The graph illustrates the proportions of people living in urban areas in four different countries in Asia between 1970 and 2020, along with projections for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it is evident that all four nations experienced an upward trend and Malaysia stood out as having the highest percentage among the group. These patterns are predicted to continue in the future.
Malaysia and the Philippines both had around 30% of their populations living in cities in 1970. Malaysia then experienced substantial growth, with cities holding roughly three-quarters of its citizens by 2020, while the Philippines reached around 50% in 1990 and fluctuated after. Thailand’s city dwellers accounted for almost 20% of its population in 1970, compared to Indonesia’s 15%. However, the number of people living in cities in Indonesia increased rapidly, reaching nearly half the total population by 2020, whereas Thailand’s rate rose only to 30%.
Projections indicate further growth in the population living in urban regions across all four countries. By 2040, Malaysia is anticipated to have the greatest percentage, surpassing 80%, followed by Indonesia’s roughly 60%. The figures for the Philippines and Thailand are expected to be approximately 55% and 50% respectively.