Fast Facts

Geography
Malaysia covers a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres separated by the South China Sea into two regions, the Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). Malaysia consists of a total of thirteen states and three federal territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan). 

Government
Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy and the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong commonly known as the King, is the Head of the nation. The Government of the day is Barisan Nasional (National Front Coalition) consisting of 13 component parties and led by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).  Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia while Putrajaya is the heart of the administration of the Federal Government. 

Population
The demographics of Malaysia are represented by the multi-ethnic communities that exist in this country. The Department of Statistics Malaysia reported Malaysia's population, as of April 2013, is estimated to be 29,620,200. Out of this number, the Bumiputeras including Malays were 62.3%, the Chinese 22%, the Indians 6.7%, other races (citizens) 0.9% and non-citizens at 8.1%.   

Religion
Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. Other religions are also widely practised by its multi-racial society.

Climate & Weather
Malaysia has a tropical climate and the weather is warm and sunny all year round. Average daily temperature is around 32ºC (90ºF) during the day. It falls to around 24ºC (75ºF) at night. Annual rainfall varies from 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm.

Economy
Malaysia has a newly industrialised market economy, which is relatively open and state-oriented. In 2012, the economy of Malaysia was the third largest economy in Southeast Asia  and the GDP growth was 5.1 percent. Malaysia is one of the leading exporters of electrical appliances, electronic parts and components, palm oil, petroleum and natural gas. Malaysia is also externally competitive, ranking 12th out of 135 economies in the World Bank in 2013. (Doing Business 2013 report). 

Malaysia’s tourism sector contributed over RM47 billion to the Gross National Income (GNI) in 2012 and became a key pillar to the country’s aspiration to be a high-income nation by 2020. The industry experienced a remarkable growth and evolved to become one of the country’s fastest growing economic sectors, contributing RM60.6 billion in tourist receipts, with tourist arrivals registering at 25.03 million in 2012.

Time
Eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.