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 except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's independence were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's withdrawal 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 the development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak (in office since April 2009) has continued these pro-business policies and has introduced some civil reforms. Malaysia assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2015-16 term.

Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

2 30 N, 112 30 E

Southeast Asia

slightly larger than New Mexico

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons

coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

arable land 2.9%; permanent crops 19.4%; permanent pasture 0.9%

3,800 sq km (2009)

580 cu km (2011)

flooding; landslides; forest fires

air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

Malay 50.1%, Chinese 22.6%, indigenous 11.8%, Indian 6.7%, other 0.7%, non-citizens 8.2% (2010 est.)

Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai

Muslim (official) 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%, other 0.4%, none 0.8%, unspecified 1% (2010 est.)

30,513,848 (July 2015 est.)

1.44% (2015 est.)

19.71 births/1,000 population (2015 est.)

5.03 deaths/1,000 population (2015 est.)

-0.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population

KUALA LUMPUR (capital) 6.837 million; Johor Bahru 912,000 (2015)

2.55 children born/woman (2015 est.)

4% of GDP (2013)

1.2 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

1.9 beds/1,000 population (2012)

urban: 100% of population

rural: 93% of population

total: 98.2% of population

urban: 0% of population

rural: 7% of population

total: 1.8% of population (2015 est.)

urban: 96.1% of population

rural: 95.9% of population

total: 96% of population

urban: 3.9% of population

rural: 4.1% of population

total: 4% of population (2015 est.)

0.44% (2013 est.)

86,300 (2013 est.)

5,900 (2013 est.)

12.9% (2014)

12.9% (2006)

5.9% of GDP (2011)

constitutional monarchy

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with 3 components, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya

31 August 1957 (from the UK)

Independence Day 31 August (1957) (independence of Malaya); Malaysia Day 16 September (1963) (formation of Malaysia)

previous 1948; latest drafted 21 February 1957, effective 27 August 1957; amended many times, last in 2007 (2010)

mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Court at request of supreme head of the federation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

21 years of age; universal

Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or GERAKAN [MAH Siew Keong]

Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal Demokratik - Sabah) or LDP [TEO Chee Kang]

Malaysian Chinese Association (Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [LIOW Tiong Lai]

Malaysian Indian Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC [Govindasamy PALANIVEL]

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah or PBRS [Joseph KURUP]

Parti Bersatu Sabah or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu or PBB [Adenan SATEM]

Parti Rakyat Sarawak or PRS [James MASING]

Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party or SPDP [TIONG King Sing]

Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [Dr. SIM Kui Hian]

United Malays National Organization or UMNO [NAJIB bin Abdul Razak]

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Wilfred Madius TANGAU]

People's Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Penduduk Malaysia) or PPP [M.Kayveas]

Democratic Action Party (Parti Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [TAN Kok Wai]

Islamic Party of Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang

People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [WAN AZIZAH Wan Ismail]

Sabah Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Sabah) or SAPP [YONG Teck Lee]

State Reform Party (Parti Reformasi Negeri) or STAR [Jeffery KITINGAN]

Bar Council

BERSIH (electoral reform coalition)

ISMA (Muslim NGO)

PERKASA (defense of Malay rights)

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers

tiger, hibiscus; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow

Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move farther up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in Islamic finance, high technology industries, biotechnology, and services. NAJIB's Economic Transformation Program (ETP) is a series of projects and policy measures intended to accelerate the country's economic growth. The government has also taken steps to liberalize some services sub-sectors. Malaysia is vulnerable to a fall in world commodity prices or a general slowdown in global economic activity.

The NAJIB administration is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and reduce the economy's dependence on exports. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics, oil and gas, palm oil and rubber - remain a significant driver of the economy. Gross exports of goods and services constitute more than 80% of GDP. The oil and gas sector supplied about 29% of government revenue in 2014. As an oil and gas exporter, Malaysia has previously profited from higher world energy prices, although the rising cost of domestic gasoline and diesel fuel, combined with sustained budget deficits, has forced Kuala Lumpur to begin to address fiscal shortfalls, through initial reductions in energy and sugar subsidies and the announcement of the 2015 implementation of a 6% goods and services tax. Falling global oil prices in the second half of 2014 have strained government finances, shrunk Malaysia’s current account surplus and put downward pressure on the ringgit. The government is trying to lessen its dependence on state oil producer Petronas.

