The line graph indicates the proportion of people settled in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, with future plans for 2030 and 2040 respectively.
Overall, all four countries experienced an upward trend in the number of people moved to the urban area throughout the period, and this growth is predicted for two more decades. Malaysia comes out with the highest proportion of urban residents over the entire period, while Thailand and Indonesia started with the lowest figures but are predicted to increase steadily in the coming years.
In 1980, around 40% of Malaysians lived in cities, compared with about 30% in the Philippines and less than 20% in Thailand and Indonesia. By 2020, the figures had risen significantly to nearly 80% in Malaysia, while Thailand only had 10% increased during that period. At the same time, both the Philippines and Indonesia had roughly about 50% of the population.
Looking ahead, the proportion of urban dwellers in all four nations is expected to continue rising. By 2040, Malaysia is predicted to reach nearly 90%, remaining the most urbanised country among the four. The Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia are projected to increase to approximately 55%, 50%, and 60%, respectively.