The provided graph illustrates the population percentages in urban areas of the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, along with projections for the next twenty years. Across all Asian countries examined, there was a consistent population increase over the observed period, and this upward trend is expected to continue until at least 2040, with Malaysia leading with the highest percentage of urban population by the end of the period.
Malaysia and Indonesia exhibited the most rapid growth rates, starting below 40% in 1970 and surpassing 60% by the end of the period. Malaysia’s urban population was 30% in 1970, increasing to around 40% in 1980, experiencing a slight slowdown before a significant surge in 1990, with growth sustained thereafter. In contrast, Indonesia started at approximately 12% in 1970 and had its fastest growth between 2000 and 2010, rising from about 28% to around 40%.
On the other hand, the Philippines and Thailand showed slower increases in population percentage compared to the other two countries, with the Philippines displaying more fluctuations. In 1970, the urban population of the Philippines was around 31%, steadily growing and peaking at nearly 50% in 1990, then declining to approximately 42% by 2010. Thailand also saw a decline in urban population in 1990, dropping from 30% to around 29% by 2000, though not as pronounced as its counterpart’s decline.