Malaysia

Malaysia

Country statistics

area:	329,750sq km (127,316sq mi) 23,274,690
capital (population):	Kuala Lumpur (1,297,526)
government:	Federal constitutional monarchy
ethnic groups:	Bumiptera 65%, Chinese 26%, Indian 8%
languages:	Malay (official)
religions:	Sunni Muslim 60%, Buddhist 19%, Christian 9%, Hindu 6%, Chinese 3%
currency:	Ringgit (Malaysian dollar) = 100 cents

Federation of se Asian states. The Federation of Malaysia consists of two main regions: West Malaysia is on the Malay Peninsula between the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. It is home to c.80% of the population and includes the capital, Kuala Lumpur. East Malaysia consists of the states of Sabah and Sarawak, in n Borneo. Within Sarawak is the independent nation of Brunei. East and West Malaysia consist of coastal lowlands with mountainous interiors. The highest peak is Kinabalu (in Sabah), at 4095m (13,435ft).

Climate and Vegetation

Malaysia has a hot and rainy climate. There are monsoon seasons in the sw and nw. Kuala Lumpur averages 200 days of rain per year. Dense rainforest covers c.60% of Malaysia.

History and Politics

(For early history, see Malay Peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak) In 1641 the Dutch captured Malacca, and controlled much of the trade through the narrow strait. In 1795, Britain conquered Malacca. In 1819 Britain founded Singapore, and in 1826 formed the Straits Settlement, consisting of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore. In 1867, the Straits Settlement became a British colony. In 1888, Sabah and Sarawak became a British protectorate. In 1896, the states of Perak, Selangor, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan federated. In 1909, the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu formed the Unfederated Malay States.

Japan occupied Malaysia throughout World War 2. After Japan's defeat, the British expanded the Federation of Malaya (1948) to include the unfederated states and Malacca and Penang. Communists (largely from the Chinese population) began a protracted guerrilla war, and many Chinese were forcibly resettled. In 1957, the Federation of Malaya became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1963, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak joined the Federation, which became known as Malaysia. In 1965 tension over Chinese representation led to the secession of Singapore. The New Economic Policy (1970–90) helped to reduce ethnic tension caused by economic inequality.

The United Malays National Organization (UMNO) has held power since independence. In 1997, choking pollution from smog and the economic crisis in se Asia led to criticism of Dr Mahathir Muhammad's premiership (1981–2003). In 1998, after publicly calling for Mahathir's resignation, Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was arrested for sodomy and corruption. He was later sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. In 2003, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi succeeded Mahathir Muhammad as prime minister.

Economy

Malaysia is an upper-middle-income developing country (2000 GDP per capita, US$10,300). The National Development Policy (1990–2000) was the second stage in its rapid industrialization. In the early 1990s, economic growth averaged 8% per annum. In 1997, Thailand's devaluation of its currency triggered a regional economic crisis. In 1998 Malaysia, burdened by national debt, briefly withdrew the ringgit from foreign exchange markets. Manufactured goods account for 78% of exports. Malaysia is the largest producer of palm oil, second-largest producer of tin, and third-largest producer of rubber. Agriculture is important, with rice the chief food crop.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.tourism.gov.my/