The line graph displays the percentage of the population living in cities across four countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand—over a period of 70 years, from 1970 to 2040. The data includes both historical trends and future projections. The data is shown in percentages for years.
Overall, the proportion of people living in urban areas increased in all four countries, with Malaysia experiencing the most rapid and consistent growth. By contrast, Thailand saw the slowest urbanization, while Indonesia and the Philippines followed moderate, yet distinct, patterns.
In 1970, the urban population in the Philippines was the highest among the four countries, at approximately 32%, while Malaysia and Indonesia followed closely at around 30% and 17%, respectively. Thailand had the smallest urban population, with only 14% living in cities. Over the subsequent decades, Malaysia’s urbanization rate grew dramatically, surpassing all other countries by the year 2000, when it reached 50%. The upward trend is projected to continue, with Malaysia reaching 85% by 2040.
Urbanization in Indonesia also increased steadily, though at a slower pace than Malaysia. Starting at 17% in 1970, the proportion of Indonesians living in cities grew to around 50% by 2020. Projections suggest this figure will rise further, reaching 70% by 2040.
The Philippines, despite leading initially, exhibited slower and more irregular growth. Its urban population increased to roughly 50% by 2020, with projections indicating a modest rise to around 60% by 2040. Meanwhile, Thailand experienced the slowest growth in urbanization. Starting from a low base of 14% in 1970, it grew steadily to 40% by 2020, with expectations of reaching just 50% by 2040, the lowest among the four nations.