Country Information Malaysia
Malaysia is the 43rd most populated country and the 66th largest country by total land area in the world, with a population of about 28 million and a land area of around 329,847 square kilometres respectively. By land, Malaysia borders Thailand in the west, and Indonesia and Brunei in the east. It is linked to Singapore by a narrow causeway.
Kuala Lumpur is the official capital and largest city of Malaysia. Putrajaya is the federal administrative capital. Although many executive and judicial branches of the federal government have moved there (to ease growing congestion within Kuala Lumpur), Kuala Lumpur is still recognised as the legislative capital of Malaysia since it houses the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia.
The Malaysian currency is Ringgit (abbreviated as MYR or RM) with an exchange rate of 4.1617 MYR per EURO as of 30.11.2010.
Economy
Malaysia is a relatively open state-oriented and newly industrialised market economy. The state plays a significant but declining role in guiding economic activity through macroeconomic plans. Currently the economy of Malaysia is the 3rd largest economy in South East Asia and 40th largest economy in the world by GDP (gross domestic product). GDP per capita (PPP) of Malaysia stands at US$14,000. In 2009, the nominal GDP was US$191.5 billion, and the nominal per capital GDP was US$7,000. Malaysia is considered a middle income country with a high ratio between low and high income.
Major cities
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is the economic and business centre of the country, and is a primate city. Kuala Lumpur is also rated as an alpha world city, and is the only global city in Malaysia.
Subang Jaya and Klang are the second and third largest urban areas in Malaysia. The former is a higher education hub, containing many colleges and universities, and the latter houses Port Klang, the 16th busiest container port and 13th busiest trans-shipment port in the world.
Johor Bahru is the second largest city and fourth largest urban area in the country. It is close to Singapore. The city is also an important industrial, tourism and commercial hub for southern Malaysia.
George Town, situated in the state of Penang, is the third largest city and fifth largest urban area in Malaysia. Today, the city remains a major hub in Malaysia, serving the northern region.
Other major cities in Malaysia include Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
