Malaysia
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 34
Currency
💱 Malaysian ringgit
Languages
🗣️ English, Malay
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Discover Malaysia, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and bustling cities. From the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi and the ancient rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler. Indulge in world-class cuisine, explore rich heritage sites, and immerse yourself in the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Malaysia
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Malaysian
Independence
August 31, 1957 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.my
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+60
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+08:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Kuala Lumpur
ISO Alpha-2
MY
ISO Alpha-3
MYS
UN Code
458
Geographic Coordinates
2.5,112.5
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
330,803#68 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
34,389,400#44 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
106.91
Highest Point (m)
4,095 (Mount Kinabalu)
Lowest Point (m)
0 (Indian Ocean)
Land Use
Approximately 20% arable land, 60% forest
Irrigated Land
Approximately 3,840 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
4,675 km
Climate
Tropical; high humidity; temperature varies slightly throughout the year
Natural Resources
Tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand
Major Rivers
Pahang River, Rajang River
Major Lakes
Lake Kenyir
Government Type
Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Administrative Divisions
13 states and 3 federal territories
Legal System
Based on English common law
Chief of State
King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong)
Head of Government
Prime Minister
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister
Elections
Elections for the Parliament are held every 5 years.
Judicial Branch
Federal Court, Court of Appeal, High Courts
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament (Dewan Negara - Senate; Dewan Rakyat - House of Representatives)
Major Political Parties
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Malaysian ringgit
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
472.19#34 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,493#29 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
13,124.56#93 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.22
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
35.67
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
54.83
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.38#144 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18,719,406
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.76#122 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
64.57
Budget
The Malaysian budget is prepared annually and covers government revenues and expenditures.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
335.11#29 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
308.95#29 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Sufficient to cover several months of imports.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found at major banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Services (55%), Manufacturing (23%), Agriculture (12%), Construction (5%), Mining (5%) (2022 estimate).
Major Industries
Electronics, rubber and palm oil processing, petroleum and natural gas, tourism.
Major Export Partners
Singapore, China, United States, Japan, Thailand.
Major Import Partners
China, Singapore, United States, Japan, South Korea.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
95.77#73 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
12.4
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.3
Net Migration Rate
Slightly positive.
Median Age
Around 30 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
77.39#68 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Around 1-2% annual growth.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
76.8#84 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Low prevalence.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.96
Ethnic Groups
Malay (50%), Chinese (23%), Indigenous (12%), Indian (7%), others (8%).
Religions
Islam (61%), Buddhism (20%), Christianity (9%), Hinduism (6%), other (4%).
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Malay
Education
Education System
Malaysia's education system comprises pre-school, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with both public and private institutions.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
13.7
Government Education Spending
Malaysia dedicates a significant portion of its budget to education, typically around 15-20% annually.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities in Malaysia include Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Malaysia's culture is a vibrant blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, reflected in its cuisine, arts, and festivals.
National Holidays
National holidays include Hari Merdeka (Independence Day), Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Pop, R&B, and local genres like Malaysian Pop (M-Pop) and Malay Pop (Irama Malaysia).
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes Nasi Lemak, Satay, Laksa, and Roti Canai, reflecting the country's diverse culinary heritage.
Sports
Popular sports are badminton, football (soccer), and motorsports, including Formula 1.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Thaipusam.
Famous People
Famous people include Michelle Yeoh (actress), Jimmy Choo (fashion designer), and Nicol David (squash player).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Malaysia boasts numerous cultural heritage sites, including historical buildings, religious sites, and traditional villages.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malaysia include the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca (Melaka and George Town) and Gunung Mulu National Park.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of tourists annually; numbers fluctuate.
Tourism Overview
Popular tourist destination known for beaches, rainforests, and diverse cultures.
Top Tourist Attractions
Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and historical sites in Melaka.
Famous Cities
Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Johor Bahru.
National Parks
Extensive national parks, including Taman Negara and Kinabalu Park.
Protected Areas
Significant areas dedicated to conservation, including national parks and marine reserves.
