Malaysia
Malaysia
People: Malaysian
Malaysia spans the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo, home to the Petronas Towers and some of the world's oldest rainforests. Malaysia is located in South-Eastern Asia and has a population of around 34.2 million. Its capital city is Kuala Lumpur, and the most widely spoken official language is English.
By the numbers, Malaysia is the 44th most populous of the 196 countries covered on this site, home to 0.43% of the world's population. By land area it ranks 68th out of 196, with a population density of roughly 103 people per km².
Facts last checked 31 August 2026.
Malaysia — key facts at a glance
| Official Name | Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Capital City | Kuala Lumpur |
| Continent | Asia |
| Region | South-Eastern Asia |
| Population | 34,231,700 |
| Area | 330,803 km² |
| Currency | Malaysian ringgit (MYR) RM |
| Official Languages | English, Malay |
| Dialling Code | +60 |
| Internet TLD | .my |
| Timezone | UTC+08:00 |
| Drives on the | Left side |
| Emergency Number | 999 |
| ISO Code | MY / MYS |
| Borders | Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand |
Travelling to Malaysia?
Heading there soon? A guide to what to pack for Malaysia makes sure the essentials are covered. Pack a universal travel adapter for your devices. You can also check clothing and shoe sizes in Malaysia before you shop, and look up popular foods from Malaysia if you want to know what's on the menu.
Leaving your car at a UK airport? Compare off-airport parking with Airparks before you fly to Malaysia. Thinking about staying longer? Some travellers fund extended trips by teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate.
Getting to and around Malaysia
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Planning a trip to Malaysia?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia
What is the capital and currency of Malaysia?
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur and the currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR), symbol RM.
What is the capital of Malaysia?
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur.
What currency does Malaysia use?
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit (MYR, symbol: RM).
What language do they speak in Malaysia?
The official languages of Malaysia are English and Malay.
What is the dialling code for Malaysia?
The international dialling code for Malaysia is +60.
What side of the road does Malaysia drive on?
Malaysia drives on the left-hand side of the road.
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