The line graph illustrates changes in the population size, birth rate, and death rate in England and Wales between 1700 and 2000. Overall, the population grew steadily from 2.5 million to 50 million, while birth and death rates showed a long-term decline followed by a recent divergence.
In 1700, the population stood at 2.5 million, with birth and death rates at 30 and 27 per 1000 people respectively. By 1750, the population reached 10 million, remaining stable until 1800. During this period, both birth and death rates peaked at 40 and 37 respectively. From 1800 to 1900, the population rose sharply to 35 million. Concurrently, the birth rate fell to 32, while the death rate dropped to 27.
Between 1900 and 1950, the population continued to climb, reaching 42 million. During these five decades, the birth rate decreased to 24, and the death rate fell to 20. Finally, by 2000, the population reached 50 million. Interestingly, the birth rate rebounded to 33, whereas the death rate remained stable at 20, marking the widest gap between the two rates since the 18th century.