Malaysia is a federation that consists of thirteen states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia with a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres (127,355 sq mi).[4][5] The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 27 million.[5] The country is separated into two regions—Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo—by the South China Sea.[5] Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines.[5] The country is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate.[5] Malaysia's head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (conventionally referred to as 'the King' or 'the Agong') and the government is headed by a Prime Minister.[6][7] The government is closely modeled after the Westminster Parliamentary System.[8]
Malaysia as a unified state did not exist until 1963. Previously, a set of colonies were established by the United Kingdom from the late-18th century, and the western half of modern Malaysia was composed of several separate kingdoms. This group of colonies was known as British Malaya until its dissolution in 1946, when it was reorganised as the Malayan Union. Due to widespread opposition, it was reorganised again as the Federation of Malaya in 1948 and later gained independence on 31 August 1957.[9] Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya joined to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963.[10] However, less than two years later Singapore seceded from the federation and became an independent republic on 9 August 1965. The early years of the new union were marred by an armed conflict with Indonesia and the expulsion of Singapore.[11][12] The Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development during the late-20th century. With rapid growth averaging 8% from 1991 to 1997, it has, from time to time, been considered a newly industrialised country.[13][14] Because Malaysia is one of three countries that control the Strait of Malacca, international trade plays a large role in its economy.[15] At one time, it was the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world.[16] Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy.[17] Malaysia has a biodiverse range of flora and fauna, and is also considered one of the 17 most Megadiverse countries in the world.[18]
The Malays form the majority of the population of Malaysia. There are sizable Chinese and Indian communities as well[19]. Islam is the largest as well as the official religion of the federation.[5][20] The Malay language is the official language.[21]
Malaysia is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and participates in many international organisations such as the United Nations.[22][23] As a former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.[24] It is also a member of the Developing 8 Countries.