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 data provided shows the percentage of urban population in four different Asian countries: the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, for the years 1970 and 2020. It also includes projections for the years 2030 to 2040.

Overall, the urban population in Malaysia and Indonesia is rapidly increasing, while Thailand and the Philippines are experiencing slower growth with some fluctuations over time.

In 1970, Indonesia had the lowest urban population percentage at around 14%, while the Philippines had the highest at 31%. Malaysia was at 30%, and Thailand was at around 19% in the same year.

By the year 2000, Indonesia’s urban population had surged to 30%, surpassing Thailand, and by 2010, it had reached 40%, finally hitting 50% in 2020. Thailand, on the other hand, had the slowest growth, remaining at 30% in 2020. Projections indicate Indonesia and Thailand will hit 60% and 45% respectively in the future.

Between 1970 and 2020, Malaysia’s urban population surpassed the Philippines, peaking at around 75% in 2020. The forecast suggests it will reach 80% by 2040. In contrast, the Philippines hovered around 45% and is expected to be at 50% in 2040.