Urbanization in Southeast Asia

During the last three decades, Southeast Asia has become one of the most economically dynamic realms in the world as a result of the success of a number of countries and the increased role of ASEAN in the world economy (Martin, 1988: 6). In the past, Southeast Asia had played a peripheral role in the world economy by providing raw materials and it was only recently that a number of countries of the realm began to industrialize. As the region has abundant natural resources, industrialization is expected to accelerate and urban population to grow (Figure 5:1), making greater imprints on the world economy.