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About Malaysia

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, consisting of two distinct regions separated by the South China Sea: Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) on the Malay Peninsula, and East Malaysia comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Covering approximately 330,803 square kilometers, Malaysia is home to nearly 36 million people and is known for its multicultural society. The country shares land borders with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, while enjoying strategic maritime access to major shipping lanes in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea.

Malaysia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957, forming a constitutional monarchy with a unique rotating kingship system among nine Malay sultans. The nation is remarkably diverse, with Malays, Chinese, and Indians forming the major ethnic groups, creating a multicultural society. Malay is the official language, though English is widely spoken and used in business. Islam is the official religion, but Malaysia practices religious freedom with significant Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian communities. Malaysian culture blends Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and arts.

Malaysia's geography encompasses tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, coastal plains, and extensive coastlines on both the mainland and Borneo. Peninsular Malaysia features the Titiwangsa Mountains running down its spine, while East Malaysia is characterized by dense jungles, including some of the world's oldest rainforests. The climate is equatorial with high humidity, warm temperatures year-round, and monsoon seasons. Notable natural features include Mount Kinabalu in Sabah (Southeast Asia's highest peak), the Cameron Highlands tea plantations, and rich biodiversity including orangutans, tigers, and the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia.

Malaysia has developed into a newly industrialized country with a diverse economy based on manufacturing, services, petroleum, and agriculture. The country is a major exporter of electronics, palm oil, petroleum, natural gas, and timber. Kuala Lumpur, the capital and largest city, is a modern metropolis featuring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Putrajaya serves as the administrative capital, while other major cities include George Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Johor Bahru, Ipoh, and Kota Kinabalu, each contributing to Malaysia's status as one of Southeast Asia's most developed economies.

Major Cities

• Kuala Lumpur - The capital and largest city with 8.6 million people in the metro area, home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Malaysia's financial center
• George Town - Penang's capital with 2.5 million in metro area, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for colonial architecture and street food
• Johor Bahru - Southern city with 1.8 million people, located across from Singapore and a major economic zone
• Ipoh - Historic city with 800,000 people, known for colonial heritage, limestone caves, and white coffee
• Kota Kinabalu - Sabah's capital with 500,000 people, gateway to Mount Kinabalu and Borneo's natural wonders

Interesting Facts

• Malaysia is home to some of the world's oldest rainforests, dating back 130 million years, older than the Amazon
• The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004 at 452 meters
• Malaysia is the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, accounting for about 39% of global production
• Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is Southeast Asia's highest peak at 4,095 meters and a UNESCO World Heritage site
• The Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and Sumatra is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, handling 40% of global trade
• Malaysia has a unique rotating monarchy system where nine sultans take turns serving as king for five-year terms