Malaysia

Malaysia is a country located in Southeast Asia, near the equator. Being near the equator the climate is hot and humid throughout the year. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society, that is increasing its economy. About two thirds of Malaysia is forest, and contains the largest flower in the world, called the Rafflesia. This flower can measure up to three feet in diameter. 

Political information: Malaysia is a monarchy, divided into 13 states, and 3 federal territories. The country consists of two landmasses separated by the South China Sea. One landmass is an island. Putrajaya is where the federal government is located. the capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. The majority of the Malaysian population lives in the peninsula. Malaysia has undergone many changes in government and names, in August 31st of 1957 Malaysia became independent. 

Population: Theres is an estimated population of a little over 30 million people. 

Economy: Malaysia seems to be wiring hard to achieve a goal of becoming an industrialized nation it had been set by their prior prime minister to reach this goal by 2020, but current prime minister believes it will be achieved by in 2018 a few years before the goal. The country has the higher number of females working in the banking industry. Malaysia has been investing in tourism as a great economic turn out for them. Because they have many cultures to share because of their diversity. 

Facts: Petronas towers, they are the largest twin towers in the world. The top four religions in the country are Islam(61.3%), Buddhism(19.8%), Christianity(9.2%), and Hinduism(6.3%). Malaysian is the official language of Malaysia, the second is English. Malaysia is very diversified and there are 137 different languages spoken. 

Culture: In 1971, the government created the “National Cultural Policy”, which defines the culture of Malaysia. It states that the culture of Malaysia must be based on the culture of the indigenous people of Malaysia, it is allowed to incorporate other dements from other cultures, and Islam must play a part in it. Carving, weaving and silversmithing are Malaysian traditional arts. Food in Malaysia according to my research is everywhere, in a great diversity too, including American. 

I did not know anything about Malaysia before this assignment, but after researching Malaysia I have learned a lot of new material, I still have more to learn. I feel that Malaysian are more accepting of diversity in their lives, because of the history in their country, while staying connected to their roots. As I researched I found that they value the indigenous culture, in a place that is reaching to be more industrialized, and developed. I found it interesting that by law primary education is mandatory, which can be through a public school system, private schools or through homeschooling. Another thing that I found was that public schooling is free education for all Malaysians. For the most part grade levels are similar to the ones here in the US. I  feel that this research has just started and that the discussion will be very informational in class today, and look forward to what my peers have also discovered about Malaysia.