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.

The line graph compares the urban populations of four Asian countries between 1970
and 2020, with predicted figures for 2030 and 2040
Overall, projections show that all countries will witness a dramatic increase in the
proportion of city residents, with Malaysia being expected to see the greatest growth.

Body 1: 1970-2020

In 1970, the percentages of urban inhabitants of the Philippines and Malaysia were
roughly the same, at around 30%, compared to 20% for Thailand and 15% for
Indonesia. Malaysia witnessed the most dramatic increase, with figures rising to nearly
75% by 2020. Indonesia overtook the other two to become the country with the second-
largest urban population, with nearly half of the total population living in cities in 2020.
While the Philippines saw a drop in the proportion of urban residents between 1990 and
2010, Thailand’s figure rose steadily to nearly 30% by 2020.

Body 2: by 2040

By 2040, it is predicted that the urban populations of all these countries will grow, with
Malaysia still top of the list, at nearly 85%, followed by Indonesia, at more than 60%.
The figures for the other two countries are also expected to increase but at a slower
rate, with more than 55% of Filipinos and around 45% of Thais being projected to live in
cities by 2040.