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.

Introduction: The line graph illustrates the percentage of the population in the city between 1970 and 2040. Overall, it is clear that there is an upward trend of urbanization in all cities during this period. Initially, urbanization did not increase in the Philippines during the 1970s and 1980s. The level of population in the city reached a peak by 1990. However, after this peak, it began to decrease until 2010 and has been steadily growing since then.

In other countries, the rate of urbanization in Malaysia is increasing rapidly compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. Malaysia leads with a population in the city of 80 percent. In Thailand, this indicator is growing at the same pace. By 2040, almost half of the population is expected to live in cities. Despite this, Thailand is expected to record the lowest rate of urbanization compared to other countries by 2040.

In 1970, Indonesia had the lowest urban density in the region, but by 2040, it has risen to second place in terms of urbanization in the region.