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Malaysia
is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit
in South-East Asia. Several decades of sustained economic
growth and political stability have made it one of the most
buoyant and wealthy countries in the region, and although
political power (Malay) and economic clout (Chinese) are still
traditionally divided along racial lines, Malaysia has moved
towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting
fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and
customs.
Most
visitors to Malaysia stick to the Peninsula, where the insane
headlong rush of Kuala Lumpur is offset by the colonially
soothing Cameron Highlands Hill Station or the hedonistic
torpor of Langkawi. Far fewer make it to Sarawak or Sabah,
on the island of East Malaysia, with their spectacular wildlife,
longhouses and the awe-inspiring Mt Kinabalu.
Full
country name: Federation of Malaysia
Area: 329,750 sq km (204,445 sq mi)
Population: 22 million
Capital city: Kuala Lumpur (pop 1.2 million)
People: 50% Malay, 33% Chinese, 9% Indian, plus indigenous tribes
such as Orang Asli and Iban
Language: Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese dialects, Tamil,
indigenous dialects
Religion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Taoist, 8% Christian,
8% Hindu, 2% tribal
Government: Parliamentary monarchy
Head of state: King: Tuanku Salehuddin Abdul Aziz Shah ibni
al-Marhum Hisamuddin Alam Shah
Prime Minister: Dr Mahathir Mohamad
GDP:
US$99 billion
GDP per head: US$4530
Annual growth: 2%
Inflation: 4%
Major products/industries: Tin, rubber, palm oil, timber,
oil, textiles, electronics
Major trading partners: Singapore, Japan, USA
Malaysia
Flight from UK
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