Malaysia
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy in South-Eastern Asia, positioned strategically along key maritime trade routes. The nation has an estimated population of approximately 36 million and a projected GDP per capita of 13,118 USD, reflecting its status as a leading emerging economy in the region.
Where is Malaysia?
Malaysia
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Malaysia
- Coordinates
- 2.50°, 112.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 36M
- Area
- 330,803 km²
- Density per km²
- 110 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.22%
- Annual growth
- +444.7K people
- Daily growth
- +1.2K people
- World population share
- 0.45%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Malaysia
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Kuala Lumpur
- Region
- Asia
- Area
- 330,803 km²
- Languages
- English, Malay
- Currency
- Malaysian ringgit (RM)
- Timezones
- UTC+08:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
Malaysia ranks 37th globally in total GDP and maintains a 3rd place ranking for GDP per capita within South-Eastern Asia. The economy is characterized by a strong annual GDP growth rate of 5.1% and a stable unemployment rate of 3.8%. Key sectors include electronics manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas extraction, and palm oil production, supported by a highly developed infrastructure and an urban population that comprises 76.9% of the total.
Society
The country demonstrates strong social metrics, with a life expectancy at birth of 76.8 years, which ranks 84th globally. Malaysia's adult literacy rate is 95.8%, placing the nation 74th out of 170 countries surveyed. Digital integration is a primary national strength, as 98% of the population uses the internet, earning Malaysia the 13th highest rank globally for connectivity.
Climate & Environment
Malaysia features a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, usually staying between 23 °C (73 °F) and 32 °C (90 °F). The weather is heavily influenced by the maritime environment and the seasonal monsoon winds, which result in heavy rainfall across both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Independence
- 1957-08-31 (United Kingdom)
Malaysia operates as a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, a unique system where the head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This monarch is elected to a 5-year term from among the 9 hereditary rulers of the Malay states, a rotational system distinct to the country. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who leads the executive branch and must command the confidence of the bicameral Parliament. This legislative body consists of the elected Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and the appointed Dewan Negara (Senate). The legal system is based on English common law, though Sharia courts handle specific matters for the Muslim population, which comprises 63.5% of the inhabitants according to the latest data. The administrative structure includes 13 states and 3 federal territories, balancing local governance with federal authority. This framework ensures political representation for a diverse population including the 70.1% Bumiputera majority and the 22.6% Chinese minority.
History
The history of Malaysia is defined by its strategic location along vital maritime trade routes. Early Malay kingdoms, most notably the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century, established the region as a center for the global spice trade. European colonial interest began with the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in July 1511, followed by Dutch and eventually British intervention. Under British rule, the region was transformed into a major producer of tin and rubber, leading to significant migration from China and India. Following the Japanese occupation during World War II, a movement for self-rule culminated in independence from the United Kingdom on 31 August 1957. The Federation of Malaysia was formally established in September 1963, uniting Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore, though Singapore departed the federation in August 1965. Since then, the nation has evolved from an agrarian society into a leading industrial power in Southeast Asia. This development has been marked by rapid urbanization and the establishment of Kuala Lumpur as a major financial and cultural hub. The country spans 330,803 km² (127,724 sq mi) across two distinct regions separated by the South China Sea, maintaining a total coastline of 4,675 km (2,905 mi). The highest point, Gunung Kinabalu, reaches 4,095 m (13,435 ft) and stands as a symbol of the nation's diverse natural landscape.
Notable Facts
- Malaysia is home to Gunung Kinabalu, the highest peak in the country at 4,095 m (13,435 ft), located in the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo.
- The nation maintains one of the highest internet penetration rates in the region, with 98.0206059% of the population accessing the web according to recent data.
- Current estimates project the 2026 population to reach 36,430,997, continuing a steady growth trend from the official 2024 population of 35,557,673.
- The country is globally recognized for its unique rotational monarchy, where 9 hereditary Malay rulers take turns serving as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong every 5 years.
