The graph illustrates the proportion of people living in cities across four Asian countries—Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia—from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Overall, Malaysia is projected to have the highest percentage of urban population by 2040, while Thailand will remain the least urbanized. Notably, Indonesia is expected to surpass the Philippines by the end of the period.
In 1970, the Philippines and Malaysia had similar urban populations, at 30% each. By contrast, Thailand and Indonesia had significantly lower proportions, with approximately 20% and 10% of their populations living in cities, respectively. Over the next decade, urbanization in Malaysia accelerated, reaching 40%, while the Philippines showed only a modest rise to just over 30%. Thailand and Indonesia experienced gradual growth, with urban populations accounting for 20% and around 15%, respectively.
By 1990, Malaysia and the Philippines were nearly equal, with around 50% of their populations living in urban areas. Thailand saw moderate growth to 30%, while Indonesia lagged behind at just under 20%. From 2000 onward, Malaysia’s urban population grew sharply, peaking at approximately 80% by 2040. Meanwhile, Indonesia experienced the most significant rise, surging from 20% in 2000 to 60% in 2040. In contrast, the Philippines declined slightly from 50% in 2010 to 40% in 2020, before recovering to 50% by 2040. Thailand followed a steady upward trend, reaching 40% by the end of the period.
In summary, urbanization trends varied among the four countries. Malaysia showed the fastest growth and highest urban population, while Indonesia experienced the most significant upward shift. The Philippines and Thailand, on the other hand, showed slower, steadier patterns of urbanization.