The tables below give information about the world population and distribution in 1950 and 2000, with an estimate of the situation in 2050. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample answer by Lifestyle Training Centre:

The tables offer insights into the global population in billions and its regional distribution as a percentage in 1950 and 2000, along with projections for 2050.

In broad terms, it is evident that the world population is on an upward trajectory. While the predicted percentage increases for Africa, it either declines or stabilises for the remaining regions.

In 1950, the world’s population was just 2.5 billion, which underwent a twofold change, reaching 6 billion by 2000 and is estimated to climb further to 9 billion by 2050. In 1950, Asian population consisted of 56% of the overall figures, which grew to 60% by 2000 and is expected to be at 59% by 2050. Africa showed a notable growth in percentage of population, 9% in 1950 to 13% in 2000, expecting to reach 20% by 2050. Latin America, and Oceania increased their percentage of population. The former from 6% in 1950 to 9% in 2000 and the latter from less than 1% in 1950 to 1% in 2000. Both these figures are expected to remain the same in 2050.  

On contrary, the percentage-wise distribution of Europe and North America plummeted notably and is expected to go even lower by 2050, Europe to 7 and North America 4 %. In terms of percentage, Europe covered 22% of world’s population in 1950, which drastically slumped to 12% by year 2000. North America, likewise, diminished her percentage to 5% in 2000 from 7% in 1950.