Malaysia is a Southeast Asian federalconstitutional monarchy. It is made up of thirteen states and three federal territories and has an area of 330,803 square kilometers (127,720 square miles), divided by the South China Sea into two almost equal-sized areas, Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo). Peninsular Malaysia is bordered by Thailand on both land and sea, as well as by Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia on the sea. East Malaysia is bounded on land and sea by Brunei and Indonesia, as well as by the Philippines and Vietnam. Kuala Lumpur serves as the capital, while Putrajaya serves as the federal government’s seat. Malaysia is the 44th most populated nation in the world, with a population of over 30 million. Tanjung Piai, Malaysia, is the southernmost point of continental Eurasia. Malaysia, located in the tropics, is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations, home to a significant variety of endemic species.
Malaysia derives from the Malay kingdoms that existed in the region prior to the country being annexed by the British Empire in the 18th century. The Straits Settlements were the first British possessions, and their creation was followed by the Malay kingdoms becoming British protectorates. Peninsular Malaysia’s territories were initially united in 1946 as the Malayan Union. Malaya was reorganized in 1948 as the Federation of Malaya, and gained independence on 31 August 1957. On 16 September 1963, Malaya was unified with North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore. Singapore was ejected from the federation less than two years later, in 1965.
The nation is ethnically and culturally diverse, which plays a significant influence in politics. The majority of the population is Malay, with significant minorities of Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians, and indigenous peoples. The constitution proclaims Islam to be the official religion while allowing non-Muslims religious freedom. The political system is heavily influenced by the Westminster parliamentary system, while the judicial system is founded on common law. The monarch, also known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is the head of state. Every five years, he is elected king from among the nine Malay states’ hereditary rulers. The prime minister is the head of government.
Malaysia has had one of the finest economic histories in Asia since independence, with its GDP increasing at an average of 6.5 percent per year for almost 50 years. Historically, the economy has been fueled by natural resources, but it is growing in areas like as research, tourism, trade, and medical tourism. Malaysia now boasts a newly industrialized market economy, ranking third in Southeast Asia and 29th globally. It is a founding member of ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
