Malaysia

Southeast Asia · rainforests · diverse culture · island nation

Two regions split apart. Malaysia is actually two separate parts divided by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia sits on the mainland of Southeast Asia, while East Malaysia sits on the huge island of Borneo, which it shares with Brunei and Indonesia.

Two capital cities. Kuala Lumpur is the largest city and where the lawmakers meet, but Putrajaya is where the leaders and judges work. Most countries have just one capital, but Malaysia uses two.

Over 34 million people. Malaysia is home to more than 34 million people, making it the 43rd most populated country in the world. It's a place where many different ethnic groups, religions, and languages live together.

Gateway to neighbors. Malaysia touches five other countries and territories: Thailand shares a land border on the peninsula, while Brunei and Indonesia are neighbors on Borneo. It also borders Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines by sea.

Rainforest riches. The country contains some of Southeast Asia's most important rainforests, home to amazing animals like orangutans, tigers, and rhinoceroses that you won't find anywhere else on Earth.