Country Profile: Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation comprising the Malay Peninsula and part of Borneo, characterized by its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca. The country boasts a diverse population of approximately 34.9 million, with a robust economy that transitions from dependency on raw material exports to a more varied landscape that includes manufacturing and services. Governed as a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, Malaysia has faced recent political changes, including significant electoral outcomes that challenge long-standing powers.
Geography
Malaysia is situated in Southeastern Asia, bordered by Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, with coastlines along the South China Sea. The country covers a total area of 329,847 sq km, possessing rich natural resources and diverse terrain consisting of coastal plains and mountainous regions. Malaysia's climate is tropical, featuring distinct monsoon seasons.
- 4,675 km of coastline
- 1,190 sq km of water area
- Highest point: Gunung Kinabalu at 4,095 m
- 57.8% of land covered by forests (2023 est.)
- 26.1% of land devoted to agriculture (2023 est.)
People and Society
The population of Malaysia is estimated at 34,905,275 (2025), with a demographic composition that includes 63.8% Bumiputera, 20.6% Chinese, and 6% Indian. The population is predominantly urban, with 78.7% living in cities as of 2023. The country recognizes Islam as its official religion, but a variety of other faiths are practiced.
- Median age: 32.2 years (2025 est.)
- Birth rate: 14.05 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Literacy rate: 95.8% (2022 est.)
- Major urban area: Kuala Lumpur (8.622 million)
- 21.5% of adults use tobacco (2025 est.)
Economy
Malaysia has an upper middle-income economy, with a GDP (PPP) expected to reach $1.212 trillion by 2024. The economy relies on a diverse array of sectors, including electronics, oil, and rubber. Employment in the trade sector accounts for over 40% of total jobs, underscoring the country's robust commercial activity.
- GDP per capita (PPP): $34,100 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% (2024 est.)
- Inflation rate: 1.8% (2024 est.)
- Agricultural sector contributes 8.2% to GDP (2024 est.)
- Major exports include integrated circuits and natural gas
Government
Malaysia functions as a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a monarch serving as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country is divided into 13 states and one federal territory, with a mixed legal system that combines English common law, Islamic law, and customary law.
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Chief of state: King Sultan IBRAHIM (since January 2024)
- Head of government: Prime Minister ANWAR Ibrahim (since November 2022)
- Voting age: 18 years
- Most recent election: October 2023
Military and Security
Malaysia's armed forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with approximately 110,000 active personnel. The nation allocates about 1% of its GDP to military expenditures. The Malaysian military is focused on national defense, domestic responsibilities, and international commitments, including participation in peacekeeping missions.
- Military personnel: approximately 110,000 (2025)
- Military spending: 1% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Involved in 825 personnel deployment in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
Energy
The country has achieved 100% electrical access for its population. Malaysia predominantly relies on fossil fuels for electricity generation, with a significant portion from natural gas and coal.
- Installed capacity: 37.22 million kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 178.653 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Natural gas production: 74.32 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Environment
Malaysia faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aiming to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change effects.
- 57.8% of land is forested (2023 est.)
- Municipal solid waste generated: 12.983 million tons (2024 est.)
- Participation in the Paris Agreement and various biodiversity treaties
Transportation
With an extensive transportation infrastructure, Malaysia operates numerous airports, railways, and ports that facilitate domestic and international travel and trade.
- Total airports: 100 (2025)
- Railways: 1,851 km (2014)
- Merchant marine fleet: 1,750 vessels (2023)
Communications
Malaysia's communication network is well-developed, with a high percentage of the population having access to the internet and various telecommunications services.
- Internet users: 98% of the population (2023 est.)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 49.7 million (2024)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,905,275 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 329,847 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.212 trillion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 14.05 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 95.8% | 2022 estimate |
| Electric Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban Population | 78.7% | 2023 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 76.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.73 children/woman | 2025 estimate |
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