MALAYSIA

MALAYSIABY:Christer joy MansayonAmira Alya CawalingMalaysia, a land of instant smiles and incredible contrast beckons the visitor with a rich diversity of experiences. A charming fascinating land of warm, friendly people and, here you get the taste of Asia at its most, whatever your tour preferences are.

A land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in color and contrast, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing, images that leave visitors in awe.

The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary. Wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region.Geography

Malaysia is on the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. The nation also includes Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo to the east. Its area slightly exceeds that of New Mexico.Most of Malaysia is covered by forest, with a mountain range running the length of the peninsula. Extensive forests provide ebony, sandalwood, teak, and other wood.Formerly known as "Malaya".

GovernmentConstitutional monarchy.

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country in Southeast Asia and one of the wealthiest and most developed countries, outranked in GNP only by Singapore and oil-rich Brunei. The Federation of Malaya became an independent country on 31 August 1957.On 16 September 1963 the federation was enlarged by the accession of the states of Singapore, Sabah (formerly British North Borneo) and Sarawak. The name "Malaysia" was adopted from that date. Singapore left the federation on 9 August 1965.

Economy

Malaysia is one of the most developed countries in the ASEAN region. Its economy is largely dependent on manufacturing products such as electrical and electronic products, textiles, as well as rubber-based products, followed by the agricultural and mining sectors. Malaysia is also one of the world's largest exporters of palm oil, natural rubber, tropical timber, cocoa beans and pepper. Tourism is also a leading revenue earner.

Since Independence in 1957, it has moved away from its reliance on tin and rubber and diversified its economy by aggressively attracting investment, both foreign and domestic. After Singapore and Brunei, it is the most developed country in South-East Asia, with the highest standard of living. Malaysia's rapid increase in manufacturing has been achieved by modernising the country's transport, communications and energy infrastructure, developing industrial zones and offering substantial tax breaks for investors in export-oriented industries.The Government has promoted a relatively open, market-oriented economy and has instituted significant reforms by dismantling many state-run enterprises and encouraging private enterprise to undertake many of the country's development projects. Through promoting a free market in some areas, the Government is also an investor in the economy (usually as a minority partner) and controls prices on some key commodities such as fuel and rice.

Natural resources:Tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite.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 industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing timber.Sabah - logging, petroleum production.Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging.

Currency:Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Mortality rate - infant (per 1;000 live births) in Malaysia