Malaysia
Malaysia (pronounced /məˈleɪʒə/ or /məˈleɪziə/) is a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia with a total landmass of 329,847 km². [1][2] The capital city is Kuala Lumpur while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government.[2] The country is separated into two regions — Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo — by the South China Sea.[2] Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines.[2] Located near the equator, the weather is characterized by tropical climate.[2] Malaysia is headed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and politically led by a Prime Minister.[3][4] The government is closely modeled after the Westminster parliamentary system.[5]
The country was once colonized by the United Kingdom; British Malaya and Malaysia did not exist as a unified state prior to 1946 and 1963, respectively.[clarify] The Federation of Malaya achieved independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1957.[6] Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya federated to form Malaysia on September 16, 1963.[7] The early years of the federation were marred by an armed conflict with Indonesia and the expulsion of Singapore.[8][9] The Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development during the late 20th century. With a GDP per capita standing at USD13,000, it has, from time to time, been considered a newly industrialized country.[10][11] As one of three countries that control the Strait of Malacca, international trade plays a large role in its economy. [12] At one time, it was the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world.[13][14] Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy.[15]
The population of Malaysia is approximately 25 million[2]. The Malays forms the majority of the population while there are sizable Chinese and Indian communities. Islam is the largest as well as the official religion of the federation.[2][16] The Malay language is the official language.[17]
Malaysia is the founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations and participates in many international organizations such as the United Nations.[18][19] As a former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.[20] It is also a member of the Developing 8 Countries.
The country was once colonized by the United Kingdom; British Malaya and Malaysia did not exist as a unified state prior to 1946 and 1963, respectively.[clarify] The Federation of Malaya achieved independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1957.[6] Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya federated to form Malaysia on September 16, 1963.[7] The early years of the federation were marred by an armed conflict with Indonesia and the expulsion of Singapore.[8][9] The Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development during the late 20th century. With a GDP per capita standing at USD13,000, it has, from time to time, been considered a newly industrialized country.[10][11] As one of three countries that control the Strait of Malacca, international trade plays a large role in its economy. [12] At one time, it was the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world.[13][14] Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy.[15]
The population of Malaysia is approximately 25 million[2]. The Malays forms the majority of the population while there are sizable Chinese and Indian communities. Islam is the largest as well as the official religion of the federation.[2][16] The Malay language is the official language.[17]
Malaysia is the founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations and participates in many international organizations such as the United Nations.[18][19] As a former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.[20] It is also a member of the Developing 8 Countries.
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