The line graph illustrates the percentage of the population living in urban areas across four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, including projections for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, there was a consistent increase in urban populations in all four countries during the observed period, and this upward trend is expected to persist until at least 2040, with Malaysia projected to have the highest percentage of urban residents by the end of this period.
In 1970, the urban populations of the four countries were nearly equal, ranging between 15% and 30%. Indonesia and Malaysia experienced significant growth in their urban populations, which continued to rise from 1970 to 1990. This trend is expected to continue, with projections showing urban populations reaching approximately 40% in Indonesia and 45% in Malaysia by 2040. Similarly, Thailand also experienced a steady increase, starting at 18% in 1970 and growing to 30% by 2020. Predictions indicate that this figure will further climb to 45% by 2040.
In contrast, the Philippines was the only country that experienced a decline in urban population in 1990, with its percentage dropping to 50%. Shortly after this decline, the urban population began to rise again and is projected to continue this growth trend until 2040.