The provided graph illustrates the proportions of urban inhabitants in four Asian nations over the span of five decades, from 1970 to 2020, with projections extending to 2030 and 2040. Overall, it is evident that Malaysia is anticipated to have the highest percentage of urban residents by 2040, while Thailand is expected to retain the lowest proportion of its population living in urban areas.
Commencing with the Philippines, in 1970, it boasted the highest urban population among the four nations, initiating the observed period. However, by 1990, this figure peaked at 50%, subsequently experiencing a gradual decline until 2010, with a slight resurgence to approximately 47% by 2020. Projections indicate that by 2040, the urban population in the Philippines is forecasted to revert to 50%.
Turning to Malaysia, urban inhabitants accounted for 35% of the total population in 1970. This proportion surged to 70% by 2020, marking the highest among the four nations, and is projected to continue increasing by 2040.
In contrast, Thailand had the lowest urban population percentage in 1970, standing at 19%, which experienced a marginal increase to roughly 29% by 2020. Nevertheless, this proportion is expected to double by 2040.
Conversely, Indonesia had the lowest urban population in 1970, with only approximately 15% of its population residing in urban areas. By 2020, this figure had risen significantly to 50%, tripling the urban population compared to 1970. Projections suggest a further 10% increase in urban population from 2030 to 2040, compared to the figures recorded in 2020.