Country Guide

Monaco Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy


Geographic coordinates:
43 44 N, 7 24 E


Map references:
Europe


Area:
total:2 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 250
land:2 sq km
water:0 sq km


Area - comparative:
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC


Land boundaries:
total:6 km
border countries:France 6 km


Coastline:
4.1 km


Maritime claims:
territorial sea:12 nm
exclusive economic zone:12 nm


Climate:
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers


Terrain:
hilly, rugged, rocky


    Elevation extremes:
lowest point:Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point:Mont Agel 140 m


Natural resources:
none


Land use:
arable land:0%
permanent crops:1%
other:99% (urban area) (2011)


Irrigated land:
NA


Natural hazards:
NA


Environment - current issues:
NA


Environment - international agreements:
party to:Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified:none of the selected agreements


Geography - note:
second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)
adjective:Monegasque or Monacan


Ethnic groups:
French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%


Languages:
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque


Religions:
Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10%


Population:
30,508country comparison to the world: 218
note:immigrants make up more than 60% of the total population, according to UN data (2013) (July 2014 est.)



Age structure:
0-14 years:11.7% (male 1,828/female 1,742)
15-24 years:9.2% (male 1,445/female 1,371)
25-54 years:35.1% (male 5,332/female 5,363)
55-64 years:14.5% (male 2,223/female 2,203)
65 years and over:28.7% (male 4,020/female 4,981) (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:51.1 years
male:50 years
female:52.3 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
0.06% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 186


Birth rate:
6.72 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 224


Death rate:
9.01 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 67


Net migration rate:
2.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 35


Urbanization:
urban population:100% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:0.04% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.05 male(s)/female
25-54 years:0.99 male(s)/female
55-64 years:0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.81 male(s)/female
total population:0.95 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


    Infant mortality rate:
total:1.81 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 224
male:2.05 deaths/1,000 live births
female:1.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


Life expectancy at birth:
total population:89.57 yearscountry comparison to the world: 1
male:85.66 years
female:93.64 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
1.52 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 190


Health expenditures:
4.3% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
7.06 physicians/1,000 population (2011)


Hospital bed density:
16.5 beds/1,000 population (2011)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
total: 100% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
NA


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA


Education expenditures:
1.6% of GDP (2011)country comparison to the world: 169

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:99%
male:99%
female:99% (2003 est.)


Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total:6.9%country comparison to the world: 130
male:6.6%
female:7.4% (2000)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: Principality of Monaco
conventional short form:Monaco
local long form:Principaute de Monaco
local short form:Monaco


Government type:
constitutional monarchy


Capital:
name:Monaco
geographic coordinates:43 44 N, 7 25 E
time difference:UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October


Administrative divisions:
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo; note - Moneghetti, a part of La Condamine, is sometimes called the 5th quarter of Monaco


Independence:
1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of GRIMALDI)


National holiday:
National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)


Constitution:
previous 1911 (suspended 1959); latest adopted 17 December 1962; amended 2002 (2013)


Legal system:
civil law system influenced by French legal tradition


International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
chief of state:Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
head of government:Minister of State Michel ROGER (since 29 March 2010)
cabinet:Council of Government under the authority of the monarch
elections:the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government


Legislative branch:
unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
elections:last held on 10 February 2013 (next to be held in February 2018)
election results:percent of vote by party - Horizon Monaco 50.3%, Union Monegasque 39%, Renaissance 10.7%; seats by party - Horizon Monaco 20, Union Monegasque 3, Renaissance 1


    Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Supreme Court (consists of 5 permanent members and 2 substitutes)
judge selection and term of office:Supreme Court members appointed by the monarch upon the proposals of the National Council, State Council, Crown Council, Court of Appeal, and Trial Court
subordinate courts:Court of Appeal; Civil Court of First Instance


Political parties and leaders:
Horizon Monaco [Laurent NOUVION]
Renaissance [SBM (public corporation)]
Union Monegasque [Stephane VALERI]


Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA


International organization participation:
CD, CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Maguy MACCARIO-DOYLE (since 3 December 2013)
chancery:3400 International Drive NW, Suite 2K-100, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:(202) 234-1530
FAX:(202) 244-7656
consulate(s) general:New York


Diplomatic representation from the US:
note:similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red

National anthem:
name:'A Marcia de Muneghu' (The March of Monaco)

lyrics/music:Louis NOTARI/Charles ALBRECHT
note:music adopted 1867, lyrics adopted 1931; although French is commonly spoken, only the Monegasque lyrics are official; the French version is known as 'Hymne Monegasque' (Monegasque Anthem); the words are generally only sung on official occasions

Economy

Background:
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.


