Urban Population Percentage in Four Asian Countries 1970-2040

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 Suggested change: urban population sharesurban population shares1urban 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 Suggested change: examination ofexamination of2examination 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 Suggested change: roughly 45%roughly 45%347% 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 Suggested change: Indonesia’s figure rose above 50% (around 53%)Indonesia’s figure rose above 50% (around 53%)4Indonesia grew gradually to 50%. According to forecasts, this growth will continue, with Malaysia projected to Suggested change: reach a high ofreach a high of5hit a peak of 82% by 2040, and Indonesia Suggested change: projected to reach approximately 64%projected to reach approximately 64%6expected 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 Suggested change: rise to roughly 48%rise to roughly 48%7dramatic 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 Suggested change: trough of around 43% by 2010trough of around 43% by 20108low 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 Suggested change: reaching roughly 56%reaching roughly 56%9reaching 55% and Thailand Suggested change: accelerating to reach 50%accelerating to reach 50%10climbing gradually to 50% by 2040.