The line graph shows the proportion of people in four Asian countries who were living in cities from 1970 to 2020, along with projections for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, there was an increase in the population of city dwellers in all four countries, and Malaysia stood out as having the highest percentage among the group. These patterns will likely continue into the future.
Malaysia and the Philippines both had about 30% of their populations living in cities in 1970. Malaysia then experienced substantial growth, with cities holding roughly 75% of its population by 2020, while the Philippines fluctuated between 35% and 45%.
Thailand’s city dwellers accounted for almost 20% of its population in 1979, compared to Indonesia’s 15%. However, the population of city dwellers in Indonesia increased more rapidly, reaching nearly half the total population by 2020, whereas Thailand’s percentage rose to only around 30%.
Predictions indicate further growth in the population living in cities across all four countries. By 2040, Malaysia is set to have the greatest percentage, surpassing 80%, followed by Indonesia’s 65%. The figures for the Philippines and Thailand are expected to be approximately 55% and 50%, respectively.