations, while the second presents the population distribution by age group.
Overall, the total population is projected to rise steadily over the period, driven mainly by rapid urban growth, whereas rural population increases only slightly. In terms of age structure, the working-age population expands dramatically, while the proportions of children remain relatively stable and the elderly grow gradually.
In 1950, the total population stood at approximately 11 million, with around 6 million living in urban areas and about 4 million in rural regions. Over the following decades, the total population increased consistently, reaching roughly 28 million by 2000 and is expected to climb further to about 45 million by 2040. Urban population growth accounts for most of this rise, accelerating from around 6 million in 1950 to nearly 37 million by 2040. By contrast, the rural population grows modestly, edging up from about 4 million to only around 7 million over the same period.
Regarding age structure, the number of people aged 15-65 shows the most pronounced increase, rising sharply from roughly 5 million in 1950 to about 20 million in 1990, and is projected to reach approximately 35 million by 2040. The under-15 population remains comparatively stable, fluctuating slightly around 3-5 million throughout the period. Meanwhile, the over-65 group, although the smallest segment, increases steadily from about 1 million in 1950 to nearly 6 million by 2040.