Malaysia

Southeast Asia

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, home to 35.6 million people, with an area of 330,803 km². Its capital is Kuala Lumpur.

Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Population: 35.6 million
Area: 330,803 km²
Region: Southeast Asia
Density: 108 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Malaysia · Southeast Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Malaysia is known for

Malaysia is best known for Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves and Langkawi.

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It is bordered by Thailand to the north, Indonesia to the south, and the South China Sea to the east. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia at a glance

Language: Malay is the official language, but English, Mandarin, and Tamil are also widely spoken
Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion, but Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism are also practiced
National dish: Nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with various accompaniments such as sambal, fried anchovies, and peanuts)
Climate: Malaysia has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures that are relatively consistent throughout the year
Main industries: Malaysia is a major exporter of electronic components, palm oil, and natural gas. Other important industries include tourism, manufacturing (including electronics, chemicals, and textiles), and agriculture (including rubber and timber production)
GDP: $365.7 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Malaysia is considered a newly industrialized country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 107 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Malaysia

Some of the main tourist attractions in Malaysia include:

Petronas Twin Towers a pair of skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur that were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004.
Batu Caves a series of limestone caves and shrines located just outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Langkawi a group of islands in the Andaman Sea that are popular for their beaches, water sports, and scenic landscapes.
Malacca a historic city on the west coast of Malaysia known for its Dutch colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Mount Kinabalu the highest mountain in Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo and known for its challenging hiking trails and stunning views.
Cameron Highlands a highland region in central Malaysia known for its tea plantations, strawberry farms, and scenic hiking trails.
Taman Negara a national park in central Malaysia that is home to a diverse range of wildlife and offers opportunities for jungle trekking and river rafting.
Penang an island off the west coast of Malaysia known for its historic architecture, street art, and diverse food scene.
Perhentian Islands a group of islands off the east coast of Malaysia that are popular for their white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Kinabatangan River a river in Sabah, Borneo that is known for its diverse wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Malaysia has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cultural diversity, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.

Malaysia in pictures

Malaysia on video

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Malaysia compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Southeast Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Myanmar (Burma)	54.5 million	676,578 km²	Naypyidaw
Malaysia	35.6 million	330,803 km²	Kuala Lumpur
Cambodia	17.6 million	181,035 km²	Phnom Penh
Laos	7.8 million	236,800 km²	Vientiane