Malaysia:

Region: South East Asia

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Official Language/s: Malay

Population: 25, 715, 000

Currency: Ringgit

Government: Parliamentary Democracy and Federal Constitutional Elective Monarchy

Demographics: Half of the Malaysian population is made up of Malays, the other half of the population representing numerous countries around Asia. There are many Malaysians of Chinese Descent, as well as a growing Tamil Indian community. Other people groups include Thai, Indonesian and Middle Eastern people. 

Politics: Malaysia is governed by both a ruling King, who holds monarchy for five years, and a Prime Minister who governs parliament. Kings are elected from nine states which are ruled by hereditarily Sultans, and this is seen as a traditional role, as the Malaysian Prime Minister governs most of Malaysia’s politics.  Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has been governed by a multi-party coalition known as the Barisan National.

Economy: Malaysia is a middle-income economy and has progressed from a producer of raw materials to a multi-sector economy. However, Malaysia still relies heavily on exports; in particular, oil and gas, despite a push to increase domestic demand and wean Malaysia off exports. In 2006 a five-year national agenda was proposed to boost Malaysia’s economy. Whilst development in Malaysia is not always rapid, it is very sustainable.

Religion: Islam is the largest and official religion within Malaysia, with 60% of Malays affiliating themselves with Islam. The remaining population includes a large Buddhist community (19%), Christians and Hindus. Under Malaysian constitution, ethic Malays are considered Muslim and it is the law to have religion recognized on a Malaysia identity card. The Christian Federation of Malaysia was formed in 1986 and all churches in Malaysia are affiliated with the Federation.

Health: The government places priority on good healthcare in Malaysia, 5% of the government budget is distributed into public healthcare. Doctors in Malaysia must complete a compulsory 3 years in public hospitals before opening private practices, in order to ensure the public health system is always available and accessible. There is a great shortage of medical specialists in rural areas however, many staying to work in cities. There are an increasing number of foreigners arriving in Malaysia for health care and so the government is working to expand the health tourism industry.