What You Need to Know About Malaysia
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. Administratively, the country is a federal constitutional monarchy. The Malaysian territory is divided into two: the first is Peninsular Malaysia and the second is East Malaysia on Borneo.
The largest urban area in the country is Kuala Lumpur but the government territory is Putrajaya, which is also the cradle of the federal administration. The country’s population is about 32 million inhabitants, combined with an area of 330,803 km2, placing the country 43rd on the list of the most populous countries in the world. The country’s telephone code is 60, either 0060 or +60.
Which countries border Malaysia?
Malaysia’s first neighbor is China, which is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea. The peninsular territory is also connected to Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The second territory, which is the eastern territory, is connected with Brunei and Indonesia. It is also separated from the Philippines and Vietnam by the sea.
Population of Malaysia
Currently, the population of Malaysia is 32,594,449 inhabitants according to the latest updated data from the UN. This figure represents about 0.42% of the global population. Furthermore, the population density of 225 inhabitants per km2 and the area of 328,550 km2 places the country 45th on the list of the most populous countries in the world.
The majority of the Malaysian population lives in large urban areas, about 78% or 25,361,963 inhabitants. The Malaysian population is a young population with an average age of 30.3 years.
What are the colors of the country?
The Malaysian flag is arranged in a rectangle consisting of 14 interwoven red and white stripes. Towards the hoist side and in the upper left quarter is a blue rectangle with a crescent moon and a 14-pointed sun on it.
Before adopting the flag with 14 stripes, the Malaysian flag was once represented with 11 stripes, including 6 red and 5 white, which represented the 11 states of the country. Currently, the color red represents patience, bravery, and daring.
- The color white represents honesty and nobility
- Blue represents unity and peace
- Yellow represents loyalty to the homeland and the monarchy.
- The symbols of the crescent moon and the sun are synonymous with the Malaysian religion.
What are the best cities to visit in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
This Malaysian capital is a very interesting place especially for visitors. The city gives the impression of having no limits or horizons as the skyscrapers and the Petronas twin towers dominate it.
Indeed, everyone can enjoy their favorite attractions in Kuala Lumpur because there are temples, mosques, shopping centers as well as lively markets.
The population is friendly and the city still displays the remnants of the past colonial era such as Merdeka Square, the wood-themed restaurants, as well as the neighborhoods representing India and China which are Little India or Chinatown.
Kuala Lumpur is a true blend of old and modern architectures and infrastructural development is well present. There are still traditional villages in the center of Kuala Lumpur such as Kampong Bharu.
George Town
It is a cosmopolitan city combining varied cultures and diverse ethnicities. The alleys of George Town are populated by people of diverse origins. Moreover, the city is charming, you can still find old mosques, temples but also modernized architectures such as steel and glass structures of skyscrapers. In George Town, you can find everything as shopping centers are built in large numbers. Also, don’t forget to stroll through the narrow alleys leading directly to modern art museums, nice cafes, and trendy bars. Finally, the city is a true crossroads for food lovers and thus restaurants that will allow you to discover varied flavors and textures.
Malacca
Located on the Malay Peninsula, the city of Malacca or Melaka is a favorite tourist spot for European backpackers. Indeed, it was the main area occupied by colonists in the past and each European country that spent years there left the remnants of their civilization. Thus, you will see street markets, small local restaurants. There are also very attractive places in Malacca that can delight you with small pleasures such as the artisanal ice cream vendor or small soup sellers.
Ipoh
It is the capital of the state of Perak, the city is located halfway between the capital and the border with Thailand. If you spend time in Malaysia, don’t hesitate to make a stop in Ipoh. You will see several pleasant small restaurants and shops with subtle charms. It is one of the Malaysian cities with the most restaurants serving traditional dishes.
You will also see several old temples that do not forbid any religion. Among them is the Perak Tong cave temple, which is located high up and offers you a breathtaking view of the city. Ipoh is also the place where the gateway to Cameron Highlands is located.
Kuching
Kuching is the largest urban area in Borneo and a pleasant place for visitors. Moreover, the city offers many attractions such as riverbanks and unique museums. Additionally, you can take a tour in the city’s cafes and bars that highlight Kuching’s cultures.
