The above line graph illustrates the changes in urban population proportions in four Southeast Asian countries, from 1970 to 2020, then projected to 2040. Overall, the population of Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand have all shifted towards living in cities, and the demographic shifts are predicted to continue in the future.
In all four countries, Malaysia experienced the most dramatic migration, with the share of the urban population rising steadily from only 30% in 1970 to about 45% in 1990, then surging to almost 75% in 2020. However, the demographic shift will likely slow down, gradually rising to a peak of slightly over 80%. Indonesia also had a significant demographic shift, as the urban population percentage increased considerably from only 10% in 1970 to almost 30% in 2000, then shooted up to just over 50% in 2020. The urban population will surge again to just less than 60% in 2030, then peak at slightly above 60% 2040, which will make Indonesia the second most urbanised country just behind Malaysia.
The urban population share of the Philippines fluctuated. It had a slight rise from slightly above 30% 1970 to 32% in 1980, skyrocketed up to the peak of almost 50% in 1990, then gradually declined until just below 45% in 2010. The percentage rebounded slightly to above 45% in 2020, and is predicted to rise steadily to around 55% in 2040, expected to place the Philippines as the third most urbanised nation after Indonesia. Thailand would have the lowest degree of urbanisation among the four countries. Thai urban population percentage had a stable rise from just below 20% in 1970 to almost 30% in 1990, then plateaued around 30% until it reached 32% in 2020, making Thailand the least urbanised country relative to the others in the present day. However, it is predicted that Thailand may see a booming urban population in the future, increasing dramatically to about 40% in 2030, and to over 50% in 2040. While it would still have the lowest urban population percentage in 2040 compared to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the shift would still be impressive.
Overall, the demographic shifts to urban residence in Malaysia and Indonesia are the most significant, but will eventually slow down. The Filipino urban population fluctuated and the Thai urban population increased slightly, but will start rising significantly in the near future.