The given line graph illustrates the proportion of the total number of humans living in cities across four different Asian regions from 1970 to 2020, along with projected populations for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it is evident that among the four countries, Indonesia and Malaysia saw a steep increase in the proportion of their populations living in urban areas during this period. Meanwhile, the Philippines experienced some fluctuations, and Thailand’s proportion rose gradually over time.
In the early 1980s, Malaysia’s urban population rose sharply by approximately 10% from its starting point, while Indonesia’s increased by around 14%. In contrast, the Philippines recorded only a minor increase in its urban population proportion during this time, which was the highest percentage for that period. Additionally, Thailand’s figure stood just over 20% in 1980.
Over the next 40 years, the percentage of people living in urban areas in Malaysia and Indonesia dramatically increased, reaching nearly three-quarters and just over half, respectively. By contrast, the Philippines and Thailand climbed to approximately 42% and 31%.
From 2030 to the projected figures for 2040, Malaysia and Indonesia are forecasted to increase their urban populations to 81% and 61%, respectively. In contrast, during the same period, the Philippines and Thailand are expected to grow more slowly, reaching about 53% and 48%, respectively.