The Federal State of Malaysia
The name Malaysia was adopted in 1963 when Singapore, North Borneo, Sarawak and the Malayan Federation united into a federation of 14 countries. But the name itself had been used vaguely to refer to regions in Southeast Asia before that. On a map published in 1914 in Chicago, the word Malaysia was printed as referring to some territories within the Malay Archipelago. Philippine politicians have occasionally considered naming their country "Malaysia", but Malaysia beat them to the name in 1963. At the time of unification in 1963, other names were considered, one of which was Langkasuka, according to the historical kingdom that occupied the upper part of the Malay Peninsula. In the first millennium AD.
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and consists of two main parts separated by the South China Sea. The first is located in the west, south of Thailand and north of Singapore, while the eastern part is located north of Indonesia. Its area is about 329,847 square kilometers, and its capital is Kuala Lumpur. Here is some information about it:
Terrain:Malaysia's topography is characterized by its diversity, as it includes a group of distinct geographical characteristics. The country consists of Peninsular Malaysia in the west and part of the island of Borneo in the east. The peninsula is characterized by its mountainous terrain, which includes the Altaitas mountain range, with elevations exceeding 2,000 metres, such as Kinabalu Peak. In Borneo, there are similar mountain ranges such as the Dayan Mountains, in addition to coastal plains and lowlands. Large rivers such as the Rajang River and the Pahang River contribute to shaping the country's landscape, while dense tropical forests enhance its ecological diversity.
States of Malaysia:Peninsular Malaysia or West Malaysia consists of 11 states, namely: Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Selangor and Terengganu. Along with Sabah and Sarawak (located in East Malaysia), there are three federal territories namely Kuala Lumpur – the capital of Malaysia. Putrajaya – the administrative center of the federal government; And Labuan – a “tax-free” island located off the coast of Sabah
Natural resources:Malaysia has diverse and abundant natural resources that contribute significantly to its economy. The most prominent of these resources are oil and natural gas, as it is one of the largest producers and exporters in the region. The country also has large reserves of minerals such as tin, copper and gold. In addition, Malaysia is one of the world's largest producers of palm oil, boosting its agriculture sector. Malaysia's tropical forests also provide important timber resources, as well as biodiversity that enhances ecotourism.
Climate:Malaysia has a hot and humid tropical climate, which prevails throughout the year. The climate is characterized by two main seasons: the dry season from May to September, which experiences temperatures between 25 and 32 °C with high humidity levels, and the wet season from October to March, which is characterized by heavy rains resulting from the monsoon winds. This tropical weather promotes the growth of dense tropical forests and makes Malaysia an enjoyable tourist destination all year round.
Agriculture:Agriculture in Malaysia is considered an important sector that depends on a variety of agricultural crops. Palm oil cultivation stands out as one of the most important agricultural activities, as Malaysia is one of the largest producers of palm oil in the world. Besides this, the country grows rice, which is a staple food, as well as tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple and bananas. Rubber is also grown, which plays a major role in the Malaysian economy. Other agricultural activities vary to include the cultivation of cocoa, spices and vegetables. Agriculture in Malaysia is enhanced through modern farming practices and innovation in crop improvement and resource management.
Population:Malaysia is a densely populated country, with a population of approximately 33 million people. Population density is concentrated in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur and George Town, while rural areas remain less densely populated.
Development level:Malaysia enjoys a high level of development, having achieved remarkable progress in the economic and social fields. The country is classified as an upper middle-income economy and is considered among the high-income countries in Southeast Asia. This progress includes improvements in infrastructure, education, and health, reflecting the success of its development policies and economic transformations.
Language:The official language of Malaysia is Malay, which is used in education, administration, and government. In addition to Malay, Malaysians speak a variety of languages, including English, which is widely used in business and education, and local languages such as Chinese and Tamil, which reflect the country's cultural and ethnic diversity.
Religion:Islam is the official religion in Malaysia, followed by the vast majority of the population, and represents an essential part of the country's cultural and political identity. In addition to Islam, other religions exist in Malaysia, such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism, as the country's religious pluralism reflects cultural and ethnic diversity.
Economy:Malaysia's economy is characterized by diversity and strength, as it relies on a group of key sectors. The manufacturing industry, especially in the production of electronics and components, makes up a large part of the economy. In addition, the oil and gas sectors, and agriculture, especially palm oil cultivation, play an important role. Tourism is also an essential part of the economy, with significant investments in infrastructure to attract visitors.
The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit, which is symbolized as MYR or abbreviated as RM. The Malaysian Ringgit is used as a monetary unit in all financial and commercial transactions within the country. The ringgit is traded in all its denominations, from paper currency to coins, and is traded in local and international markets.
Politics:Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy. The king oversees the political system as a symbol of unity, while the elected government holds executive responsibilities. The political system consists of a parliament in which the people are represented through elections, and a government that manages the day-to-day affairs of the country. The country is experiencing a relatively stable political process, with party pluralism and broad participation in elections.
history:Malaysia has witnessed a long and complex history, starting with Portuguese and then British colonialism, which continued until independence in 1957. After independence, the country witnessed rapid development towards modernization and economic growth. Malaysia was part of the Federation of Malaysia, which united Peninsular Malaysia with Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo, promoting stability and development.
Tourism:Malaysia is a popular tourist destination thanks to its natural and cultural diversity. The country includes stunning natural landmarks such as the islands of Langkawi and Kinabalu, as well as tropical forests and beautiful beaches. Major cities like Kuala Lumpur are full of modern landmarks like the Petronas Twin Tower, In addition to traditional markets and historical places. Malaysia is also famous for its cultural events and festivals that reflect its ethnic and religious diversity.
Education:The education system in Malaysia has a developed education system that includes basic, secondary and higher education. Basic education is free and compulsory for children ages 6 to 11, and includes primary and secondary education. Education is provided in the Malay language, but there are private schools offering education in Chinese or Tamil. Higher education includes well-known local universities such as the University of Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia, as well as international universities. The government is promoting investment in education and training to develop skills and promote economic growth.
Health:The healthcare system in Malaysia is advanced and combines the public and private sectors. Public and private hospitals provide integrated medical services that include treatment and preventive care. The health system is strengthened with comprehensive health insurance programs, Especially for citizens, it includes primary care, specialized care, and surgical procedures. The government seeks to improve the quality of healthcare and expand access to it, with a focus on increasing investments in health infrastructure and modern medical technologies.
Source: websites