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Malaysia
There
are about 24 million (2005) people in Malaysia from
diverse backgrounds/races. It can be said that in
diversity there is unity because in Malaysia all the
races, ethnic Malays and indigenous people (sons of
the soil), as well as Chinese, Indians, Eurasians
and many others work and live together.
Although
the overall population density was estimated at
about 62 people per sq km, this number is deceptive
due to an unequal population distribution.
East Malaysia is much less populated (about seven
times less) than West Malaysia. The migration
rate from rural to urban areas is very high due to
low urban unemployment, with urban areas containing
over half the total population. Immigrants to
Malaysia are attracted by the low unemployment
rates, as well, particularly those from Indonesia,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
Malaysia's
Geography
Malaysia
sits on the South China Sea in the center of
Southeast Asia. The country is crescent-
shaped, starting with Peninsular Malaysia (West
Malaysia) and extends to another region, Sabah and
Sarawak (East Malaysia), located on the island of
Borneo. The total area of Malaysia is
approximately 330,000 square km, with most of it
located on the island of Borneo. Peninsular Malaysia
only comprises approximately 40% of the total area.
Malaysia's
climate is hot and humid with relative humidity
ranging from 80 - 90 percent, except in the
highlands. The temperature averages from 70-90
degrees F (20-30 degrees C) throughout the year.
The tropical climate is experienced year-round with
the rainy season varying on the coasts of Peninsular
Malaysia. The west coast has it's rainy season
from September through December with the east coast
(and Sarawak and Sabah) experiencing it's from
October through February. East Malaysia (the
northern slopes) get up to 5080 mm of rain a year
versus West Malaysia's 2500 mm.
There
are forests covering over half of Malaysia, with
notable tropical forests in Sabah and Sarawak.
Deforestation is a problem the country is dealing
with due to logging and hydroelectric projects.
There
is an abundance of wildlife in Malaysia's tropical
forests. Asian elephants, tigers, sun bears,
tapirs, rhinoceroses (an endangered species) and a
variety of deer species are some of the large
mammals to be found in Malaysia. Other
endangered species are the orangutan and three of
the protected gibbons species.
Snakes
are abundant as well, with over 100 species,
including pythons and the king cobra.
Crocodiles and other amphibians make Malaysia their
home, too.
Numerous
species of butterflies and moths can be found in
Malaysia, a country renowned for its insect
population. Other (somewhat unpopular) insects
are mosquitoes, red ants, scorpions and spiders and
hornets
Religion
and Philosophy in Malaysia
 Malaysia's
official religion is Islam, but the freedom of
religion is guaranteed by the constitution. As
in other areas, the cultural diversity plays a part
in the religious preference of Malays. The
Chinese population in Malaysia is basically Buddhist
or Taoist with a few following Confucianism. Indians
in Malaysia are usually Hindus (with a few being
Sikh).
The
vast majority of the Malays (particularly ethnic
Malays) are Muslims, with Christianity being
practiced by some Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and
many of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak.
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