Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Malaysia as we know it today is a thriving developing country, often considered a “role model” by its Southeast Asian neighbours for its economic and political stability, multicultural harmony and steady progress. 31st August 2007 marks the 50th year of this country's independence from British colonialism and the day the joyful, triumphant shouts of “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!” resonated throughout the nation as Malaya's first Prime Minister, Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman stood on a podium at Merdeka Square doing the same.

The name Malaya was then changed to Malaysia when the country was officially made a federation of 13 states including Sabah and Sarawak. Article 1(1) of the Federal Constitution states that "The federation shall be known, in Malay and English, as Malaysia". Although Singapore broke away and became a nation of its own in 1965, the rest of the states have remained firmly together, combining to make Malaysia the harmonious melting pot of cultures it is today.

Fast Facts about Malaysia
Capital City:Kuala Lumpur

Land Area:
329,750 sq km
127,316 sq miles

Population: over 24 million
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8 ()

Main Languages: Malay (official) known as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Tamil, Chinese, indigenous languages

Religion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Taoist, 8% Christian, 8% Hindu, 2% tribal

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM)

Country Dialing Code:60

National Flower: Hibiscus or “Bunga Raya”

Key National Symbols: The Malaysian Flag or “Jalur Gemilang”, the national anthem “Negaraku”