Location:
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy


Geographic coordinates:
43 44 N, 7 24 E


Map references:
Europe


Area:
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC


Land boundaries:
4.1 km


Maritime claims:
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers


Terrain:
hilly, rugged, rocky


Elevation extremes:
none


Land use:
NA


Natural hazards:
NA


Environment - current issues:
NA


Environment - international agreements:
second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban


Nationality:
French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%


Languages:
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque


Religions:
Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10%


Population:
30,508


Age structure:
0.06% (2014 est.)


Birth rate:
6.72 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)


Death rate:
9.01 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)


Net migration rate:
2.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)


Urbanization:
1.52 children born/woman (2014 est.)


Health expenditures:
4.3% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
7.06 physicians/1,000 population (2011)


Hospital bed density:
16.5 beds/1,000 population (2011)


Drinking water source:
NA


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA


Education expenditures:
1.6% of GDP (2011)


Literacy:
constitutional monarchy


Capital:
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo; note - Moneghetti, a part of La Condamine, is sometimes called the 5th quarter of Monaco


Independence:
1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of GRIMALDI)


National holiday:
National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)


Constitution:
previous 1911 (suspended 1959); latest adopted 17 December 1962; amended 2002 (2013)


Legal system:
civil law system influenced by French legal tradition


International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)


Judicial branch:
Horizon Monaco [Laurent NOUVION]


Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA


International organization participation:
CD, CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to France, handles diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco


Flag description:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners


National anthem:
Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco's reliance on tourism and banking for its economic growth has left it vulnerable to a downturn in France and other European economies which are the principality's main trade partners. In 2009, Monaco's GDP fell by 11.5% as the euro-zone crisis precipitated a sharp drop in tourism and retail activity and home sales. A modest recovery ensued in 2010, but Monaco's economic prospects remain uncertain, and tied to future euro-zone growth. Weak economic growth also has deteriorated public finances as the principality recorded budget deficits in 2011-12. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's 'grey list' of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws and help combat tax evasion. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.


    GDP (purchasing power parity):
$6.213 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 165
$5.748 billion (2011 est.)
$5.47 billion (2010 est.)
note:data are in 2012 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$5.748 billion (2011 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
0.9% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 176
2.5% (2010 est.)
-11.5% (2009 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$85,500 (2011)
country comparison to the world: 5

GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:0%
industry:10%
services:90% (2011)


Agriculture - products:
none


Industries:
banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products


Industrial production growth rate:
NA%


Labor force:
52,490
country comparison to the world: 191
note:includes all foreign workers (2012 est.)



Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture:0%
industry:16.1%
services:83.9% (2012 est.)


Unemployment rate:
2% (2012)
country comparison to the world: 15

Population below poverty line:
NA%


Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:NA%
highest 10%:NA%


Budget:
revenues:$1.044 billion
expenditures:$1.111 billion (2011 est.)


Taxes and other revenues:
18.2% of GDP (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 174

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-1.2% of GDP (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.5% (2010)
country comparison to the world: 43

Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA


Exports:
$1.115 billion (2011)
country comparison to the world: 156
$684.9 million (2010)
note:full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France


Exports - partners:
Europe 73.2%, Africa 14.6%, America 5.2%, Asia 4.9% (2013 est.)


Imports:
$1.162 billion (2011)
country comparison to the world: 177
$850.2 million (2010)
note:full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France


Imports - partners:
Europe 70.4%, Asia 20.8%, America 4.4%, Africa 4.1% (2013 est.)


