21/09/2025
Country Introduced: 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia, officially the Federation of Malaysia (Persekutuan Tanah Melayu), is a Southeast Asian country made up of 13 states and three federal territories. It is divided into two distinct landmasses by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia (or West Malaysia) and East Malaysia on the northern part of Borneo Island. Kuala Lumpur is the country's capital and largest city, where the legislative branch is located, while Putrajaya serves as the administrative and judicial centre. Malaysia has a total area of approximately 330,803 sq km and a population of around 35,989,480.
Malaysia's geography is highly diverse. Peninsular Malaysia features rolling hills, lush rainforests, and long coastal plains, with a series of mountain ranges running north-south. East Malaysia is known for its vast, dense forests and is home to Mount Kinabalu (approximately 4,095 metres), the highest peak in Southeast Asia.
Peninsular Malaysia shares a land border with Thailand to the north and has a sea border with Singapore and Indonesia's Sumatra Island to the south. East Malaysia has land and sea borders with Brunei to the north and Indonesia's Kalimantan province to the south. It also has sea borders with the Philippines and Vietnam. The country has a tropical climate that is warm, humid, and rainy year-round.
Malaysia's history spans thousands of years. The region was a centre for ancient Malay empires like the Srivijaya and the Sultanate of Malacca. In the 18th century, it came under the British Empire through the Straits Settlements. During World War II, British Malaya and other nearby territories were occupied by the Empire of Japan.
After the Japanese occupation, the Malayan Union was formed from 1946 to 1948, which was later reorganised into the Federation of Malaya. The country gained independence on 31 August 1957. On 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaya, along with the British colonies of North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore, united to form Malaysia. However, in August 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to become an independent state.
Malaysia operates as a parliamentary democracy based on the UK's Westminster system. Its legal system also relies on British common law. The Head of State is an elected monarch, who is chosen every five years from among the nine state sultans. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country, and this diversity is clearly reflected in its politics.
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic nation with a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. Malays make up nearly half of the population, predominantly speaking the Malay language and following Islam. There are also significant numbers of Chinese (about a quarter of the population), Indians (mainly Tamil speakers), and various indigenous groups.
Religiously, Malaysia is a multi-faith country. Approximately 63.5% of the population are Muslim (mostly Sunni), 18.7% are Buddhist, 9.1% are Christian, 6.1% are Hindu, 1.3% follow Chinese folk religions, and the rest belong to other faiths. Malay (Bahasa Melayu) is the official language, though English is widely used as a second language. The constitution recognises Islam as the official religion while ensuring religious freedom for non-Muslims.
Malaysia has a strong and diverse market economy. Traditionally, natural resources like palm oil, natural rubber, and tin were the main economic drivers. Today, electronics, semiconductors, and information technology are also vital parts of the economy. The country is considered an 'Asian Tiger' of Southeast Asia due to its rapid industrialisation and economic growth. Agriculture produces crops like rice, cocoa, pepper, and bananas, while marine and forestry resources are also important.
Malaysia has a highly developed transport system. It features a modern highway network, such as the North-South Motorway, which connects the entire peninsula. The country also has an extensive rail network, including the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and monorail. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main airport and one of Asia's busiest.
Malaysia is a founding member of several international organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the East Asia Summit, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). These memberships highlight the country's importance on the international stage.
With its diverse landscape, rich history, stable political system, and strong market economy, Malaysia is a significant nation in Southeast Asia. Its multi-ethnic culture and developed lifestyle make it an attractive destination for tourism and trade. The country's natural resources and technological advancements continue to drive its economic development.
Malaysia at a Glance 🇲🇾
🗺️ Area: 330,803 sq km
🚩 Coordinates: 3°8′ N, 101°41′ E
👨👩👧👦 Population: Approx. 35,989,480
🏛️ Capital: Kuala Lumpur (Administrative capital: Putrajaya)
🗣️ Official Language: Malay (English is a secondary language)
🌺 National Flower: Hibiscus
🥑 National Fruit: Durian
🐆 National Animal: Malayan Tiger
🕊️ National Bird: Malayan Hornbill
🏸 National Sport: Badminton
🛐 Religion: Muslim (63.5%), Buddhist (18.7%), Christian (9.1%), Hindu (6.1%), others (2.6%)
🪙 Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
💰 Per Capita Income: $14,500 (approx.)
💹 GDP: Approx. $336.330 billion
🙋♂️ Human Development Index: 0.810
👑 Government: Federal Constitutional Monarchy
⚖️ Legislature: Parliament
🗽 Republic: 31 August 1957
📜 Current Constitution: 16 September 1963
📞 Calling Code: +60
⏰ Time Zone: UTC +8
🛜 Internet TLD: .my
🏦 Main Industries: Electronics, Petroleum, Palm Oil, Rubber and Tourism