The line graphs illustrate the population number and three age groups involved in the total population in Southern Pacific countries from 1950, together with projections for 2040.
Overall, the figure for the total population is expected to grow by 2040, with the urban population experiencing a pronounced increase. Meanwhile, people in the 15-65 age group made up the largest share of the total population and are predicted to show a dramatic increase, while those under 15 and over 65 remained relatively stable over the 90-year period.
Looking first at the urban and rural populations, the urban population increased slightly from an initial 5 million to 8 million between 1950 and 1960, while dwellers in rural areas had not seen a change, standing at about 3 million. This pattern continued up to now and is predicted to increase markedly, with urban residents reaching a peak of around 37 million, while the total population is expected to reach just above 43 million people.
Turning to the changes in age structure, at the beginning of the period, residents from the under-15, 15-65 and over-65 age groups recorded around 4, 6 and 2 million respectively. Then, the 15-65 age group experienced the most pronounced increase to about 32 million in 2020, while the figures for children and the ageing population remained almost unchanged, with those over 65 witnessing a slight rise to almost 5 million and reaching the same figure as those under 15. Similarly, the figure for people aged 15-65 is expected to rise consistently, reaching a peak of around 35 million.