Malaysia

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials, to expansion in manufacturing, services, and tourism.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 24,821,286 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Malaysian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Malaysian

Official Language(s): Bahasa

Major Languages Spoken: Bahasa, Burmese, Chinese, English, Malay, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Thai

Country Facts

Country Name (short form): Malaysia

Country Name (local short form): Malaysia

Name of Capital: Kuala Lumpur

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Malaysia: Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia

Land Area: 328550 sq km

Water Area: 1200 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than New Mexico

Total Land Boundry: 2,669 km

Coastline: 4,675 km

National Holiday: Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

International Phone Code: 60

Currency Code: ringgit (MYR)

Internet Country Code: .my

US Embassy Location: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 50440

US Embassy Mailing Address: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152