The line graph depicts the changing city population percentages in four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, with projections for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of the population residing in cities in all four countries and this increase is expected to continue into the future. Malaysia emerges as the frontrunner with the highest proportion of city residents compared to the others.
In 1970, around 30% of the population of Malaysia and the Philippines lived in cities. By 2020, Malaysia had experienced substantial growth, reaching almost 80% city population, while the Philippines had fluctuated between 30% and 50%.
Thailand had nearly 20% of its population in cities in 1970, whereas Indonesia had about 15%. However, Indonesia’s city population had grown rapidly, surpassing 50% in 2020, while Thailand had reached roughly 30%.
Looking ahead, projections indicate further growth in city populations across all four countries. By 2040, it is predicted that Malaysia will have the largest percentage of city residents, nearing 85%, followed by Indonesia at around 65%. The figures for the Philippines and Thailand are predicted to be approximately 55% and 50%, respectively.
