Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Population: 25,715,819 (July 2009 estimates)
Size: 329.750 sq km (1200 sq km of water)
Literacy: 88.7 %
Climate: tropical, monsoon season (dry in winter, rainy in summer)
Life expectancy: 73.29 years
Coastline: 4.675 km

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country’s history were marred by a Communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore’s secession from the Federation in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to expansion in manufacturing, services, and tourism. (Source: CIA World Factbook)

My memories of Malaysia

Time of travel: December 2008

My trip to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur to be exact, was a total coincidence. Because Bangkok international airport was shut down due to protests, I had to travel to Cambodia through Kuala Lumpur. I have spent 1 day on the way to Cambodia and 1 day on my way back home. Malaysia is an interesting country. 60% of Malaysians are Muslim and the country also seams to be wealthy. There are not many things you can see in Kuala Lumpur or there are not so many things that interest me. Anyway I was on top of the Communication tower in Kuala Lumpur, on the bridge of the famous Petronas Twin Towers and around city centre.

Related posts with Malaysia on my blog

• Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia

Malaysia through my eyes