Urban Population Percentage in Four Asian Countries 1970-2040
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.
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Line graph of the urban population share in four countries from 1970 to 2040. The Philippines is approximately 32, 34, 49, 46, 43, 46, 51 and 56 percent; Malaysia 30, 40, 45, 60, 70, 75, 80 and 83 percent; Thailand 18, 23, 30, 30, 32, 33, 40 and 50 percent; and Indonesia 13, 16, 25, 30, 43, 52, 60 and 64 percent at ten-year intervals. Figures for 2030 and 2040 are predictions.
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Response 01
162 words
The line chart shows how urban residency has changed in four Asian countries from 1970 to 2040. Overall, it is clear that urban living will increase in all countries, especially in Malaysia and the Philippines. By 2040, Malaysia will have the highest percentage of people living in cities.
In 1970, the Philippines and Malaysia had similar urban residency rates, around 31% and 30% respectively. Thailand and Indonesia had lower rates, with Thailand at 19% and Indonesia at 12%. Over the next 20 years, Malaysia’s rate went up and down, surpassing the Philippines around 40% before rapidly increasing in 1990. It is projected to reach over 80% by 2040. On the other hand, the Philippines saw a moderate decline after 1980 but is expected to recover and reach above 50% by 2040.
Indonesia has seen significant growth in urban residency, surpassing Thailand in 2000 (28%) and the Philippines in 2010 (42%). It is projected to reach 55%, the second-highest among all countries. Finally, Thailand has experienced a gradual increase and is currently around 30%. It is expected to rise to over 40% in the next 17 years.
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Response 02
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The chart gives information about the urbanisation rates in four nations in Asia over five decades starting from 1970, with future projections for 2030 and 2040.
From a general perspective, all four countries have experienced a rise in urban populations over time, and this upward trend is expected to persist. Also, it is notable that Malaysia has witnessed the largest proportion of people residing in urban areas during most of the period shown .
A closer examination at the graph reveals that in 1970, Malaysia had approximately 30% of its population residing in urban areas, while Indonesia recorded the lowest figure, at just 13%. Over the following two decades, both nations witnessed sharp increases —Malaysia’s urban population rose significantly to 47% and Indonesia’s climbed steadily to 30% by 1990. From 1990 to 2020, urbanisation in both countries accelerated further. Malaysia reached a high of 75%, whereas Indonesia grew gradually to 50%. According to forecasts, this growth will continue, with Malaysia projected to hit a peak of 82% by 2040, and Indonesia expected to rise moderately to 60%.
By comparison, the Philippines had the highest urban population in 1970, at 31%, compared to Thailand’s relatively low figure of 19%. Between 1970 and 1990, the Philippines experienced a dramatic surge to 50%, while Thailand increased at a slower pace to 30%. However, from 1990 to 2010, the Philippines saw a slight dip , dropping to a low point of 45%, while Thailand’s urban population remained relatively flat . In the future, both countries are predicted to recover and grow steadily, with the Philippines reaching 55% and Thailand climbing gradually to 50% by 2040.
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Response 03
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The line chart delineates population trends as they relate to urban residency in four Asian countries starting in 1970 with projections through 2040. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that living in urban areas will increase in each nation, particularly Malaysia and the Philippines. By the end of the period, Malaysia will have by far the greatest proportion of their population living in cities.
In 1970, the percentages for urban residents in the Philippines and Malaysia were nearly equal (31% and 30% for each), similar to the data for Thailand and Indonesia (19% and 12%, respectively). Over the next twenty years, Malaysia’s percentage rose and fluctuated, switching relative positions with the Philippines around the 40% marker before beginning a dramatic surge in 1990 that is anticipated to continue and plateau at just over 80% by 2040. The Philippines, in contrast, declined moderately after 1980, though this figure will likely recover and end at a high of above 50% in 2040.
The statistics for urban residency in Indonesia have grown considerably, overtaking Thailand in 2000 (at 28%) and the Philippines in 2010 (at 42%). This pattern is projected to persist with the final figure the second highest among all nations at 55%. Lastly, Thailand has experienced the most gradual and consistent increase to reach approximately 30% in the present day, with a more rapid rise to over 40% expected over the next 17 years.
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