Malaysia - Truly Asia

Covering an area of 127,316 square miles (336,700 sq. km - slightly larger than New Mexico), Malaysia consists of two regions: Peninsular Malaysia (the former States of the Federation of Malaya), extending south-south-east from the border of Thailand; and East Malaysia, the states of Sabah and Sarawak located on the northwestern coastal region of the island of Borneo.

The Malay peninsula consists essentially of an east and west coastal plain with the central mountain ranges running roughly north to south. These ranges attain 7,000 feet (2153m) in some places, and the highest peak, Gunung Tahan, is 7,186 feet (2190m). The States of Sabah and Sarawak consist in general of alluvial coastal plains, with more hilly and rolling country further inland and mountain ranges in the interior. In Sabah, the central mountain ranges rise abruptly from the west coast to Malaysia's highest peak, Mount Kinabalu 13,455 (4100m).

The natural vegetation of Malaysia is tropical rain forest which, on the plains, has been replaced by 4 million acres of rubber plantations, palm oil estates, padi fields and, of course, modern cities. In the highlands there is considerable variation in flora & fauna.

Climate
The annual average temperature is between 77°F (25°C), and 83°F (28°C) in the lowlands, the mean minimum temperature seldom falls below 72°F(22°C). At hill resorts the uniform temperature is lower. Days are generally sunny and warm, with humidity averaging 85%-90%. Nights are usually cool and comfortable.

Demography
Malaysia is a multiracial country with a population of approximately 22.2 million. This consists of the main racial groups of Malays, Chinese and Indians and a very diverse group of indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak.

Religions
Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and animism.

Languages Spoken by Nationals
Malay is the national language: English is used commercially; other language are Chinese dialects and Tamil, and Iban and other tribal languages in Sarawak and Kadazan and other indigenous languages in Sabah.

Government
Federated Constitutional Monarchy. Malaysia comprises 13 states and three federal territories - Kuala Lumpur, Putra Jaya and Labuan (an island off the coast of Sabah). Nine of the states have a hereditary ruler from which the Supreme Head of State, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (King) is elected every five years.

The government is based on parliamentary democracy. The head of the government, the Prime Minister, heads the Cabinet of Ministers.

The present Prime Minister is Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, successor to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Economy
Manufacturing the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Malaysia is one of the world's largest producers of rubber, tin, palm oil, timber, pepper and petroleum. Tourism, too, is emerging as major revenue earner, and major export goods include semiconductors and electronic goods.