Malaysia

1511 (August 24, Thursday) – Portuguese colonization of Malacca

1641 (August 14, Wednesday) – Dutch capture Malacca from Portugal

1826 (August 2, Wednesday) – British East India Company establishes the Straits Settlements (Penang, Singapore, Malacca)

1957 (August 31, Saturday) – Independence from Britain

1963 (September 16, Monday) – Formation of Malaysia, after the inclusion of Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore (Singapore left in 1965)

1980s (December) – Economic boom driven by oil and gas exports, manufacturing

1997 (July 2, Wednesday) – Asian Financial Crisis severely impacts Malaysia

2004 (December 26, Sunday) – Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami strikes Malaysia, especially Penang and Langkawi

2009 (March 23, Monday) – Global recession hits Malaysia, slowing economic growth

2014 (March 8, Saturday) – Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappears en route to Beijing

2020 (March 18, Wednesday) – COVID-19 pandemic forces lockdown and movement control orders

2021 (December 18, Saturday) – Flooding in Klang Valley and other areas due to heavy rainfall

2022 (March 1, Tuesday) – Floods in several states due to monsoon season rains, displacing thousands

2024 (February 19, Monday) – Cyclone Batsirai hits the east coast, causing severe flooding and damage

Continent: Asia
Location: Southeast Asia, located on the Malay Peninsula and Borneo
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Language: Malay (official), English, Mandarin, Tamil
Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Population: ~33.7 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Malaysia Time (MYT, UTC+8)

Borders: Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore
Landscape: Coastal plains, mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, islands
Major Rivers: Rajang River, Pahang River, Perak River, Kelantan River
Major Mountains: Mount Kinabalu (highest point), Titiwangsa Mountains, Crocker Range, Borneo Highlands
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Temenggor, Lake Kenyir
Volcanoes: Mount Rinjani (on the island of Lombok, Indonesia), Mount Taal (on the island of Luzon, Philippines)
Highest Point: Mount Kinabalu – 4,095 m (13,435 ft)
Lowest Point: South China Sea – 0 m (sea level)
Climate: Equatorial, tropical climate with a wet season from May to September and a dry season from November to March
Geological Features: Limestone karsts, tropical rainforests, volcanic mountains, coastal plains

Ethnic Groups: Malay (approx. 60%), Chinese (approx. 23%), Indian (approx. 7%), indigenous groups (approx. 10%)
Religion: Islam (approx. 61%), Buddhism (approx. 20%), Christianity (approx. 9%), Hinduism (approx. 6%)
Urban Population: ~77% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~7% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Diverse ethnic cultures, rich history, cuisine, festivals, modern cities
Cuisine: Nasi lemak, satay, roti canai, laksa, rendang
Arts: Traditional dance (e.g., Malay zapin), crafts, music, cinema
Sports: Football (soccer), badminton, field hockey, silat (martial art)

Economy Type: Newly industrialized economy, export-oriented
GDP: Approx. $384 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Electronics, oil and gas, palm oil, rubber, tourism, automotive manufacturing
Key Exports: Electrical machinery, mineral fuels, palm oil, rubber, timber
Unemployment Rate: ~3.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Manufacturing in the west, agriculture and mining in the east

Government Type: Federal constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Dewan Rakyat & Dewan Negara)
Constitution: In effect since 1957, with amendments in 1971 and 1988

Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, National Mosque
Penang: George Town, Penang Hill, beaches
Langkawi: Beaches, water sports, natural beauty
Cameron Highlands: Tea plantations, cool climate, scenic views
Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak): Mount Kinabalu, Borneo Rainforest, wildlife (e.g., orangutans)
Malacca: Historical city, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dutch and Portuguese colonial history