Malaysia is a vibrant and diverse country located in Southeast Asia. It is located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, sharing borders with Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and maritime boundaries with Vietnam and the Philippines. Malaysia’s strategic location has contributed to its rich cultural heritage and its status as a key player in regional trade and tourism.
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Geography
Climate
Malaysia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and temperatures throughout the year. The country has two distinct monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from November to March. Rainfall is abundant, especially on the western side of the peninsula and in the northern states of Borneo.
Fauna
Malaysia is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, thanks to its lush rainforests and varied ecosystems. The country boasts unique species such as the orangutan, Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, and proboscis monkey. Its marine biodiversity is equally impressive, with coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and other marine life.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in Malaysia is the Rajang River, which flows through the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The river stretches for approximately 563 kilometers (350 miles) and is vital for transportation and irrigation in the region.
Highest Mountains
Mount Kinabalu, located in the state of Sabah on Borneo, is the highest peak in Malaysia. Standing at an elevation of 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for climbers and nature enthusiasts.
History
Prehistory
The history of Malaysia dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation dating to the Paleolithic era. The region was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia and various ethnic groups in Borneo. These early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers and practiced animistic beliefs.
Early Civilizations
Malaysia has a rich history of maritime trade and cultural exchange. The Malay Peninsula was part of the maritime Silk Road, connecting it to trading networks across Asia and the Middle East. Ancient Malay kingdoms, such as Langkasuka and Srivijaya, flourished as centers of trade and culture, influencing the development of Malay civilization.
Colonial Period
The arrival of European colonial powers in the 16th century transformed the political landscape of Malaysia. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British vied for control of the region, establishing trading posts and colonies along the coast. The British eventually gained dominance over the Malay Peninsula and parts of Borneo, forming the Federated Malay States and the Unfederated Malay States.
Independence and Modern Era
Malaysia gained independence from British rule in 1957, with Tunku Abdul Rahman becoming the country’s first Prime Minister. The formation of Malaysia in 1963 brought together the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah. However, Singapore left the federation in 1965 to become an independent nation. Since independence, Malaysia has experienced rapid economic growth and development, becoming one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia.
Demographics
Malaysia is a melting pot of ethnicities, cultures, and religions. The population is predominantly Malay, with significant Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities. Islam is the official religion of the country, but Malaysia also recognizes Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and other faiths. The official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), but English, Chinese, and Tamil are widely spoken.
Administrative Divisions
Malaysia is divided into 13 states and three federal territories. Each state has its own government, headed by a chief minister, while the federal territories are governed directly by the federal government.
List of Administrative Divisions with Population
- Johor – Population: 3.7 million
- Kedah – Population: 2.1 million
- Kelantan – Population: 1.9 million
- Melaka – Population: 932,700
- Negeri Sembilan – Population: 1.1 million
- Pahang – Population: 1.6 million
- Perak – Population: 2.5 million
- Perlis – Population: 254,400
- Pulau Pinang (Penang) – Population: 1.8 million
- Sabah – Population: 3.9 million
- Sarawak – Population: 3.2 million
- Selangor – Population: 6.5 million
- Terengganu – Population: 1.2 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Kuala Lumpur
- George Town (Penang)
- Ipoh
- Shah Alam
- Petaling Jaya
- Johor Bahru
- Kota Kinabalu
- Kuching
- Alor Setar
- Malacca City
Education Systems
Education in Malaysia is provided by both government and private institutions. Primary and secondary education is compulsory and free for all Malaysian citizens, while tertiary education is available at universities, colleges, and vocational schools. Malaysia is home to several top universities, including the University of Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Transportation
Malaysia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with modern airports, highways, railways, and ports.
Airports
Malaysia has several major airports, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport. KLIA is the country’s main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia.
Railways
Malaysia’s railway network is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). The network connects major cities and towns on the Malay Peninsula, with services including the Electric Train Service (ETS) and the KTM Intercity.
Highways
Malaysia has an extensive network of highways and expressways, including the North-South Expressway, East Coast Expressway, and Pan Borneo Highway. These highways facilitate travel and transportation of goods across the country.
Ports
Malaysia has several major ports, including Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas, and Port of Penang. These ports serve as vital hubs for maritime trade and cargo transportation, connecting Malaysia to global markets.
Country Facts
- Population: 32 million
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)
- Religion: Islam
- Ethnic Groups: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indigenous
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- ISO Country Code: MY
- International Calling Code: +60
- Top-level Domain: .my