A Brief Description
In the country of Malaysia, archaeological evidence indicates that human
beings began inhabiting the general area well-over 40,000 years ago.
The Europeans arrived on the Malay
Peninsula in the 17th century, as the Dutch established trading posts
along the coastlines.
It was the British that recognized
the strategic position of the Malay states and their abundance of
natural resources, subsequently colonizing and controlling the region
for over 150 years.
During World War II, the Japanese
invaded, and occupied the area for over three years, until that bloody
war finally ended in 1945.
In 1948, the British-ruled
territories on the Malay Peninsula (southern parts of Burma
(Myanmar), Thailand and the Peninsular Malaysia) formed the
Federation of Malaya, and in 1957, after a decade of intense
negotiations, it gained independence from Britain.
Malaysia itself was formed in 1963
when Singapore and the states of Sabah and Sarawak joined the Peninsular
Malaysia Federation; Singapore left in 1965 to become a separate nation.
Located In Southeast Asia, just
north of the Equator, the exotic, tropical islands and lands of Malaysia
contain some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and a
collection of unrivaled rainforests and national parks.
For more info on Malaysia, click
here.
Street scene, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!
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Facts and Figures
 Name
Malaysia
(long form) none
Population 23,953,100
Population & Density (all countries)
here
Capital City Kuala Lumpur (1.5 mil) metro (3.8 mil)
Currency Ringgit (MYR)
Currency Converter
here
Languages Bahasa Melayu (official), English, assorted Chinese
dialects and other indigenous languages.
Flag
here
National Day August 31
Religions Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian, others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
03º 10' N, 101º 42' E
Relative Location Malaysia is in both the northern and eastern
hemispheres.
The country is immediately north of the Equator, and positioned on both
the Malay Peninsula and on the northern edges of the island of Borneo in
Southeast Asia. It's bordered by the waters of the South China Sea,
assorted smaller seas, and the countries of Brunei, Burma (Myanmar)
and Thailand.
Land Statistics
Coastline 2,905 miles (4,675 km)
Land
Areas
(land) 126,854 sq miles
(328,550 sq km)
(water) 463 sq miles (1,200
sq km)
(TOTAL) 127,317 sq miles
(329,700 sq km)
Land
Area (all countries)
here
Landforms Malaysia consists of the Peninsular Malaysia, which is
part of mainland Southeast Asia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on
the northern edges of the island of Borneo.
In essence, the coastal plains here
(in some areas rather wide) rise gently into hills and mountains,
all covered by dense rain forest.
Countrywide, elevations average
between 3,500 to 6,000 feet, with the major exception being Mt. Kinabalu
(at near 14,000 ft.) in the State of Sabah.
Off its coastlines, Malaysia
includes hundreds of very small islands (dots on a sea of blue).
Over two dozen rivers of size flow
from the mountains, with the Pahang, Rajang and Sugut the most
significant.
Highest Point Gunung Kinabalu -13,451 ft.
(4,100 m)
Lowest Point South China Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land
Divisions 13 states, including: Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka,
Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak,
Selangor, and Terengganu; and one federal territory (wilayah
persekutuan) with three components, the cities of Kuala Lumpur,
Labuan, and Putrajaya.
Buddhist monks, Malaysia! |
Maps
Malaysia (large color) Map
here
Malaysia Outline Map
here
Malaysia CIA version
here
Malaysia Maps at UT
here
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Asia
Continent (printable)
here
Asia
Outline Map
here
Asia
(Southeast) Outline Map
here
Asia
(Name the Country) Map Test
here
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Indian Subcontinent Map
here
Middle East Landforms
here
Middle East Map
here
Middle East Outline Map
here
Middle East Rivers
here
Tsunami Map (December 2004)
here
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World Outline Maps (printable)
here
World Time Zone Map
here
Recommended Links
Malaysia (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports,
natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and
more
here!
Kuala Lumpur
here
Malaysia History
here
Malaysia Photos at TrekEarth.com
here
Malaysia Star (news)
here
Malaysia Tourism
here
Time and Weather
Time
Zone (UTC +8) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean
Time. Conversion details and additional info:
here
Climate Based on its location near the Equator, Malaysia has a
tropical climate with many sunny days.
Malaysia's temperature range from 70
to 90ºF (22 to 33ºC) is consistent throughout most of the year.
Two monsoon seasons (April to
October) and (October to February) bring consistent, yet
moderate rainfall. Relative humidity is very high year-round.
Traveler Info
Attractions The beauty of Malaysia is its major draw, as few places
on our planet are as pristine and unspoiled. It presents an incredible
menu of uncrowded beaches and hundreds of tropical islands.
Significant points-of-interest
include Taman Negara National Park, with its gigantic trees, plants and
colorful wildlife; Sabah's state parks and stunning Mount Kinabalu; the
world's largest orangutan sanctuary near the town of Sandakan; Sarawak's
collection of national parks, some of the most unique anywhere; and the
exciting city of Kuala Lumpur.... to name but a few.
A Borneo Orangutan!
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Country Dialing Code 60
Electricity Malaysia uses 240 volts AC (50 Hz)
Electrical adapters, products and
tips
here
Travel Warnings
here
Visa
Information
here |
