Malaysia: A Multicultural Southeast Asian Nation

Malaysia at a Glance

Malaysia (Federation of Malaysia) is a Southeast Asian federal constitutional monarchy comprising Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (on Borneo).

Key Facts

• Capital: Kuala Lumpur (KL). Admin capital: Putrajaya.
• Population: ~34M (Malay ~58%, Chinese ~23%, Indian ~7%, Indigenous/Other ~12%).
• Religion: Islam (official, ~63%); Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, others freely practiced.
• Languages: Bahasa Malaysia (official), English (widely used), Chinese dialects, Tamil.
• Economy: Upper-middle income. Manufacturing (electronics, autos), oil/gas, palm oil, tourism, services. Major exporter.
• Politics: Parliamentary democracy; Yang di-Pertuan Agong (elected monarch, 5-yr term); PM = head of government.
• Foreign Policy: ASEAN founder, UN, Commonwealth, OIC, Non-Aligned. Balances US/China ties.

Known for stability, diversity, food, and economic dynamism.