The graph provides data on the proportion of the population residing in urban areas across four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, along with projections for the years 2030 and 2040.
Overall, Malaysia had the highest percentage of urban population throughout the period, while Thailand consistently had the lowest. All four countries showed an increasing trend in urbanization, with predictions indicating that this growth will continue in the future.
Delving into details, in 1970, the urban population in Malaysia was approximately 30%, higher than in the Thailand and Indonesia. By 2020, this figure had risen sharply to around 75%. It is predicted to reach 85% by 2040. The Philippines started at about 30% in 1970, similar to Malaysia, and grew steadily, reaching just above 50% in 2020. By 2040, it is expected to rise further to around 60%.
Indonesia had the lowest urban population in 1970, at only 13%. However, it increased significantly to nearly 50% by 2020, with a forecast of 60% by 2040. Similarly, Thailand experienced consistent growth, from about 18% in 1970 to 30% in 2020. It is projected to reach over 45% by 2040. In summary, urbanization has increased in all four countries, with Malaysia remaining the most urbanized and Thailand the least.