Malaysia

World Book Index

Introduction

Malaysia, a vibrant and diverse nation located in Southeast Asia, has a rich historical tapestry woven from its colonial past and its journey towards independence. The British colonization in the late 18th and 19th centuries laid the groundwork for the modern state. In 1948, the British territories on the Malay Peninsula, excluding Singapore, united to form the Federation of Malaya, which achieved independence in 1957. The formation of Malaysia in 1963 marked a significant milestone as it brought together former British colonies, including Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. However, Singapore's expulsion in 1965 reshaped the nation’s identity. Today, Malaysia stands as a testament to resilience and multiculturalism, balancing its historical roots with aspirations for a progressive future.

Neighboring countries

Brunei - Indonesia - Thailand

Geography

Area
Total: 329,847 sq km
Land: 328,657 sq km
Water: 1,190 sq km

Malaysia is strategically located in Southeast Asia, comprising two distinct regions separated by the South China Sea. The Peninsular Malaysia, situated on the Malay Peninsula, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and coastal plains, while East Malaysia encompasses the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, featuring dense rainforests and diverse ecosystems. The country experiences a tropical climate, influenced by two monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon from April to October and the northeast monsoon from October to February. This climatic diversity supports a rich array of natural resources, including tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, and bauxite, which are vital to its economy.

People and Society

Population
Total: 34,564,810 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
Bumiputera 63.8% (Malay 52.8% and indigenous peoples, including Orang Asli, Dayak, Anak Negeri, 11%), Chinese 20.6%, Indian 6%, other 0.6%, non-citizens 9% (2023 estimated)

Languages
Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai

Religions
Muslim (official) 63.5%, Buddhist 18.7%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.1%, other (Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions) 0.9%, none/unspecified 1.8% (2020 estimated)

Population growth rate
0.99% (2024 estimated)

Malaysia's population is a mosaic of cultures and ethnicities, with the Bumiputera group, which includes Malays and indigenous peoples, forming the majority. The Chinese and Indian communities contribute significantly to the nation's cultural and economic landscape. The official language, Bahasa Malaysia, serves as a unifying medium, while English and various Chinese dialects reflect the country's multicultural heritage. The predominant religion is Islam, which plays a crucial role in shaping societal norms and values. With a population growth rate of 0.99%, Malaysia continues to experience demographic changes that influence its social dynamics and economic development.

Government

Government type
Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Capital
Name: Kuala Lumpur

Executive branch
Chief of state: King Sultan IBRAHIM ibni al-Marhum Sultan Iskandar (since 31 January 2024)
Head of government: Prime Minister ANWAR Ibrahim (since 24 November 2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Tan Sri Muhammad SHAHRUL Ikram bin Yaakob (since 24 July 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Edgard D. KAGAN (since 20 March 2024)

Malaysia operates under a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the King serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government, responsible for the executive functions. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is not only the political center but also a hub of economic activity. The government emphasizes democratic principles, with regular elections and a commitment to maintaining stability and governance. The diplomatic landscape is marked by active engagement with international partners, reflecting Malaysia's strategic interests in the region and beyond.

Economy

Economic overview
Upper middle-income Southeast Asian economy; implementing key anticorruption policies; major electronics, oil, and chemicals exporter; trade sector employs over 40% of jobs; key economic equity initiative; high labor productivity

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.212 trillion (2024 estimated)
$1.153 trillion (2023 estimated)
$1.113 trillion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$34,100 (2024 estimated)
$32,800 (2023 estimated)
$32,100 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$301.789 billion (2024 estimated)
$274.1 billion (2023 estimated)
$312.88 billion (2022 estimated)

Exports - partners
China 21%, Singapore 12%, USA 12%, Japan 5%, Hong Kong 5% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Integrated circuits, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, natural gas, palm oil (2023)

Imports
$279.09 billion (2024 estimated)
$253.665 billion (2023 estimated)
$283.758 billion (2022 estimated)

Imports - partners
China 24%, Singapore 11%, USA 7%, Japan 5%, Taiwan 5% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Integrated circuits, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, coal, broadcasting equipment (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.819, ranking it 67th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 66th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 5.942. (more information)