Malaysia is located in South-Eastern Asia, and its capital is Kuala Lumpur. It has a population of approximately 35,557,673 and covers an area of about 330,411 km². Its official currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).
What stands out
People & place
108 /km² across 330,411 km²
Malaysia has a recorded population of 35,557,673 and a reported surface area of 330,411 km².
Economic snapshot
$422.23 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $422.23 billion and GDP per capita at $11,874 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Malaysia uses Malaysian ringgit (MYR), calling code +60, internet domain .my.
About Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the northern third of Borneo. With a population of over 32 million, it is known for its cultural diversity, vibrant cities, and rich natural landscapes.
Malaysia’s geography features a mix of coastal plains, limestone hills, and tropical rainforests. The mainland part, known as Peninsular Malaysia, borders Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. The East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are on Borneo island, surrounded by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
The nation is a cultural mosaic comprising Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups, each contributing unique traditions, cuisines, and festivals. Islam is the official religion, but freedom of worship encourages Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faiths to live side by side. Traditional arts such as batik weaving, shadow puppet plays, and dance are celebrated nationwide.
Malaysia’s history spans ancient kingdoms, colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and a struggle for independence won in 1957. In 1963 the Federation of Malaysia was formed, bringing Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore together; Singapore left in 1965. The country has since evolved into a modern, democratic, and rapidly developing nation.
Key facts
It has 13 states and 3 federal territories
Malay is the national language, but English and Mandarin are widely spoken
The capital is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya serves as the administrative capital
Malaysia has the world’s longest tunnel, the Pan Borneo Highway tunnel
The country is known for its diverse wildlife, including orangutans and the Borneo pygmy elephants
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Malaysia has a recorded population of approximately 35,557,673 people.
How big is Malaysia?
Malaysia covers an area of about 330,411 km².
What is the population density of Malaysia?
Malaysia has a population density of roughly 108 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Malaysia?
Malaysia has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $422.23 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Malaysia?
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of approximately $11,874.
What currency is used in Malaysia?
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit (MYR), with the symbol RM.
Where is Malaysia located?
Malaysia is located in South-Eastern Asia, Asia.
What are people from Malaysia called?
People from Malaysia are referred to as Malaysian.
What is the phone calling code for Malaysia?
The international dialing code for Malaysia is +60.
What is the internet domain for Malaysia?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Malaysia is .my.
What time zone is Malaysia in?
Malaysia spans 2 time zones including Asia/Kuala_Lumpur, Asia/Kuching.
What is Malaysia known for?
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the northern third of Borneo. With a population of over 32 million, it is known for its cultural diversity, vibrant cities, and rich natural landscapes.
South-Eastern Asia