Band 7+: 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 line graph illustrates the proportion of the population residing in urban areas across four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, along with forecasts for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the number of urban residents rose in the 50-year period, with all four Asian countries seeing an increase. The most significant change was in Malaysia which saw their numbers triple.

Between 1970 and 2020, Indonesia rose by around thirty-five percent from approximately 15% to 50%, and this trend is set to continue with prediction of nearly 10% rise in 2040. However, the most significant change was in Malaysia which began at around 30% and finished the period at 2020 slightly over 70%, and is forecasted to have the highest number of urban residents in 2040 with over 85% of the population living in cities.

In contrast, Philippines and Thailand experienced a smaller rise of between 10 to 15% from 1970 to 2020. It is speculated that the urban population of Philippines and Thailand will reach around 50% and 45% by 2040 respectively.