Band 6+: The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The line graph illustrates the share of populations in four Asian countries, namely Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia between 1970 and 2020, projecting for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, over the given period, the percentage of city dwellers showed an upward trend in all countries. In addition, these patterns will likely continue for all countries in the upcoming years.

At first, the Philippines had the highest percentage of people at just over 30%. However, there was a fluctuation towards 2020, being the third country with the highest population. With slight growth, it is still expected to remain in the same position over the next 20 years. There was a significant increase in Malaysia over the five decades, from 30% to approximately 78% and it is set to increase by 2040, accounting for almost 82%.

When it comes to other countries, despite having the lowest trend in the percentage of the population in 1970, Indonesia saw a substantial rise over the 50 years, reaching nearly half of the total population by 2020 and it is anticipated to be the second biggest country in population. There was a modest growth in Thailand from 1990 to 2020 and it will have increased by the end of 2040.