A charming history dating back to the 15th centaury, when Malacca was a vital world trading port, has turned Malaysia into a multicultural land of extreme contrasts. Traveling in Malaysia is a heart warming experience due to its friendly people. While its first world infrastructure makes for a convenient and comfortable stay. To Know Malaysia is to love Malaysia, this gastronomical paradise is home to million year old forests. State of the art skyscrapers and hundreds of colorful festivals. The time is now the place is Malaysia.

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. The people enjoy freedom of worship and this right is enshrined in our Constitution. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity are among other religions practised here.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Situated in the central part of South-east Asia (5o North of the Equator), Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea.

AREA

329,758 sq km (131,587 sq km in Peninsular Malaysia and 198,847 sq km in Sabah and Sarawak).

POPULATION

Malaysia is a multiracial country with a population of about 27 million. Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak form the majority of our population.

LANGUAGE

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national and official language of the country. English is widely spoken and is a compulsory subject taught in all schools. The ethnics groups also speak various languages and dialects.

RELIGION

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. The people enjoy freedom of worship and this right is enshrined in our Constitution. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity are among other religions practised here.

GOVERNMENT

Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (King) and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

FEDERAL CAPITAL

Kuala Lumpur.

NATIONAL FLOWER

The national flower of Malaysia is Bunga Raya (Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis).

ECONOMIC PROFILE

Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are major contributors to the economy.