Fast Facts About Malaysia

Country

The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Geographical Location

Located between 2º and 7º north of the Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.

Area

329,758 sq km

Population

26 million

Capital

Kuala Lumpur

People

Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest.

Language

Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

Religion

Islam is the official religion but all other religions are freely practised.

Government

Malaysia is governed by a Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, a position that is awarded to a different State Monarch every five years and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Climate

Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures in the lowlands range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). The highlands are cooler, where temperatures range between 15°C (59° F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

Major Holidays

New Year's Day Hari Raya Aidiladha* Federal Territory Day ** Chinese New Year* Awal Muharam* Birthday of Prophet Muhammad* Labour Day* Wesak Day* King's Birthday* National Day* Deepavali# Hari Raya Aidilfitri* Christmas*Note: (*) - National holidays (**) - Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur & Labuan only (#) - Except Labuan & Sarawak

Economic Profile

Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are other major contributors to the economy.

Distance to Malaysia

London, United Kingdom to Kuala Lumpur : 6,557 miles (10,552 km)

Paris, France to Kuala Lumpur 6,483 miles (10,432 km)

Rome, Italy to Kuala Lumpur : 6,038 miles (9,716 km)

Stockholm, Sweden to Kuala Lumpur : 5,812 miles (9,353 km)

Berlin, Germany to Kuala Lumpur : 5,979 miles (9,622 km)

Madrid, Spain to Kuala Lumpur : 6,885 miles (11,079 km)

New York, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 9,400 miles (15,126 km)

Los Angeles, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 8,790 miles (14,144 km)

Vancouver, Canada to Kuala Lumpur : 7,944 miles (12,783 km)

Currency

The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. USD1 is roughly equivalent to RM3.70. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.

Time

Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.