Debt - external:
$NA


Exchange rates:
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
0.7634 (2013 est.)
0.7752 (2012 est.)
0.755 (2010 est.)
0.7198 (2009 est.)
0.6827 (2008 est.)


Telephones - main lines in use:
44,500 (2012)


Telephones - mobile cellular:
33,200 (2012)


Telephone system:
TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; cable TV available; Radio Monte-Carlo has extensive radio networks in France and Italy with French-language broadcasts to France beginning in the 1960s and Italian-language broadcasts to Italy beginning in the 1970s; other radio stations include Riviera Radio and Radio Monaco (2012)


Internet country code:
.mc


Internet hosts:
26,009 (2012)


Internet users:
23,000 (2009)


Heliports:
1 (2012)


Roadways:
no regular military forces; Directorate of Public Security (2012)


Manpower available for military service:
defense is the responsibility of France


Disputes - international:
none

Energy

Background:
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.



Location:
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy



Geographic coordinates:
43 44 N, 7 24 E



Map references:



Area:
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC



Land boundaries:
4.1 km



Maritime claims:
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers



Terrain:
hilly, rugged, rocky



Elevation extremes:
none



Land use:
NA



Natural hazards:
NA



Environment - current issues:
NA



Environment - international agreements:
second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban



Nationality:
French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%



Languages:
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque



Religions:
Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10%



Population:
30,508
country comparison to the world: 218
note:immigrants make up more than 60% of the total population, according to UN data (2013) (July 2014 est.)



Age structure:
0.06% (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186


Birth rate:
6.72 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 224


Death rate:
9.01 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 67


Net migration rate:
2.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35


Urbanization:
1.52 children born/woman (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 190


Health expenditures:
4.3% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 157


Physicians density:
7.06 physicians/1,000 population (2011)



Hospital bed density:
16.5 beds/1,000 population (2011)



Drinking water source:
NA



HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA



HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA



Education expenditures:
1.6% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 169


Literacy:
constitutional monarchy



Capital:
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo; note - Moneghetti, a part of La Condamine, is sometimes called the 5th quarter of Monaco



Independence:
1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of GRIMALDI)



National holiday:
National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)



Constitution:
previous 1911 (suspended 1959); latest adopted 17 December 1962; amended 2002 (2013)



Legal system:
civil law system influenced by French legal tradition



International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt



Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal



Executive branch:
unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
elections:last held on 10 February 2013 (next to be held in February 2018)
election results:percent of vote by party - Horizon Monaco 50.3%, Union Monegasque 39%, Renaissance 10.7%; seats by party - Horizon Monaco 20, Union Monegasque 3, Renaissance 1



Judicial branch:
Horizon Monaco [Laurent NOUVION]
Renaissance [SBM (public corporation)]
Union Monegasque [Stephane VALERI]



Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA



International organization participation:
CD, CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO



Diplomatic representation in the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to France, handles diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco



Flag description:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners
note:similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red



National anthem:
Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco's reliance on tourism and banking for its economic growth has left it vulnerable to a downturn in France and other European economies which are the principality's main trade partners. In 2009, Monaco's GDP fell by 11.5% as the euro-zone crisis precipitated a sharp drop in tourism and retail activity and home sales. A modest recovery ensued in 2010, but Monaco's economic prospects remain uncertain, and tied to future euro-zone growth. Weak economic growth also has deteriorated public finances as the principality recorded budget deficits in 2011-12. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's 'grey list' of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws and help combat tax evasion. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.



    GDP (purchasing power parity):
$6.213 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 165
$5.748 billion (2011 est.)
$5.47 billion (2010 est.)
note:data are in 2012 US dollars



GDP (official exchange rate):
$5.748 billion (2011 est.)



GDP - real growth rate:
0.9% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 176
2.5% (2010 est.)
-11.5% (2009 est.)



GDP - per capita (PPP):
$85,500 (2011)
country comparison to the world: 5


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
none



Industries:
banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products



Industrial production growth rate:
NA%



Labor force:
52,490
country comparison to the world: 191
note:includes all foreign workers (2012 est.)