The city is also the birthplace of several flamboyant buildings and combined with colonial buildings, this offers an original setting. Furthermore, it is the starting point for other interesting attractions on the rest of the island of Borneo.
Where the cities are located on the map of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
On the map of Malaysia, the city of Kuala Lumpur is located in the coastal section on the East of the country. It is the largest city with the highest population in the country. Geographical coordinates: 3° 09′ 20″ north, 101° 41′ 49″ east.
George Town
On the map of Malaysia, the city of George Town, also known as Penang, is located in the Northwest section of Penang Island. Geographical coordinates: 5° 25′ 00″ north, 100° 19′ 00″ east.
Malacca
On the map of Malaysia, the city is located in the Southwest section of Penang Island. Geographical coordinates: 2° 12′ 20″ north, 102° 15′ 39″ east.
Ipoh
The city of Ipoh is located on Penang Island, situated in the central part of the island a few kilometers from the coast. It is 175 km away from the capital. Geographical coordinates: 4° 36′ north, 101° 04′ east.
Kuching
The city of Kuching is located in the central part of the eastern island of Malaysia in the state of Sarawak. Geographical coordinates: 1° 33′ 00″ north, 110° 20′ 06″ east.
Malaysia Climate Map
The climate of Malaysia is influenced by the geography and topography of the country. The division of Malaysia into two is also taken into account: the peninsular territory and the eastern territory. Thus, the country’s proximity to the equator allows its climate to be characterized as equatorial. As a result, the seasons in this country are more or less similar.
Summer is, in addition to being hot, slightly rainy throughout the year. The annual rainfall is 250 cm, indicating that precipitation in the country is abundant throughout the year.
Temperatures during summer are around 27°C, but on the peninsular territory, the climate is strongly influenced by continental winds. The eastern regions are influenced by maritime breezes. This is why precipitation is less significant during dry seasons due to the El Niño effect.
Two monsoons also influence Malaysia’s climate: the Southwest Monsoon and the Northeast Monsoon. Inland areas show temperatures between 23 and 32°C during summer, while winter is less sunny with an average of 17°C. Coastal temperatures are higher and can reach 34 or 35°C in summer.
Malaysia Economic Map
Malaysia holds the 6th most performing economy among Southeast Asian countries. Compared to all countries worldwide, Malaysia has the 39th most performing economy. The IMF categorizes the Malaysian economy as based on a Market economy. This is one of the characteristics of Newly Industrialized Countries.
The economy is also based on ICT export products and represents about 58 billion USD in turnover. It is the second largest ICT exporter after Singapore.
The country also exports fat products (palm oil, butter, etc.); it is the second largest exporter after Indonesia. Here are some economic indicators in Malaysia:
- Official currency: Ringgit
- Nominal GDP: 336 billion USD
- GDP in PPP: 900 billion USD
- GDP per capita in nominal terms: 10,192 USD
- GDP per capita in PPP: 27,287 USDGDP by sector
- Annual GDP growth rate in %: 4.7%
Administrative and Demolinguistic Data
Administrative Subdivisions
The administrative subdivisions of Malaysia are the States and Federal Territories at the first level. There are currently 13 states and 3 federal territories, including 11 states and 2 federal territories on the peninsula and 2 states and 1 federal territory in Borneo.
Here are the states of Malaysia
- Johor
- Kedah
- Kelantan
- Malacca
- Negeri Sembilan
- Pahang
- Penang
- Perak
- Perlis
- Sabah
- Sarawak
- Selangor
- Terengganu
Here are the federal territories
- Kuala Lumpur
- Labuan
- Putrajaya
Demolinguistic Data
The official language of the country is Malay, which is an Austronesian language with Austronesian speakers making up 45.4%. Additionally, there are Chinese or Sino-Tibetan speakers at 12.4%, Dravidian speakers at 3.7%, and Austroasiatic speakers at 0.1%.
The dialectal varieties of Malay are:
- Bahasa Malaysia, which is spoken in Peninsular Malaysia and is the official language.
- Bahasa Indonesia, spoken by one-third of the population and in some regions used as a language of instruction.
