Overview of Malaysia

Profile

A federal constitutional monarchy with modern urban infrastructure centered around the capital Kuala Lumpur and the administrative capital Putrajaya. While Islam is the state religion, diverse ethnic groups including Chinese and Indian communities coexist, creating a rich tapestry of food, language, and culture. The country is transitioning from middle-income status through abundant natural resources, manufacturing, and high-tech industry development, while also offering rich tourism resources including highland resorts, tropical rainforests, and UNESCO World Heritage cities.

Official name: Federation of Malaysia
Common name: Malaysia
Numeric code: 458
Alpha-3 code: MYS
Alpha-2 code: MY
Population: Approx. 34 million (2023)
Population density: Approx. 100 people/km²
Primary languages: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), English, Chinese (Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, etc.), Tamil
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: Negaraku
Calling code: +60
Internet TLD: .my

History

Following Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511 and subsequent European colonial rule, Malaya gained independence in 1957, and Malaysia was formed in 1963 through merger with Sabah and Sarawak.

Flourishing since ancient times through spice trade, the 15th-century Malacca Sultanate dominated maritime commerce. From the 16th century, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain advanced into the region. In the late 19th century, British Malaya developed a plantation economy based on rubber and tin. After Japanese occupation during World War II, independence movements intensified, leading to Malaya's independence in 1957. In 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was formed with North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore (which separated in 1965). From the 1970s, Prime Minister Mahathir's Look East policy promoted industrialization, transforming Malaysia into a middle-tier ASEAN economy.

Geography & climate

The Titiwangsa Mountains run through central Malay Peninsula with coastal lowlands and mangrove wetlands. Northern Borneo features tropical rainforests with limestone karst formations and mountains.

Tropical rainforest climate (equatorial), some highlands subtropical highland climate

Area: Asia / 330803 km²
Capital: Kuala Lumpur (Administrative: Putrajaya)
Largest city: Kuala Lumpur
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Tin, Palm oil, Rubber, Tropical timber, Coal, Bauxite, Pepper, Seafood, Hydropower, Gold ore, Silica sand

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy

Economy

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

GDP (nominal): 434 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1250 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), English, Chinese (Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, etc.), Tamil

Time zone: Malaysia Time (MYT)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan-Dusun, Orang Asli, Eurasian

Life expectancy

76.5 years (2022 estimate)

Literacy rate

95% (2022)

National sports

Sepak Takraw, Badminton, Football, Silat, Hockey