Band 5+: the graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with the predictions for 2030 and 2040. Summarise the information by selecting main and reporting the main features, ana make comparisons where relevant.

The graph illustrates four major Asian countries with their population percentage living in cities between 1970 and 2020 and speculations for 10 years from 2030 to 2040.

Even though the percentage of population in Indonesia was the smallest in 1970, this trend has changed for the next 50 years, and it is believed that in 2040, the percentage of people living in the cities will be almost 60%. Number of people living in the cities was almost the same for the Philippines and Malaysia in 1970, which does not correspond with predictions for 2040.

By looking at the graph, it can be said that only 20% of the whole population of Thailand lived in the urban areas, while in 2020, this percentage increased to almost 30% and this trend will be maintained for the next 20 years. Number of individuals in the Philippines living in the towns has been increasing steadily till the decrease in 1990, but after it will see a gradual increase again for 50 years.

In 2040, the Malaysian people will live mostly in towns, with the prediction percentage of almost 90%. In contrast, Indonesia will not be highly urbanised as Malaysia would, with the 30% difference.