Band 5+: The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

This line graph depicts the number of people from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia living in towns from 1970 to 2020, and it is predicted between 2030 and 2040. Overall, it is clear that the percentage of the Malaysian population living in cities will have the most significant increase compared to the other countries.

To begin, in 1970, the Malaysian population who lived in cities was only about 30%, with a massive jump to 80% in 2020, but it is expected to increase slightly to above 80%. There was an upward trend in the number of the Philippine population who lived in cities during the period, with around 49% in 1990, then slightly decreasing to nearly 42%, before increasing again to approximately 52% in 2040.

In contrast, the percentage of the Indonesian population in cities was the lowest among the other countries, starting at just over 8% in 1990, increasing dramatically to under 50% in 2010,, then experiencing a peak at 60% in 2040. Thailand witnessed the lowest percentage of population in towns, standing at below 50% in 2040.