The graph illustrates the proportion of population living in urban areas in four countries between 1970 and 2040.
Overall, all four countries experienced a high rate of migration with the same upward pattern. Particularly, Malaysia and Indonesia underwent a rapid increase while others grew a bit slowly over the period.
Starting from mostly 30% in 1970, the share of residents in Malaysia rose considerably to around 15% after 30 years. Then, this figure rocketed rapidly before being estimated to follow this pattern and reach approximately 80% at the end of the period. The Philippines, however, showed a less stable increase. The percentage of Philippine citizens grew rapidly to about 20% in 1990, with above 30% in 1970, and surpassed Malaysia before declining gradually. 40 years later, this figure rose steadily and is projected to hit around 50% in 2040.
Moving to Indonesia, it was showing only 15% at the beginning of the period, then underwent a significant rise at under 30% and caught up with Thailand in 2000. Over the next 40-year period, the figure for Indonesia went up dramatically and is finally predicted to stand at the second with under 60% of the total. Regarding Thailand, the percentage of cities’ population increased from under 20% to nearly 30% during 30 years, and intersected with Indonesia in 2000. After that, its figure still followed the upward trend and in 2040, it is expected to reach its peak at about 40%
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