Labor force - by occupation:
2% (2012)
country comparison to the world: 15


Population below poverty line:
NA%



Household income or consumption by percentage share:
18.2% of GDP (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 174


Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-1.2% of GDP (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65


Fiscal year:
calendar year



Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.5% (2010)
country comparison to the world: 43


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA



Exports:
$1.115 billion (2011)
country comparison to the world: 156
$684.9 million (2010)
note:full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France



Exports - partners:
Europe 73.2%, Africa 14.6%, America 5.2%, Asia 4.9% (2013 est.)



Imports:
$1.162 billion (2011)
country comparison to the world: 177
$850.2 million (2010)
note:full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France



Imports - partners:
Europe 70.4%, Asia 20.8%, America 4.4%, Africa 4.1% (2013 est.)



Debt - external:
$NA



Exchange rates:
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
0.7634 (2013 est.)
0.7752 (2012 est.)
0.755 (2010 est.)
0.7198 (2009 est.)
0.6827 (2008 est.)



Telephones - main lines in use:
44,500 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 166


Telephones - mobile cellular:
33,200 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 207


Telephone system:
TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; cable TV available; Radio Monte-Carlo has extensive radio networks in France and Italy with French-language broadcasts to France beginning in the 1960s and Italian-language broadcasts to Italy beginning in the 1970s; other radio stations include Riviera Radio and Radio Monaco (2012)



Internet country code:
.mc



Internet hosts:
26,009 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 111


Internet users:
23,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 191



Heliports:
1 (2012)



Roadways:
no regular military forces; Directorate of Public Security (2012)



Manpower available for military service:
defense is the responsibility of France



Disputes - international:
none

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
44,500 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 166


Telephones - mobile cellular:
33,200 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 207


Telephone system:
general assessment:modern automatic telephone system; the country's sole fixed line operator offers a full range of services to residential and business customers
domestic:combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 200 per 100 persons
international:country code - 377; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system (2011)



    Broadcast media:
TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; cable TV available; Radio Monte-Carlo has extensive radio networks in France and Italy with French-language broadcasts to France beginning in the 1960s and Italian-language broadcasts to Italy beginning in the 1970s; other radio stations include Riviera Radio and Radio Monaco (2012)


Internet country code:
.mc


Internet hosts:
26,009 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 111


Internet users:
23,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 191

Transportation

Heliports
1 (2012)


Roadways
total:77 kmcountry comparison to the world: 217
paved:77 km (2010)


Merchant marine
registered in other countries:64 (Bahamas 8, Bermuda 2, Liberia 8, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 30, Panama 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2) (2010)country comparison to the world: 63


    Ports and terminals
major seaport(s):Monaco

Military

Military branches
no regular military forces; Directorate of Public Security (2012)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:5,749 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:4,629
females age 16-49:4,597 (2010 est.)


    Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:153
female:141 (2010 est.)


Military - note
defense is the responsibility of France
 Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook

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Country Guide

Malaysia Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam


Geographic coordinates:
2 30 N, 112 30 E


Map references:
Southeast Asia


Area:
total:329,847 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 67
land:328,657 sq km
water:1,190 sq km


Area - comparative:
slightly larger than New Mexico


Land boundaries:
total:2,669 km
border countries:Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km


Coastline:
4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)


Maritime claims:
territorial sea:12 nm
exclusive economic zone:200 nm
continental shelf:200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea


Climate:
tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons


Terrain:
coastal plains rising to hills and mountains


    Elevation extremes:
lowest point:Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m


Natural resources:
tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite


Land use:
arable land:5.44%
permanent crops:17.49%
other:77.07% (2011)


Irrigated land:
3,800 sq km (2009)


Total renewable water resources:
580 cu km (2011)


Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
580 cu km (2011)

Natural hazards:
flooding; landslides; forest fires


Environment - current issues:
air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires


Environment - international agreements:
party to:Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:none of the selected agreements


Geography - note:
strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Malaysian(s)
adjective:Malaysian


Ethnic groups:
Malay 50.1%, Chinese 22.6%, indigenous 11.8%, Indian 6.7%, other 0.7%, non-citizens 8.2% (2010 est.)


