The Federation of Malaysia is a country that consists of thirteen states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia with a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres (127,355 sq mi). The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 25 million. The country is separated into two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo by the South China Sea. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The country is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate. Malaysia's head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (conventionally refered to as 'the King' or 'the Agong') and the government is headed by a Prime Minister. The government is closely modeled after the Westminster parliamentary system.
Malaysia as a unified state did not exist until 1963. Previously, a set of colonies were established by the United Kingdom from the late-18th century, and the western half of modern Malaysia was composed of several separate kingdoms. This group of colonies was known as British Malaya until its dissolution in 1946, when it was reorganised as the Federation of Malaya and later recognised as an independent nation in 1957. Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya joined to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963. The early years of the new union were marred by an armed conflict with Indonesia and the expulsion of Singapore. The Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development during the late-20th century. With a GDP per capita standing at USD14,400, it has, from time to time, been considered a newly industrialised country. Because Malaysia is one of three countries that control the Strait of Malacca, international trade plays a large role in its economy. At one time, it was the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world. Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy.
The Malays form the majority of the population. Some Malays are of Arab descent and there are sizable Chinese and Indian communities. Islam is the largest as well as the official religion of the federation. The Malay language is the official language. Malay was originally written in Jawi, based on Arabic script, but nowadays, the Roman alphabet (Rumi) is more often used.
Malaysia is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and participates in many international organisations such as the United Nations. As a former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is also a member of the Developing 8 Countries.
Malaysia population is a great blend of varied cultures since earlier times. About fifteen hundred years ago, India and China entered as traders in of the Malay Kingdom. Their entry marked the arrival of gold and silks followed by Hinduism and Buddhism. After thousand years, principles of Islam also marked their entry with Arab Traders in Malacca, followed with the arrival of Portuguese. Although, Malaysia population encompasses several cultures, still ancient Malay culture is the most prominent one followed by Chinese and Indian culture.
Asiarooms offer online information about Malaysia Population. According to constitution, Malays are considered as Muslims. Seven percent of Malaysia population percentage comprises of Indian origin including Hindus, Muslim, Christians and Buddhists. There are approximately 85% of Tamils in the Indian community. Immigrant population of Malaysia has a major contribution in the culture of nation. For Instance, first Chinese settled in and around Malaysia and intermarried with inhabitants of Malaysia. Thus, creating a whole new culture, as it led to a great combination of arts, belief and tradition of both Chinese and Malaysian Population.
Wedding ceremony in Malaysia also exhibits the great cultural diversity of Malaysia population. Malaysian wedding features South Indian traditions. In Malaysian wedding, both the bride and groom dressed beautifully and paint their hands with henna. Later, they feed yellow rice to each other. On the other hand, Malaysia population comprising of Muslims followed Chinese custom. They give money in red packets according to their needs.
Non-Malaysian population is more than half of Sarawakâs population. Although, they are divided into several clusters, still their way of living and culture are same up to certain extent. Traditional Malaysian beliefs were usually practiced up to 20th century. Later, great amount of Malaysia population become Muslim or Christian.
As of 2000 census population of Malaysia was 23953136. According to 2006 estimates, population of Malaysia was approximately 26,888,000. Growth rate of Malaysia population is approximately 1.8% (2005 estimates). |
