Malaysia Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Malaysia, State of Southeast Asia; 329,800 km², 31.5 million residents (2019).Malaysia consists of two parts, Western Malaysia (132,000 km² ), which includes eleven states and two federal territories in the southern part of the Malacca Peninsula, and East Malaysia (198,000 km² ) with the states of Sarawak and Sabah and the federal territory of Labuan on northwest Borneo. The shortest distance between the two regions is about 600 km. The capital is Kuala Lumpur (1.5 million residents, 2010) and administrative capital the neighboring Putrajaya.

Country facts

Persekutuan Tanah Malaysia / Malaysia
Country abbreviation: MY
Area: 329 800 km²
Population (2019): 31.5 million residents
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Main language: Malay
State: Monarchy
Head of State: Abdullah Riayatuddin al-Mustafa Billah Shah (King)
Head of Government: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 11,239
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 10,460
Coin unit: 1 ringgit = 100 sen
Currency code: MYR
Country number (telephony): 60
Internet domain name: my
Time difference compared to Sweden: +7
National Day: August 31 (Independence Day, 1957)

Nature

Land use: forest (55%), agricultural land (18%), other (27%)
Highest mountain: Kinabalu (4 101 m asl)
Longest river: Rajang (563 km)

Population

Population density (2019): 96 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.1%; birth number 16 ‰, death number 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (24%), 15-64 (70%), 65- (6%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 73 years, women 78 years
Infant mortality (2019): 6 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 41 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.802 (place 57 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 75%
Most populous cities (2010): Subang Jaya (1.6 million residents), Kuala Lumpur (1.5 million), Klang (1.1 million)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (9%), industry (38%), service (53%)
Exports (2017): US $ 187,900 million
Main export products: electronic equipment, oil, gas
Main exporting countries: Singapore, China, USA
Imports (2017): US $ 160,700 million
Main import products: electronic components, machines, oil products
Main importing countries: China, Singapore, USA
Railway network (2014): 1,850 km

Geography of Malaysia

Location and Boundaries

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, split into two distinct regions: Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) and East Malaysia (located on the island of Borneo). Peninsular Malaysia borders Thailand to the north, while East Malaysia shares borders with Indonesia and Brunei. To the east of both regions lies the South China Sea, making the country an essential maritime hub in Southeast Asia. With a total land area of around 330,000 square kilometers, Malaysia is known for its diverse geography, which includes coastal plains, mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, and islands.

Terrain and Landscape

The terrain of Malaysia varies significantly between the two regions. Peninsular Malaysia has a long, narrow stretch of land with rugged mountains running down the center, such as the Titiwangsa Mountains. These mountains give way to fertile plains along the coast, particularly in the west. On the eastern side of the peninsula, the landscape is characterized by rainforests, rivers, and coastal wetlands.

East Malaysia, made up of the states of Sabah and Sarawak, is known for its tropical rainforests, expansive river systems, and the highlands of Borneo, which include Malaysia’s tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu. The region is home to some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, which are rich in biodiversity.

Natural Resources and Biodiversity

Malaysia is renowned for its natural resources, including oil, natural gas, timber, rubber, and palm oil. The country has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, with tropical rainforests that house numerous species of flora and fauna. The rainforests of Borneo, in particular, are famous for their rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Bornean orangutan and the proboscis monkey. Malaysia also boasts stunning marine biodiversity, particularly in the waters off Sabah and Sarawak.

Climate of Malaysia

Tropical Climate

Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and year-round temperatures that range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). The climate is largely influenced by the monsoon seasons and the country’s proximity to the equator. There are two main monsoon periods: the Southwest Monsoon, from May to September, and the Northeast Monsoon, from November to March. The Northeast Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, especially to the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the northern part of Borneo.

The tropical climate supports lush rainforests and contributes to the country’s rich agricultural sector. Despite Malaysia’s generally hot and humid weather, cooler temperatures can be found in the higher altitudes, such as in the Cameron Highlands.

Regional Climate Variations

Peninsular Malaysia tends to experience more predictable weather patterns, with the western side being wetter and more humid, especially during the Southwest Monsoon. The east coast, including parts of Terengganu and Kelantan, is particularly affected by the heavy rains of the Northeast Monsoon, leading to occasional flooding. East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, also experiences a humid tropical climate with significant rainfall, although the rain patterns are less predictable and more localized.

People of Malaysia

Population and Demographics

Malaysia is home to approximately 33 million people, making it one of the more densely populated countries in Southeast Asia. The population is ethnically diverse, with Malays, Chinese, and Indians being the largest groups, along with indigenous groups such as the Orang Asli, Dayaks, and Kadazans in the more rural areas. The majority of the population resides in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Johor Bahru.

The population growth rate has been relatively stable, and Malaysia has a relatively young demographic, with a large proportion of its population under the age of 35. This is especially true in urban centers, where a growing middle class drives the economy.

Ethnicity and Languages

Malaysia’s population is known for its ethnic diversity, which has played a major role in shaping the country’s culture and identity. The largest ethnic group, the Malays, are primarily Muslim and speak the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. The Chinese, who make up a significant portion of the population, have historically been involved in business and trade. They predominantly practice Buddhism, Christianity, or Taoism and speak Chinese languages such as Mandarin and Cantonese. The Indian community, largely Tamil, practices Hinduism and is known for its contributions to Malaysia’s labor force and culture.

Malaysia is a multi-lingual society, with Bahasa Malaysia serving as the national language. English is widely spoken, particularly in business and education, and other languages such as Mandarin, Tamil, and various indigenous languages are spoken across different communities. The linguistic diversity in Malaysia reflects its multicultural heritage and serves as a bridge for communication between the various ethnic groups.