Best Time to Visit
Malaysia offers diverse experiences year-round, but the best time often depends on your chosen region. For the west coast, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi, the dry season from December to March provides ideal weather for city exploration and beach relaxation. The east coast, with islands like the Perhentians and Tioman, is best visited between March and October to avoid monsoon rains, offering calm seas for diving and snorkeling. For jungle trekking and cooler temperatures in places like the Cameron Highlands, any time of year is generally suitable, though the slightly drier periods of March to May and September to November can be more comfortable. Major festivals like Chinese New Year (January/February) and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (dates vary) offer vibrant cultural experiences, often coinciding with pleasant weather in the western regions.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; many countries can enter visa-free for tourism.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Malaysia vary significantly based on your nationality. Many nationalities can enter Malaysia for tourism for a specific period, often 30 or 90 days, without needing a visa in advance. This typically applies to citizens of many Western countries, Southeast Asian nations, and others. However, some nationalities may require a visa before arrival. It is crucial to check the specific requirements for your passport well in advance of your travel dates with the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country or official government sources. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; monitor local news and advisories.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Generally good, with accessible public and private healthcare options.
Medical Cost
Varies significantly between public and private healthcare; private healthcare is more expensive.
Number of Hospitals
Malaysia has a large number of hospitals, both public and private.
Universal Healthcare
Malaysia offers a public healthcare system with subsidized services and a mixed public-private healthcare system.
Medical Services Overview
Malaysia offers a mix of public and private healthcare services, with a focus on specialist care in major cities.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, especially in urban areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 999.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for the ambulance is 999.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 999.
Crime Rate
Crime rates in Malaysia vary by region; petty crime can occur, but violent crime is relatively low compared to other countries.
Safety Index
Malaysia generally has a moderate safety index, with relatively low levels of violent crime.
Military Expenditure
Malaysia's military expenditure is a moderate percentage of its GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services in Malaysia are available 24/7 via the 999 number, providing police, ambulance, and fire services.
Safety Overview
Malaysia is generally a safe country for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. Common petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and public transport, so be mindful of your belongings. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy markets or when withdrawing money from ATMs. While scams exist, they are usually minor, such as inflated taxi fares; it's advisable to use metered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Areas like certain parts of Kuala Lumpur's night markets require a bit more vigilance. It's always good practice to keep valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Emergency services are generally responsive, and most tourists have a trouble-free visit.
Military Branches
The Malaysian Armed Forces comprise the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, and Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is nearly universal across Malaysia.
Water Access
Access to clean water is widely available in Malaysia.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is generally good in Malaysia.
Railways
The railway network includes electric train services and intercity rail lines.
Roadways
Malaysia has an extensive network of roadways, including expressways and highways.
Transportation System
Malaysia's transportation system includes road, rail, air, and sea transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuching International Airport (KCH), Langkawi International Airport (LGK), Penang International Airport (PEN), Senai International Airport (JHB)
Ports
Major ports include Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas, and Penang Port.
Public Transit
Public transit options include buses, trains, and light rail systems, particularly in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
98.02#13 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 120 mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup ecosystem, particularly in fintech and e-commerce.
Innovation Index
Moderate innovation performance; improving over time.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index, reflecting good digital infrastructure.
TV Broadcast Stations
Numerous television broadcast stations available.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Many radio broadcast stations serving diverse audiences.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type G, 240V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.32#26 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality varies, with urban areas often experiencing unhealthy levels, particularly during the dry season, due to industrial emissions, vehicle exhausts, and forest fires.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a significant concern, stemming from industrial discharge, sewage, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste.
Renewable Energy Usage
Renewable energy usage is growing, with a focus on solar and hydropower, but coal remains a significant part of the energy mix.
Environmental Issues
Major environmental issues include air and water pollution, deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Natural hazards include flooding (especially during monsoon season), landslides, earthquakes, and occasional droughts.
Waste Management
Waste management faces challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, reliance on landfills, and growing plastic waste issues; recycling rates are relatively low.
Environmental Agreements
Malaysia is a party to numerous environmental agreements, including those on climate change, biodiversity, and ozone layer protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, ASEAN
Major Treaties
Participates in numerous international treaties including those related to trade, human rights, and environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Malaysian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries.