Page last updated on January 31, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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 except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's independence were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's withdrawal 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 the development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak (in office since April 2009) has continued these pro-business policies and has introduced some civil reforms.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2 30 N, 112 30 E
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southeast Asia
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 329,847 sq km
country comparison to the world: 67
land: 328,657 sq km
water: 1,190 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 2,669 km
border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
coastal plains rising to hills and mountains
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 5.44%
permanent crops: 17.49%
other: 77.07% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,800 sq km (2009)
Total renewable water resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
580 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 11.2 cu km/yr (35%/43%/22%)
per capita: 414 cu m/yr (2005)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
flooding; landslides; forest fires
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires
Environment - international agreements:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Malaysian(s)
adjective: Malaysian
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.)
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai
note: in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Muslim (or Islam - official) 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
29,628,392 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 44
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 29.1% (male 4,433,911/female 4,186,635)
15-24 years: 17% (male 2,552,709/female 2,487,366)
25-54 years: 41.3% (male 6,195,754/female 6,027,160)
55-64 years: 7.4% (male 1,112,529/female 1,069,036)
65 years and over: 5.3% (male 739,696/female 823,596) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Dependency ratios:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total dependency ratio: 45.9 %
youth dependency ratio: 38.1 %
elderly dependency ratio: 7.8 %
potential support ratio: 12.8 (2013)
Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 27.4 years
male: 27.2 years
female: 27.6 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.51% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
20.41 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 84
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.97 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population
country comparison to the world: 130
note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal immigrants from other countries in the region (2013 est.)
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 72.8% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization: 2.49% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
KUALA LUMPUR (capital) 1.493 million; Klang 1.071 million; Johor Bahru 958,000 (2009)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Maternal mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
29 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 126
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 14.12 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 118
male: 16.32 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 74.28 years
country comparison to the world: 112
male: 71.51 years
female: 77.24 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.61 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 78
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
49% (2004)
Health expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.6% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 175
Physicians density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.2 physicians/1,000 population (2010)
Hospital bed density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.8 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.5% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
100,000 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5,800 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 34
Major infectious diseases:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2013)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 123
Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12.9% (2006)
country comparison to the world: 58
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.1% of GDP (2010)
country comparison to the world: 70
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.1%
male: 95.4%
female: 90.7% (2010 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2005)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 10.3%
country comparison to the world: 109
male: 9.8%
female: 11% (2012)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Malaysia
local long form: none
local short form: Malaysia
former: Federation of Malaya
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
constitutional monarchy
note: nominally headed by paramount ruler (commonly referred to as the king) and a bicameral Parliament consisting of a nonelected upper house and an elected lower house; all Peninsular Malaysian states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans) except Melaka (Malacca) and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by government; powers of state governments are limited by federal constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their own immigration controls)
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Kuala Lumpur
geographic coordinates: 3 10 N, 101 42 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
note: Putrajaya is referred to as an administrative center not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with 3 components, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
31 August 1957 (from the UK)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Independence Day 31 August (1957) (independence of Malaya); Malaysia Day 16 September (1963) (formation of Malaysia)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous 1948; latest drafted 21 February 1957, effective 27 August 1957; amended many times, last in 2007 (2010)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation
International law organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: King Tuanku ABDUL HALIM Mu'adzam Shah (selected on 13 December 2011; installed on 11 April 2012); the position of the king is primarily ceremonial
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak (since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MUHYIDDIN bin Mohamed Yassin (since 9 April 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament with consent of the king
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: kings are elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; selection is based on the principle of rotation among rulers of states; elections were last held on 14 October 2011 (next to be held in 2016); prime ministers are designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands the support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister (since independence this has been the leader of the UMNO party)
election results: Tuanku Abdul HALIM Mu'adzam Shah elected king by fellow hereditary rulers of nine states; Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak was sworn in as prime minister after former Prime Minister ABDULLAH Ahmad Badawi stepped down; ABDULLAH also stepped down as UMNO president; there was no party election for the post of president; the party passed the reins to NAJIB who was the deputy president
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king, 26 elected by 13 state legislatures to serve three-year terms with a two term limit) and House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members elected in 222 constituencies in a first-pass-the-post system to serve up to five-year terms)
elections: House of Representatives - last held on 5 May 2013 (next to be held by May 2018)
election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - BN coalition 59.9%, opposition parties 40%, others 0.1%; seats - BN coalition 133, opposition parties 89
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): Federal Court (consists of the chief justice and 4 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Federal Court justices appointed by the monarch on advice of the prime minister; judges serve till age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Sessions Court; Magistrates' Court
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN (ruling coalition) consists of the following parties:
People's Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) or PR (opposition coalition) consists of the following parties:
notable independent parties:
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Bar Council
other: religious groups; women's groups; youth groups
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires SHAHRIL Effendi Bin Abd Ghany (since 22 August 2013)
chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700
FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph Y. YUN (since 12 September 2013)
embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
mailing address: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152
telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000
FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers
note: the design is based on the flag of the US
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tiger
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Negaraku" (My Country)
lyrics/music: collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER
note: adopted 1957; the full version is only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie," was originally the anthem of the state of Perak
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move farther up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in Islamic finance, high technology industries, biotechnology, and services. NAJIB's Economic Transformation Program (ETP) is a series of projects and policy measures intended to accelerate the country's economic growth. The government has also taken steps to liberalize some services sub-sectors. The NAJIB administration also is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and reduce the economy''s dependence on exports. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics, oil and gas, palm oil and rubber - remain a significant driver of the economy. As an oil and gas exporter, Malaysia has profited from higher world energy prices, although the rising cost of domestic gasoline and diesel fuel, combined with strained government finances, has forced Kuala Lumpur to begin to reduce government subsidies. The government is also trying to lessen its dependence on state oil producer Petronas. The oil and gas sector supplies about 35% of government revenue in 2011. Bank Negera Malaysia (central bank) maintains healthy foreign exchange reserves, and a well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia''s exposure to riskier financial instruments and the global financial crisis. Nevertheless, Malaysia could be vulnerable to a fall in commodity prices or a general slowdown in global economic activity because exports are a major component of GDP. In order to attract increased investment, NAJIB has raised possible revisions to the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but he has encountered significant opposition, especially from Malay nationalists and other vested interests.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$494.7 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$300.6 billion (2012 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.6% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 53
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$16,800 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Gross national saving:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
31.9% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 48.9%
government consumption: 13.5%
investment in fixed capital: 25.7%
investment in inventories: 0.1%
exports of goods and services: 87.1%
imports of goods and services: -75.3%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 11.4%
industry: 40.2%
services: 48.3% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Peninsular Malaysia - palm oil, rubber, cocoa, rice; Sabah - palm oil, subsistence crops; rubber, timber; Sarawak - palm oil, rubber, timber; pepper
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics and semi-conductors, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum and natural gas production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum and natural gas production, logging
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.8% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 75
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12.9 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 42
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 11.1%
industry: 36%
services: 53.5% (2012 est.)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.8% (2009 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: 1.8%
highest 10%: 34.7% (2009 est.)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
46.2 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 33
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $67.31 billion
expenditures: $80.89 billion (2012 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
22.4% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-4.5% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
53.3% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 54
note: this figure is based on the amount of federal government debt, RM501.6 billion ($167.2 billion) in 2012; this includes Malaysian Treasury bills and other government securities, as well as loans raised externally and bonds and notes issued overseas; this figure excludes debt issued by non-financial public enterprises and guaranteed by the federal government, which was an additional $47.7 billion in 2012
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
calendar year
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.7% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 32
note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled
Central bank discount rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3% (31 December 2011)
country comparison to the world: 107
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.7% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 160
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$93.89 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 36
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$458.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
Stock of domestic credit:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$412.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 29
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$414 billion (31 December 2011)
country comparison to the world: 23
Current account balance:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$18.64 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$227.7 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 25
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
semiconductors and electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals, solar panels
Exports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Singapore 13.6%, China 12.6%, Japan 11.8%, US 8.7%, Thailand 5.4%, Hong Kong 4.3%, India 4.2%, Australia 4.1% (2012)
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$186.9 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals
Imports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
China 15.1%, Singapore 13.3%, Japan 10.3%, US 8.1%, Thailand 6%, Indonesia 5.1%, South Korea 4.1% (2012)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$139.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 20
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$98.82 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 49
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$132.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$120.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ringgits (MYR) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
118 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
112 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 29
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
151 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
33 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 98
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
25.39 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
91.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 144
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 206
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
642,700 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 29
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
269,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
160,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 28
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
568,800 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
542,900 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
176,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
175,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
61.73 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
32.62 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
33.1 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.99 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 50
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.35 trillion cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 15
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
191.4 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.589 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 34
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
41.325 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 30
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: modern system featuring good intercity service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent
domestic: domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 140 per 100 persons
international: country code - 60; landing point for several major international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2011)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
state-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks as well as regional and local stations; many private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 55 radio stations overall (2012)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.my
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
422,470 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 53
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15.355 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 26
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
114 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 51
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 39
over 3,047 m: 8
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 8 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 75
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m:
Heliports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4 (2013)
Pipelines:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
condensate 354 km; gas 6,439 km; liquid petroleum gas 155 km; oil 1,937 km; oil/gas/water 43 km; refined products 114 km; water 26 km (2013)
Railways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1,849 km
country comparison to the world: 75
standard gauge: 57 km 1.435-m gauge (57 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2010)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 144,403 km (does not include local roads)
country comparison to the world: 33
paved: 116,169 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)
unpaved: 28,234 km (2010)
Waterways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7,200 km (Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km) (2011)
country comparison to the world: 20
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 315
country comparison to the world: 31
by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 83, carrier 2, chemical tanker 47, container 41, liquefied gas 34, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 86, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 5
foreign-owned: 26 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 2, Russia 2, Singapore 13)
registered in other countries: 82 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 6, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Singapore 27, Thailand 3, US 2, unknown 2) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang (Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas
container port(s) (TEUs): George Town (Penang)(1,202,180), Port Kelang (Port Klang)(9,435,403), Tanjung Pelepas (7,302,461)
Transportation - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the International Maritime Bureau reports that the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea remain high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; in the past, commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; increased naval patrols since 2005 in the Strait of Malacca resulted in no reported incidents in 2010
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2013)
Military service age and obligation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent and proof of age); mandatory retirement age 60; women serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces; no conscription (2013)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 7,501,518
females age 16-49: 7,315,999 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 6,247,306
females age 16-49: 6,175,274 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 265,008
female: 254,812 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.55% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 167
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; land and maritime negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait
Refugees and internally displaced persons:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
refugees (country of origin): 84,671 (Burma) (2012)
stateless persons: 40,001 (2012); note - Malaysia's stateless population consists of Rohingya refugees from Burma, ethnic Indians, and the children of Filipino and Indonesian illegal migrants; Burma stripped the Rohingya of their nationality in 1982; Filipino and Indonesian children who have not have been registered for birth certificates by their parents or who received birth certificates stamped "foreigner" are not eligible to go to government schools; these children are vulnerable to statelessness should they not be able to apply to their parents' country of origin for a passport
Trafficking in persons:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
current situation: Malaysia is a destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for women and children subjected to conditions of forced labor and women and children subjected to sex trafficking; Malaysia is mainly a destination country for foreign workers who migrate willingly from countries including Indonesia, Nepal, India, Thailand, China, the Philippines, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam but subsequently encounter forced labor or debt bondage at the hands of their employers in the domestic, agricultural, construction, plantation, and industrial sectors; a small number of Malaysian citizens were reportedly trafficked internally and abroad to Singapore, China, and Japan for commercial sexual exploitation; refugees are also vulnerable to trafficking; some officials are reportedly complicit in facilitating trafficking
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Malaysia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; the government has made no tangible improvements to its inadequate system for identifying and protecting trafficking victims, such as amending its laws to allow victims to reside in NGO shelters; trafficking victims identified by Malaysian authorities are forcibly detained in government facilities, where they are provided with limited, if any, access to legal or psychological assistance by the government or NGOs; increasing efforts are being made to investigate and prosecute trafficking offenders, notably in the area of labor trafficking, though convictions of sex trafficking offenders has decreased; many front-line officials continue to lack the ability to recognize indicators of human trafficking, hindering the investigation of cases and the identification of victims; although the confiscation of passports by employers is illegal, the government has not prosecuted any employers who confiscated migrants' passports or travel documents or confined them to the workplace (2013)