Bank Negara Malaysia (the central bank) maintains healthy foreign exchange reserves; a well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments and the global financial crisis. In order to attract increased investment, NAJIB raised possible revisions to the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but retreated in 2013 after he encountered significant opposition from Malay nationalists and other vested interests. In September 2013 NAJIB launched the new Bumiputra Economic Empowerment Program (BEEP), policies that favor and advance the economic condition of ethnic Malays.

Malaysia is a member of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement negotiations and, with the nine other ASEAN members, will form the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

$746.1 billion (2014 est.)

$703.7 billion (2013 est.)

$671.8 billion (2012 est.)

$326.9 billion (2014 est.)

6% (2014 est.)

4.7% (2013 est.)

5.6% (2012 est.)

$24,700 (2014 est.)

$23,300 (2013 est.)

$22,200 (2012 est.)

29.8% of GDP (2014 est.)

30.1% of GDP (2013 est.)

31.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

(2014 est.)

Peninsular Malaysia - palm oil, rubber, cocoa, rice; Sabah - palm oil, subsistence crops; rubber, timber; Sarawak - palm oil, rubber, timber; pepper

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics and semiconductors, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum and natural gas production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum and natural gas production, logging

5.6% (2014 est.)

14.01 million (2014 est.)

2.9% (2014 est.)

3.1% (2013 est.)

3.8% (2009 est.)

46.2 (2009)

49.2 (1997)

20.2% of GDP (2014 est.)

-3.4% of GDP (2014 est.)

54.2% of GDP (2014 est.)

54.7% of GDP (2013 est.)

calendar year

3.1% (2014 est.)

2.1% (2013 est.)

3% (31 December 2011)

2.83% (31 December 2010)

4.5% (31 December 2014 est.)

4.56% (31 December 2013 est.)

$113.1 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$99.8 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

$478.7 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$440.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

$460.9 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$428.8 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

$476.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

$395.1 billion (31 December 2011)

$410.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$15.13 billion (2014 est.)

$11.73 billion (2013 est.)

$231.3 billion (2014 est.)

$219.2 billion (2013 est.)

semiconductors and electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals, solar panels

China 14.2%, Singapore 13.9%, Japan 10.9%, US 8.2%, Thailand 5.4%, Indonesia 4.5%, Hong Kong 4.2% (2013)

$193.6 billion (2014 est.)

$186.7 billion (2013 est.)

electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

China 17%, Singapore 13.2%, Japan 8.5%, US 7.6%, Thailand 5.9%, South Korea 4.6%, Indonesia 4.3% (2013)

$133.4 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$134.9 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

$109.3 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$106.7 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

$144 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

$132.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

$146.7 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$133.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

ringgits (MYR) per US dollar -

3.24 (2014 est.)

3.15 (2013 est.)

3.09 (2012 est.)

3.06 (2011 est.)

3.22 (2010 est.)

118 billion kWh (2012 est.)

112 billion kWh (2012 est.)

12 million kWh (2011 est.)

372 million kWh (2013 est.)

28.4 million kW (2011 est.)

89.4% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)

0% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)

10.6% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)

0% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)

647,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)

269,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)

160,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)

4 billion bbl (1 January 2014 est.)

568,800 bbl/day (2010 est.)

623,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)

176,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)

175,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)

61.62 billion cu m (2012 est.)

31.25 billion cu m (2012 est.)

32.54 billion cu m (2012 est.)

2.165 billion cu m (2012 est.)

2.35 trillion cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

198.8 million Mt (2012 est.)

state-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks, as well as regional and local stations; many private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 55 radio stations overall (2012)

AM 35, FM 391, shortwave 15 (2001)

88 (mainland Malaysia 51, Sabah 16, and Sarawak 21) (2006)

.my

114 (2013)

69 (2013)

4 (2013)

condensate 354 km; gas 6,439 km; liquid petroleum gas 155 km; oil 1,937 km; oil/gas/water 43 km; refined products 114 km; water 26 km (2013)

7,200 km (Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km) (2011)

the International Maritime Bureau reports that the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea remain high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; in the past, commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; increased naval patrols since 2005 in the Strait of Malacca resulted in no reported incidents in 2010

Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2013)

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent and proof of age); mandatory retirement age 60; women serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces; no conscription (2013)

1.5% of GDP (2014)

1.5% of GDP (2013)

1.55% of GDP (2012)

1.67% of GDP (2011)

1.55% of GDP (2010)

while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; land and maritime negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously, including enforcement of the death penalty; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional drug market