NationMaster - Statistics on Malaysia. facts and figures, stats and information on Malaysian economy, crime, people, government, health and education. 8 maps and 172 flags

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials, to expansion in manufacturing, services, and tourism.

Alternative names:

Malaysia,

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Malaysia	Malaysia	Malaysia	Nederlandisch-Indie [Netherlands Indies] circa 1893
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JOe 1st June 2005	Malaysia was originally settled by the Malays but under the British came immigrants from China and India around the 19th century. Now Malaysians live in harmony side by side different cultures and religions although there were some misunderstanding in the 60's.
r 15th July 2005	Malaysia is not a republic. It is a constitutional monarchy. Christianity is also a major religion. Confucianism is not a religion. Taoism is, which you forgot. And also various other animistic beliefs.