Situated in the South China Sea, Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy of 19.7 million people. Geographically, the country is divided into two principal sections, known as East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia. East Malaysia shares a border with Indonesia, while Peninsular Malaysia is bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. Because of its central location in Southeast Asia and its strong trading history, Malaysia is home to a diverse population of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, and indigenous groups. Consequently, the country enjoys a rich cultural diversity with individual customs and traditions that are generally respected by its citizens.


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Scientists estimate that the first people to live in Malaysia migrated down the Malay peninsula from China approximately 10,000 years ago. Before the first Chinese settlement was established in 1405, the people living in Malaysia were under the rule of neighboring Cambodia. Shortly thereafter, Muslims founded the principal city of Melaka, and the region began to thrive. This economic boom attracted travelers from Europe, with the Portuguese arriving in 1511, followed by the Dutch in 1641.

Great Britain, not to be outdone by their rivals, soon established a port in Penang in 1786. Eventually, Great Britain overthrew the Dutch and took control of the country in 1795. The British discovered vast quantities of tin and rubber in Malaysia, but there were not enough people to support these growing industries. To supplement the workforce, the British brought laborers from India, which greatly changed the cultural profile of the nation. The Indians brought the Hindu religion and customs to a primarily Muslim and Buddhist nation. This also changed the number of languages and dialects spoken in the country and influenced art, drama, dance, and social behavior.

The British remained in control of Malaysia until World War II, when Japan overran the country. Malaysian independence from foreign rule was achieved in 1957, when it briefly formed a federation with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore. The nation has experienced stabilization, both economic and social, under the government of Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Visit these sites for more tourism information on Malaysia:
http://www.tourismmalaysia.com/ http://www.parlimen.gov.my/

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