- With a coastline of 4,675 km (2,905 mi), the nation is a major maritime hub in South-Eastern Asia, bordering Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Gunung Kinabalu (4,095 m)
- Lowest Point
- Indian Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 4,675 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in MalaysiaExplore weather and climate data for cities in Malaysia
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Kuala Lumpur
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C / 24°C | 38°C / 29°C | 21days (178 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 33°C / 24°C | 39°C / 29°C | 17days (148 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 80% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| March | 33°C / 25°C | 41°C / 30°C | 25days (253 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 33°C / 25°C | 41°C / 31°C | 28days (321 mm) Wet | 9.7h Good | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| May | 33°C / 25°C | 41°C / 31°C | 26days (277 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June | 32°C / 25°C | 39°C / 30°C | 23days (220 mm) Wet | 9.8h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 32°C / 25°C | 39°C / 30°C | 20days (163 mm) Wet | 9.8h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August | 32°C / 24°C | 39°C / 30°C | 26days (244 mm) Wet | 9.4h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| September | 32°C / 24°C | 39°C / 30°C | 26days (241 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 32°C / 24°C | 39°C / 30°C | 24days (251 mm) Wet | 9.1h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 32°C / 24°C | 38°C / 30°C | 28days (429 mm) Wet | 7.8h Good | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| December | 31°C / 24°C | 38°C / 30°C | 26days (315 mm) Wet | 7.9h Good | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 32°C / 24°C . Feb: 33°C / 24°C . Mar: 33°C / 25°C . Apr: 33°C / 25°C . May: 33°C / 25°C . Jun: 32°C / 25°C . Jul: 32°C / 25°C . Aug: 32°C / 24°C . Sep: 32°C / 24°C . Oct: 32°C / 24°C . Nov: 32°C / 24°C . Dec: 31°C / 24°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 178 mm. Feb: 148 mm. Mar: 253 mm. Apr: 321 mm. May: 277 mm. Jun: 220 mm. Jul: 163 mm. Aug: 244 mm. Sep: 241 mm. Oct: 251 mm. Nov: 429 mm. Dec: 315 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Malaysia is approximately 36M (2024).
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia's GDP per capita is $13.1K (2024).
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.82 years (2024).
Malaysia covers 330,803 km² (127,724 sq mi).
Malaysia has a moderate population density of 110 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Malaysia's population is growing steadily at 1.2% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Malaysia falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $13.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Malaysia reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.
Malaysia has 2 official languages: English, Malay.
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit (RM) as its sole official currency.
Malaysia has an estimated population of approximately 36.4 million residents. This figure ranks the nation 44th globally out of 215 countries and 6th within South-Eastern Asia. The population continues to grow at an annual rate of 1.2%, with nearly 77% of citizens living in urban centers like Kuala Lumpur.
Latest estimates show Malaysia has a GDP per capita of 13,118 USD. This value ranks the country 94th globally and 3rd in the South-Eastern Asia subregion. Such figures underscore Malaysia's position as a robust middle-income economy with a strong annual growth rate exceeding 5%.
The adult literacy rate in Malaysia stands at 95.8% according to recent data. This achievement ranks the nation 74th out of 170 countries globally, reflecting widespread access to education and high enrollment rates. Both Malay and English are widely used across the country's comprehensive public and private school systems.
Recent data indicates that life expectancy at birth in Malaysia is 76.8 years. This statistic places the country 84th globally out of 215 nations. The relatively high life expectancy is a result of consistent improvements in the national healthcare system and access to modern medical facilities.
Internet usage is nearly universal in Malaysia, where 98% of the population is online. This high level of digital adoption ranks the nation 13th globally for internet users as a percentage of the population. The country's infrastructure supports a highly connected society that is integrated into the global digital economy.
The unemployment rate in Malaysia is 3.8%, indicating a relatively stable and healthy labor market. In a global comparison where the lowest unemployment rates are ranked first, Malaysia holds the 123rd position out of 186 nations. This reflects the country's diverse economic base and ongoing industrial expansion.
Malaysia is currently ranked as the 44th most populous country in the world out of 215 nations. In Asia, it is the 18th most populous of 49 countries, and it ranks 6th out of 11 countries within the South-Eastern Asia subregion.
The estimated population density is 110.9 people per km² (287.2 sq mi). This density is relatively moderate by regional standards, but it is unevenly distributed, with over 80% of the residents living in Peninsular Malaysia compared to the more sparsely populated states on the island of Borneo.
The population of Malaysia is currently growing at an annual rate of 1.22%. Recent data shows an estimated net increase of 1,189 people per day, which includes approximately 1,204 births balanced against 514 deaths and daily migration movements.
The current fertility rate in Malaysia is 1.54 births per woman, according to the latest official 2024 data. This rate has been declining over several decades and is now below the replacement level of 2.1, reflecting common demographic trends in rapidly developing nations.
Malaysia is highly urbanized, with 76.9% of its population living in cities. This places the country 69th globally for urbanization. Most urban dwellers are concentrated in major metropolitan areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, which serve as the nation's primary economic hubs.
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