About Malaysia

Capital and Largest City: Kuala Lumpur

Federal Government Administrative Centre: Putrajaya

Urban Areas:
1. Klang Valley connurbation (Kuala Lumpur – Petaling – Klang – Hulu Langat – Gombak – Sepang);
2. Johor Bahru (border city across Singapore);
3. Penang (Georgetown – Penang Island – Butterworth)

Government: Federal Constitutional Elective (or rotational) Monarchy

Population: 27 million (2007 estimate)

Demographics: Malays (53%); Chinese (30%); Indians (8%); others

Languages: Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language. English is primarily used as private sector/business language, or as first language for many city folks. Chinese in Malaysia speak Mandarin and/or a variety of Chinese dialects including Cantonese, Hokkien/Fujian, Hakka, Teochew etc. Indians in Malaysia mainly speak Tamil; some speak Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam etc.

Religion: Multi-religous society with Islam as official religion

Currency: Ringgit (RM or MYR)

Time Zone: GMT +8

[Photo by © Precious Dream]