Malaysia

Government Constitutional monarchy.

Geography
Malaysia is on the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. The nation also includes Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo to the east. Most of Malaysia is covered by forest, with a mountain range running the length of the peninsula. Extensive forests provide ebony, sandalwood, teak, and other woods.

Historical Background
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 Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. Leading opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim was arrested and jailed on suspicion of sodomy in July 2008. In August, Anwar won a by-election to return to Parliament after a 10-year absence. He defeated the government party's candidate, 31,196 to 15,524.

Capital

Kuala Lumpur[a]Putrajaya

Government

Federal constitutional elective monarchy and Federal parliamentary democracy

Language

Bahasa Malaysia

Religion

Approximately 60.4% of the population practiced Islam of which only the Sunni branch is allowed;[163] 19.2% Buddhism; 9.1% Christianity; 6.3% Hinduism; and 2.6% practice Confucianism,

Area

329,847 km2 (66th) 127,354 sq mi

Population

2010[6] census 27,565,821

Currency

Ringgit (RM) (MYR)