The graph below provides data on the percentage of population of people who live in cities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia over a 50-year period, prediction is also provided for the next 20 years.
Overall, it is noticeable that about 4/5 of Malaysians will live in cities by the year 2040. By contrast, a far lesser number of people will live an urban life in other countries.
Looking at Malaysia, only a small percentage of people(30%) lived in cities in 1970 but its figure saw an upward trend and surpassed that of the Philippines by the year 1992 and will reach its highest amount in 2040. Despite having the highest percentage at the start of the period, the Philippines’ urban population will become a mere 51% by the end of the period.
The percentage of people living in cities of Indonesia was the least in 1970; however, it rose significantly and put Thailand and the Philippines behind by the years 2000 and 2010 respectively. Moreover, it is forecasted to reach 60 per cent in 2040. Thailand’s urban population also increased from 20 to 30 per cent and is predicted to reach 44 per cent by 2040