Languages:
Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai


Religions:
Muslim (official) 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%, other 0.4%, none 0.8%, unspecified 1% (2010 est.)


Population:
30,073,353 (July 2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 44


Age structure:
0-14 years:28.8% (male 4,456,033/female 4,206,727)
15-24 years:16.9% (male 2,580,486/female 2,511,579)
25-54 years:41.2% (male 6,277,694/female 6,114,312)
55-64 years:7.6% (male 1,163,861/female 1,122,746)
65 years and over:5.3% (male 777,338/female 862,577) (2014 est.)


Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio:45.5 %
youth dependency ratio:37.4 %
elderly dependency ratio:8.1 %
potential support ratio:12.4 (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:27.7 years
male:27.4 years
female:27.9 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
1.47% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 83


Birth rate:
20.06 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 85


Death rate:
5 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 187


Net migration rate:
-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 populationcountry comparison to the world: 131
note:does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal immigrants from other countries in the region (2014 est.)



Urbanization:
urban population:72.8% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:2.49% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Major urban areas - population:
KUALA LUMPUR (capital) 1.556 million; Klang 1.19 million; Johor Bahru 1.045 million (2011)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.06 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.03 male(s)/female
25-54 years:1.03 male(s)/female
55-64 years:1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.89 male(s)/female
total population:1.03 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


Maternal mortality rate:
29 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)


Infant mortality rate:
total:13.69 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 115
male:15.82 deaths/1,000 live births
female:11.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


    Life expectancy at birth:
total population:74.52 yearscountry comparison to the world: 110
male:71.74 years
female:77.48 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
2.58 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 76


Contraceptive prevalence rate:
49% (2004)


Health expenditures:
3.6% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
1.2 physicians/1,000 population (2010)


Hospital bed density:
1.8 beds/1,000 population (2011)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 98.5% of population
total: 99.6% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 1.5% of population
total: 0.4% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 96.1% of population
rural: 94.6% of population
total: 95.7% of population
unimproved:
urban: 3.9% of population
rural: 5.4% of population
total: 4.3% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.4% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 82


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
82,000 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 49


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
5,200 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 38


Major infectious diseases:


Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
14% (2008)country comparison to the world: 123


Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
12.9% (2006)country comparison to the world: 58


Education expenditures:
5.9% of GDP (2011)country comparison to the world: 46

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:93.1%
male:95.4%
female:90.7% (2010 est.)


School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total:13 years
male:13 years
female:13 years (2005)


Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total:10.3%country comparison to the world: 109
male:9.8%
female:11% (2012)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form:Malaysia
local long form:none
local short form:Malaysia
former:Federation of Malaya


Government type:
constitutional monarchy


Capital:
name:Kuala Lumpur; note - Putrajaya is referred to as an administrative center not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur
geographic coordinates:3 10 N, 101 42 E
time difference:UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)


Administrative divisions:
13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with 3 components, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya


Independence:
31 August 1957 (from the UK)


National holiday:
Independence Day 31 August (1957) (independence of Malaya); Malaysia Day 16 September (1963) (formation of Malaysia)


Constitution:
previous 1948; latest drafted 21 February 1957, effective 27 August 1957; amended many times, last in 2007 (2010)


Legal system:
mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation


International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt


Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
chief of state:King Tuanku ABDUL HALIM Mu'adzam Shah (selected on 13 December 2011; installed on 11 April 2012); the position of the king is primarily ceremonial
head of government:Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak (since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MUHYIDDIN bin Mohamed Yassin (since 9 April 2009)
cabinet:Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament with consent of the king
elections:kings are elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; selection is based on the principle of rotation among rulers of states; elections were last held on 14 October 2011 (next to be held in 2016); prime ministers are designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands the support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister (since independence this has been the leader of the UMNO party)
election results:Tuanku ABDUL HALIM Mu'adzam Shah elected king by fellow hereditary rulers of nine states; Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak was sworn in as prime minister the day after his National Front (BN) coalition won a majority of seats during the 5 May 2013 national election; NAJIB was re-elected uncontested as UMNO president on 19 October 2013


Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king, 26 elected by 13 state legislatures to serve three-year terms with a two term limit) and House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members elected in 222 constituencies in a first-pass-the-post system to serve up to five-year terms)
elections:House of Representatives - last held on 5 May 2013 (next to be held by May 2018)
election results:House of Representatives - percent of vote - BN coalition 47.4%, opposition parties 50.9%, others 1.7%; seats - BN coalition 133, opposition parties 89


    Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Federal Court (consists of the chief justice and 4 judges)
note - Malaysia has a dual judicial hierarchy of civil and religious (sharia) courts
judge selection and term of office:Federal Court justices appointed by the monarch on advice of the prime minister; judges serve till age 65
subordinate courts:Court of Appeal; High Court; Sessions Court; Magistrates' Court


Political parties and leaders:
Bar Council
BERSIH (electoral reform coalition)
PEMBELA (Muslim NGO coalition)
PERKASA (defense of Malay rights)
other:religious groups; women's groups; youth groups


International organization participation:
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador AWANG ADEK Bin Hussin (since 21 May 2015)
chancery:3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:[1] (202) 572-9700
FAX:[1] (202) 572-9882
consulate(s) general:Los Angeles, New York


Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Joseph Y. YUN (since 12 September 2013)
embassy:376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
mailing address:US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152
telephone:[60] (3) 2168-5000
FAX:[60] (3) 2142-2207


Flag description:
14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers


National symbol(s):
tiger


National anthem:
name:'Negaraku' (My Country)

lyrics/music:collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER
note:adopted 1957; the full version is only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled 'La Rosalie,' was originally the anthem of the state of Perak

Economy

Economy - overview:
Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move farther up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in Islamic finance, high technology industries, biotechnology, and services. NAJIB's Economic Transformation Program (ETP) is a series of projects and policy measures intended to accelerate the country's economic growth. The government has also taken steps to liberalize some services sub-sectors. The NAJIB administration also is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and reduce the economy's dependence on exports. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics, oil and gas, palm oil and rubber - remain a significant driver of the economy. As an oil and gas exporter, Malaysia has profited from higher world energy prices, although the rising cost of domestic gasoline and diesel fuel, combined with sustained budget deficits, has forced Kuala Lumpur to begin to address fiscal shortfalls, through initial reductions in energy and sugar subsidies and the announcement of the 2015 implementation of a 6% goods and services tax. The government is also trying to lessen its dependence on state oil producer Petronas. The oil and gas sector supplies about 32% of government revenue in 2013. Bank Negara Malaysia (central bank) maintains healthy foreign exchange reserves, and a well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments and the global financial crisis. Nevertheless, Malaysia could be vulnerable to a fall in commodity prices or a general slowdown in global economic activity because exports are a major component of GDP. In order to attract increased investment, NAJIB earlier raised possible revisions to the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but retreated in 2013 after he encountered significant opposition from Malay nationalists and other vested interests. In September 2013 NAJIB launched the new Bumiputra Economic Empowerment Program (BEEP), policies that favor and advance the economic condition of ethnic Malays.


GDP (purchasing power parity):
$525 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
$501.5 billion (2012 est.)
$474.7 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$312.4 billion (2013 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
4.7% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63
5.6% (2012 est.)
5.1% (2011 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$17,500 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79
$17,000 (2012 est.)
$16,400 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


Gross national saving:
32.3% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
31.9% of GDP (2012 est.)
34.9% of GDP (2011 est.)


GDP - composition, by end use:
household consumption:50.1%
government consumption:13.9%
investment in fixed capital:26.2%
investment in inventories:0.8%
exports of goods and services:84.1%
imports of goods and services:-75.2%
(2013 est.)


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:11.2%
industry:40.6%
services:48.1% (2013 est.)


