Malaysia map: Geographical and demographic information

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 country’s largest urban area is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya serves as the administrative capital and the seat of the federal government. Malaysia currently has an estimated population of around 35 million inhabitants. With a land area of 330,803 km², the country ranks as the 45th most populous country in the world. Its international calling code is +60 (or 0060).

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

Malaysia’s population is currently estimated at around 35.1 million inhabitants, according to the latest United Nations estimates. This represents approximately 0.43% of the world’s total population. With a land area of 330,803 km² and a population density of about 106 inhabitants per square kilometre, the country ranks 45th among the world’s most populous nations.

The majority of Malaysia’s population lives in urban areas, accounting for about 79% of all inhabitants. Malaysia has a relatively young population, with a median age of approximately 31.6 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 has one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia and ranks among the 40 largest economies in the world by nominal GDP. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) classifies the country as an emerging market economy with highly developed industrial and service sectors. Malaysia is considered a newly industrialized economy, supported by investment-friendly policies and strong international trade.

The economy relies heavily on exports of electronic products, semiconductors, electrical equipment, as well as the oil, gas, and technology sectors. The country also remains one of the world’s leading exporters of palm oil, alongside Indonesia. Here are some key economic indicators for Malaysia:

• Official currency: Ringgit
• Nominal GDP: approximately USD 445 billion
• GDP in PPP: approximately USD 1.36 trillion
• GDP per capita in nominal terms: approximately USD 12,700
• GDP per capita in PPP: approximately USD 38,800
• Annual GDP growth rate in %: 5.1%

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.

FAQ – Malaysia map: Geographic and demographic information