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MALAYSIA
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Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture.
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Location |
Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam – a strategic location along Strait of Malacca and Southern South China Sea. |
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Climate |
Tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons. |
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Natural Resources |
Tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite |
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Population |
25,715,819 (July 2009 est.) |
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Ethnic Groups |
Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.) |
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Religions |
Islam is the official religion of the country, but other religions are widely practised. |
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Languages |
Bahasa Melayu is the national language in use, but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also converse in the various languages and dialects. |
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National Holiday |
31st August |
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Currency |
Ringgit (MYR) |
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Fiscal Year |
Calendar year
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Agriculture products: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah - subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconuts, rice; Sarawak - rubber, pepper, timber. Industries: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging. Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are major contributors to the economy. |
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