Question

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.

Model Answer

The graph shows the extent of urban expansion in four countries from 1970 to 2020, with projected figures for a further 20 years. Overall, the trend is towards significant urbanisation, especially in the two southernmost countries.

Over the past 50 years, Indonesia and Malaysia have experienced sustained urban growth. Cities in Indonesia are now home to 40% more people than in 1970. Malaysia has undergone a similar transformation, albeit from a higher starting point. It currently has the highest level of urbanisation at 75%.

Further north, Thailand and the Philippines are also more metropolitan today than in 1970. This is despite the process of urbanisation stalling between 1990 and 2020. Over this period, the proportion of city dwellers in Thailand plateaued at 30%, whereas in the Philippines the equivalent figure fell from 50% to around 45%.

In all four countries, the percentage of people living in cities is expected to increase over the next 20 years, especially in Thailand, where the urban population is predicted to reach 50%.

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