Malaysia Southeast Asia

Malaysia Malaysia is home to a multi-cultural society, where several ethnic groups live together peacefully Most of the population comprises aboriginal Malays (55%), Chinese (25%), and Indian (10%) people

Where in the World? Pacific Ocean

Where in the World?

Population and Size Two land masses separated by the South China Sea – Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia Area: 127,355 sq mi (California is 158,706 sq mi) Approximately 27.5 million people (California has 37.7 million people)

Other Info 2/3 of country covered by forest Capital City: Kuala Lumpur One of the worlds largest producers of Palm Oil

Government Federal constitutional elective monarchy – The king is an elected monarch chosen from the hereditary rulers of the 9 Malay States every 5 years, but PM is really head of government – Federal Parliament consists of House of Representatives and Senate King: Abdul Halim Prime Minister: Najib Tun Razak

History Humans have inhabited Malaysia for at least 40,000 years Traders and settlers from China and India started arriving about 2000 years ago Malaysia has been a territory of Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain before gaining its independence in 1957

Language and Religion Main Language: Malaysian – Hello: Selamat pagi Other Languages: English and various dialects of Chinese Main Religion: Malaysia guarantees freedom of religion but Islam is the State religion (61%) Other Religions: Buddism (20%)

Popular Dishes Satay: Made from marinated meat or chicken and burnt on a charcoal grill and dipped in special peanut sauce Rendang: A spicy meat stew traditionally prepared by the Malay community during festive occasions

Traditional Clothing - Men Baju Melayu: a loose tunic that is worn over trousers and usually accompanied with a sampin (sarong) wrapped around a man’s hips along with a religious hat Most of the clothing is made up of bright and bold colors

Traditional Clothing - Women Baju kurung: Knee- length blouse worn over a long skirt with a scarf or shawl Most of the clothing is made up of bright and bold colors

Unique Customs or Traditions Shoes are not permitted inside homes and it is considered extremely disrespectful to wear them Must use your right hand to eat food and when taking or receiving anything Never use index finger to point at things, point with thumb

Sports Badminton matches attract thousands of spectators – The Malaysian athletes have won a total of six Olympic medals, all but one are in Badminton The country has its own Formula One track – The Sepang International Circuit

World’s Largest Flower Rafflesia Looks and smells like rotting flesh The vile smell attracts insects such as flies, which transport pollen Has no stems, leaves or true roots 39 inches, 22 lbs

Interesting Facts They drive on the left side of the road The Bintagor trees found only in a part of Malaysia, is believed to contain properties that could help fight the virus that causes AIDS The longest King Cobra (5.71 meters/ 18.7 feet) in the world was captured alive in Malaysia