A comparison of actual and predicted population figures for three cities

The table compares the actual population figures for Sao Paulo, Jakarta, and Shanghai in 1990 and 2000 against the predictions made for the latter year. Overall, it is evident that population growth in all three cities was overestimated, as the actual figures for 2000 fell short of the predictions in every instance.

In 1990, Sao Paulo had the largest population at 15 million, followed by Shanghai at 13.5 million and Jakarta at 9.5 million. By 2000, all three cities experienced growth, but the actual figures were notably lower than the forecasts. Specifically, Sao Paulo was predicted to reach 24 million, yet the actual figure was only 18 million. Similarly, Jakarta’s predicted population of 14 million was higher than the actual 11.5 million recorded.

Shanghai presents a distinct trend; while it was predicted to grow from 13.5 million in 1990 to 17 million in 2000, the actual population in 2000 was 12.5 million, representing a decline from its 1990 level. Consequently, while Sao Paulo remained the most populous city throughout the period, the gap between the predicted and actual figures was most pronounced in Shanghai and Sao Paulo.