Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on a strategic maritime crossroads that has been an important trading center since the second century CE. The country covers an area of 127,320 square miles (329,847 square kilometers) and consists of two distinct regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which is separated from East Malaysia by the South China Sea, and East Malaysia, which is located on the island of Borneo. The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, is located in Peninsular Malaysia.
The population of Malaysia is approximately 30.6 million, with a median age of 26.7 years. The ethnic composition of the country is Malay (50.8%), Chinese (22.6%), indigenous (11.8%), Indian (6.7%), and other (8.1%). Islam is the official religion of Malaysia and is practiced by approximately 61.3% of the population.
The economy of Malaysia is diverse and dynamic, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $371.5 billion in 2017. The country is a major exporter of palm oil, rubber, and tin, and manufacturing is a significant contributor to the economy, accounting for approximately 32.4% of GDP. Tourism is also an important sector, with 26.8 million international tourist arrivals in 2017.
Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is elected by and from among the nine rulers of the Malay states for a five-year term. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from among the members of the House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament.
Malaysia has a long history of British colonial rule, which began in the late 18th century. The country achieved independence in 1957, and since then has experienced a steady process of economic and political modernization. Malaysia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Economy
933.30 billion US dollars