Malaysia: flag, capital, currency and history
Malaysia is a country in South-Eastern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Kuala Lumpur. The currency is the Malaysian ringgit. Languages spoken include English and Malay.
Quick facts about Malaysia
- Official name
- Malaysia
- Capital
- Kuala Lumpur
- Region
- Asia, South-Eastern Asia
- Currency
- Malaysian ringgit (MYR, RM)
- Languages
- English, Malay
- Calling code
- +60
- Internet domain
- .my
- Area
- 330,803 km² (127,724 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Malaysian
- National day
- Merdeka Day, August 31
Flag of Malaysia
Download the flag of Malaysia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇾.
History of Malaysia
The Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo hosted early maritime trading states, and the Malacca Sultanate, founded around 1400, became a major trading power. Portugal captured Malacca in 1511, followed by the Dutch in 1641 and the British, who took Penang in 1786 and later controlled the peninsula and parts of Borneo. After Japanese occupation during the Second World War, the Federation of Malaya became independent on 31 August 1957. Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963 by the union of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. Singapore left in 1965, and Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy.
Key dates
- c. 1400The Malacca Sultanate is founded.
- 1511Portugal captures Malacca.
- 1786Britain establishes a settlement at Penang.
- 1941Japan invades Malaya and occupies it until 1945.
- 1957The Federation of Malaya becomes independent on 31 August.
- 1963Malaysia is formed on 16 September from Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak.
- 1965Singapore leaves the federation and becomes independent.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Malaysia
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit (MYR, RM). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Malaysia
Celebrations observed in Malaysia, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
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 languages are spoken in Malaysia?
Languages used in Malaysia include English and Malay.
What is the calling code of Malaysia?
The international calling code of Malaysia is +60. Its internet domain is .my.
Which countries border Malaysia?
Malaysia shares land borders with Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.
On which continent is Malaysia?
Malaysia is in Asia, in the region of South-Eastern Asia.
What is the national day of Malaysia?
Malaysia marks Merdeka Day on August 31.
Neighbours of Malaysia
More countries in South-Eastern Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).