The line chart compares the proportion of the population in four different Asian nations living in cities between 1970 and 2020 and projections for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, all countries witnessed an upward trend in the proportion of the population and it is predicted to continue to increase to 2040. Despite holding the highest position in 1970, the figure for Philippines is forecasted to be overtaken by Malaysia’ figures towards the end of the period.
The proportion of the population in the Philippines stood at the highest point at the beginning of the period, at about 32%, which then increased slightly to approximately 45% in 1990 before decreasing to nearly 40% after a 40-year period. Although it is projected to increase again, reaching over 50% in 2040, it is still lower than the figure for Malaysia, with figures climbing from 30% in 1970 to 80% after 70 years.
A similar trend was observed in Indonesia’s population, with figures increasing from around 15% to 60% over the period, nearly four times higher than the starting point. Notably, the population of Indonesia reached parity with that of Thailand in 2000, at about 28%, which, by 2040, the latter will have increased to nearly 50% albeit still the lowest position of four countries at the end of the period.