The line graph illustrates the total expenditure on books in Germany, France, Italy, and Austria between 1995 and 2005, measured in millions of US dollars.
Overall, expenditure on books increased in all four nations over the decade, with Austria experiencing the most significant growth while Germany consistently maintained the highest spending levels.
Germany began the period as the highest spender at $80 million. Despite some fluctuations, including a dip between 1999 and 2003, spending in Germany rose to a peak of $95 million by 2005. France also saw a steady upward trend, starting at $55 million in 1995 and climbing gradually to reach $75 million at the end of the period.
In contrast, Austria started with the lowest expenditure at $30 million in 1995. However, it underwent a dramatic surge, particularly between 2001 and 2005, where spending rose from $40 million to $72 million, nearly catching up with France. Italy’s spending pattern was more erratic, beginning at $50 million and experiencing minor fluctuations before finishing at $63 million in 2005. By the end of the decade, Germany remained the leader, while Austria had moved from being the least to the second-lowest spender, overtaking Italy.