POPULATION
Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a population of 17.5 million. Peninsular Malaysia has 14.2 million people while Sabah and Sarawak have 3.3 million.

AREA
Malaysia is a federation of 13 States comprising Johor Darul Takzim, Kedah Darul Aman, Kelantan Darul Naim, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Pahang Darul Makmur, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Perlis Indera Kayangan, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor Darul Ehsan and Terrengganu Darul Iman.

Total land area is about 329, 758 sq km. Peninsular Malaysia covers 131,598 sq km. while Sabah and Sarawak cover the rest. These two States are separated from the Peninsular by approximately 1,000 km of the South China Sea.

CLIMATE
There are no distinct seasons and temperatures vary very little the year round, ranging from 21 to 32- C with cooler temperatures in the hill resorts. Average annual rainfall varies from 2,000 to 2,500 mm. Humidity is high all year around.

November to February is the rainy season for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the north-eastern part of Sabah and the western part of Sarawak. In some years, rainfall is concentrated in short periods and some flooding can occur. During the months of April, May and October, the west coast of the peninsular experiences occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. Showers are heavy but they clear up as quickly as they come.

GOVERNMENT
Malaysia practices parliamentary democracy and is ruled as a Constitutional Monarchy, with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Head of the country. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected to the throne for a five-year term from one of the hereditary Rulers of the nine states in the Federation. The head of Government is the Prime Minister.

ECONOMY
The Malaysian economy continues to maintain it's stable status, advancing at a steady pace. One of the world's largest producer of natural rubber and palm oil, Malaysia contributes to about 24% and 49.5% respectively to world output. The country is also a leading proclucer of tropical hardwood, pepper and cocoa and a net exporter of crude petroleum and natural gas.

LANGUAGE
Bahasa Malaysia is the national and official language of the country. English is widely used all over the country especially in business and is a compulsory subject in all schools. Other languages used are Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil.

RELIGION
Islam is the official religion of the country. But freedom of worship is enjoyed and so it is not uncommon to see mosques, temples and churches sharing a common neighbourhood. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are among other religions practised in Malaysia.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit which is divided into 100sen. Currency notes are issued in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100, RM500, RM1,000. Coins are issued in 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. Coins of RM1 denominations also exist and they are legal tender but they are commemorative issues and are seldom seen in circulation.