Religion and Beliefs

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, with around 60% of the population identifying as Muslim, primarily of the Sunni sect. The Malay population is predominantly Muslim, and Islam plays a central role in the country’s governance and culture. However, Malaysia is home to significant religious minorities, including Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs, each of which has its own places of worship and religious traditions.

The government practices a policy of religious tolerance, although the status of Islam as the state religion sometimes leads to debates over religious freedoms, particularly for non-Muslims. Religious celebrations such as Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), Deepavali, Chinese New Year, and Christmas are widely observed, reflecting Malaysia’s multi-religious society.

Economy of Malaysia

Economic Structure and Growth

Malaysia’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from the manufacturing, services, and agriculture sectors. In recent decades, the country has shifted from being primarily an exporter of raw materials to a more industrialized economy, driven by electronics, oil and gas, and palm oil production. As one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has experienced strong economic growth, with an emphasis on high-tech industries and export-driven growth.

The country’s economic development has been spurred by its manufacturing sector, which produces goods such as electrical appliances, computers, automobiles, and chemicals. Malaysia is also a major player in the global palm oil market, with vast plantations that supply the commodity to industries around the world.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture remains an essential part of Malaysia’s economy, especially with the global demand for palm oil, rubber, and timber. The country is the second-largest producer of palm oil in the world, after Indonesia, and this sector plays a key role in employment and export earnings. Other important agricultural exports include cocoa, pepper, and tropical fruits such as durian and pineapple.

Malaysia’s natural resources also include petroleum, natural gas, and timber, all of which contribute significantly to the country’s revenue. The oil and gas industry, based in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia and the waters around East Malaysia, is one of the most lucrative sectors in the country. Malaysia’s substantial reserves of natural gas make it one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Tourism and Services

Tourism is another critical sector for Malaysia’s economy, attracting millions of visitors annually to its beaches, islands, and cities. Cities like Kuala Lumpur are known for their modern skyline, featuring iconic structures such as the Petronas Twin Towers, while islands like Langkawi, Penang, and Borneo’s Sabah are renowned for their natural beauty and wildlife. Malaysia also benefits from its strong infrastructure, with modern airports, highways, and a thriving hospitality industry.

The services sector in Malaysia is increasingly prominent, particularly in finance, education, and healthcare. Kuala Lumpur is a regional financial hub, and the country’s growing middle class has spurred demand for quality healthcare, creating opportunities for medical tourism.

Government of Malaysia

Political System and Structure

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The country’s political system is characterized by a unique system of governance, where the King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The King is elected every five years from among the nine Malay sultans, making the monarchy a rotating institution.

Malaysia’s parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and the Dewan Negara (Senate). The Prime Minister and the cabinet, which is composed of ministers appointed by the King, govern the country, while the judiciary operates independently.

Administrative Divisions

The country is divided into 13 states and 3 federal territories. Peninsular Malaysia comprises 11 states, while East Malaysia consists of the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The three federal territories—Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan—are directly governed by the federal government.

Political Parties and Elections

Malaysia has a multi-party system, but historically, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and its allies in the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition dominated politics. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards more competitive elections, with the opposition gaining strength. General elections are held every five years, and elections are typically contested in a competitive, yet sometimes controversial, environment. Malaysia’s political landscape continues to evolve, with increasing calls for reforms in governance and policy.

Culture of Malaysia

Arts, Music, and Dance

Malaysia’s cultural landscape is as diverse as its population, with each ethnic group contributing to the country’s artistic traditions. Traditional Malay music is based on instruments such as the gamelan and kompang, while Chinese music incorporates instruments like the erhu and pipa. The Indian influence is seen in classical dances like Bharatanatyam, and the traditional drumming and dance styles of the Malay community are an important cultural heritage.

In the realm of visual arts, Malaysia’s traditional crafts, such as batik and songket weaving, are well-regarded. Batik, the art of decorating fabric using wax and dye, is an essential part of Malaysian cultural identity. The Chinese community’s paper-cutting and lantern-making traditions also contribute to the country’s cultural richness.

Festivals and Celebrations

The diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of Malaysia’s population are reflected in the country’s many festivals. Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated by Muslims, while Chinese New Year and Deepavali are widely observed by the Chinese and Indian communities, respectively. The Mooncake Festival, Thaipusam, and the Gawai Festival in Sarawak are also celebrated with great enthusiasm. These festivals are accompanied by traditional performances, feasts, and family gatherings, making them significant cultural expressions.

History of Malaysia

Early History and Kingdoms

The history of Malaysia dates back thousands of years, with evidence of ancient trade routes between Southeast Asia, India, and China. Early Malay kingdoms such as Langkasuka and Srivijaya thrived from around the 5th century, with strong cultural influences from India. The Malacca Sultanate, which rose to power in the 15th century, was particularly influential in shaping the country’s cultural, religious, and political landscape. It became a powerful trading empire that established strategic links with the Arabian Peninsula, China, and India.

Colonialism and the British Era

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Malaysia became a British colony, known as British Malaya, which included the Malay Peninsula and parts of Borneo. The British exploited the region’s vast resources, particularly tin and rubber, using indentured labor from India and China to work in the plantations and mines. This period left a lasting impact on Malaysia’s ethnic composition, with the migration of Chinese and Indian laborers, along with the introduction of Western governance and education.

Independence and Modern Era

Malaya gained independence from Britain on August 31, 1957, becoming the Federation of Malaya. Following the formation of Malaysia in 1963, after the inclusion of Singapore (which later separated in 1965), Sabah, and Sarawak, the country embarked on a path of nation-building. Malaysia has seen remarkable economic growth over the past few decades, although it also faced significant political and racial tensions, most notably the racial riots of 1969. Despite challenges, Malaysia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most prosperous and politically stable countries.