The graph illustrates the change in the number of people (measured in percentages) living in cities in four Asian countries between 1970 and 2020, with projected figures for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, there has been a considerable increase in the percentage of the population living in cities in all four countries, which is expected to continue into the future. Malaysia is clearly the country with the highest proportion of city residents, with the remaining three countries showing similar patterns of growth.
In 1970, Malaysia and the Philippines had around 30% of their populations living in cities, compared with Thailand and Indonesia at approximately 18% and 15% respectively. From then until 2020, Malaysia had soared to over 70%, followed by Indonesia at over 50%, the Philippines fluctuating between 30% and 50%, and Thailand exhibiting the lowest growth rates, climbing from 20% to 30%.
Looking ahead, in 2030, the figures are anticipated to be 80% for Malaysia, with a slight increase above this for 2040, and 55% rising to 60% for Indonesia. Whereas, for the Philippines, it will be slightly under 60% for both years, followed by Thailand, which will rise from around 35% to 45%.
