The given graph illustrates the proportion of Asian citizens settling in the urban areas of different countries between 1970 and 2020, with anticipations for 2030 and 2040. Overall, the graph depicts an upward trend in the inhabitants of the countries selected. Also, the predictions imply the consistency of this trend, albeit at varying rates in the upcoming years.
Starting at approximately 30%, which was the highest figure in January, the urban populations of the Philippines and Malaysia converged to 50% in 1990. However, for the next 20 years, while the figure for Malaysia proceeded to increase gradually by 10%, that of Philippines experienced a sudden fall to 45%. A close convergence occurred in Thailand and Indonesia at 30% in 2000; thereafter, Indonesia and Thailand continued to experience a similar pattern compared to two other countries, with the former growing by a consistent rate of 10%, overtaking Indonesia to become the third most populated country whilst the latter staying the same until 2020.
Regarding the future projections, both figures for Philippines and Indonesia are expected to continuously undergo a slow increase to 80% and 60%, respectively. There is also a projected steady rise in Thailand and Indonesia, with each peaking at 50% and 45% by 2040 respectively.