Agriculture - products:
Peninsular Malaysia - palm oil, rubber, cocoa, rice; Sabah - palm oil, subsistence crops; rubber, timber; Sarawak - palm oil, rubber, timber; pepper


Industries:
Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics and semi-conductors, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum and natural gas production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum and natural gas production, logging


Industrial production growth rate:
5% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 57

Labor force:
13.19 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41


Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture:11.1%
industry:36%
services:53.5% (2012 est.)


Unemployment rate:
3.1% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
3% (2012 est.)


Population below poverty line:
3.8% (2009 est.)


Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:1.8%
highest 10%:34.7% (2009 est.)


    Distribution of family income - Gini index:
46.2 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 33
49.2 (1997)


Budget:
revenues:$65.72 billion
expenditures:$79.4 billion (2013 est.)


Taxes and other revenues:
21% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 155

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-4.4% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157


Public debt:
54.6% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 58
53.3% of GDP (2012 est.)
note:this figure is based on the amount of federal government debt, RM501.6 billion ($167.2 billion) in 2012; this includes Malaysian Treasury bills and other government securities, as well as loans raised externally and bonds and notes issued overseas; this figure excludes debt issued by non-financial public enterprises and guaranteed by the federal government, which was an additional $47.7 billion in 2012


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.2% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 75
1.7% (2012 est.)
note:approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled


Central bank discount rate:
3% (31 December 2011)
country comparison to the world: 107
2.83% (31 December 2010)


Commercial bank prime lending rate:
4.5% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156
4.7% (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of narrow money:
$97.03 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
$93.89 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of broad money:
$439.7 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 24
$435.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of domestic credit:
$421 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
$412.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$476.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Current account balance:
$16.67 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
$18.64 billion (2012 est.)


Exports:
$230.7 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 24
$227.7 billion (2012 est.)


Exports - commodities:
semiconductors and electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals, solar panels


Exports - partners:
Singapore 13.6%, China 12.6%, Japan 11.8%, US 8.7%, Thailand 5.4%, Hong Kong 4.3%, India 4.2%, Australia 4.1% (2012)


Imports:
$192.9 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
$186.9 billion (2012 est.)


Imports - commodities:
electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals


Imports - partners:
China 15.1%, Singapore 13.3%, Japan 10.3%, US 8.1%, Thailand 6%, Indonesia 5.1%, South Korea 4.1% (2012)


Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$139.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 20
$139.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Debt - external:
$100.1 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 48
$98.82 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$143.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
$132.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$133.5 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
$120.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Exchange rates:
ringgits (MYR) per US dollar -
3.174 (2013 est.)
3.09 (2012 est.)
3.22 (2010 est.)
3.52 (2009)
3.33 (2008)

Energy

Electricity - production:
118 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31


Electricity - consumption:
112 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30


Electricity - exports:
151 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 72


Electricity - imports:
33 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100


Electricity - installed generating capacity:
25.39 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33


Electricity - from fossil fuels:
91.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 73


Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 145


Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
8.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116


Electricity - from other renewable sources:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 205


Crude oil - production:
642,700 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 29


Crude oil - exports:
269,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28


Crude oil - imports:
160,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37


    Crude oil - proved reserves:
4 billion bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28


Refined petroleum products - production:
568,800 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30


Refined petroleum products - consumption:
542,900 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33


Refined petroleum products - exports:
176,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 34


Refined petroleum products - imports:
175,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31


Natural gas - production:
61.73 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15


Natural gas - consumption:
32.62 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28


Natural gas - exports:
33.1 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14


Natural gas - imports:
1.99 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 48


Natural gas - proved reserves:
2.35 trillion cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15


Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
191.4 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
4.589 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 34


Telephones - mobile cellular:
41.325 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 30


Telephone system:
general assessment:modern system featuring good intercity service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent
domestic:domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 140 per 100 persons
international:country code - 60; landing point for several major international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2011)



    Broadcast media:
state-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks as well as regional and local stations; many private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 55 radio stations overall (2012)


Internet country code:
.my


Internet hosts:
422,470 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 53


Internet users:
15.355 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 26

Transportation

Airports
114 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 51


Airports - with paved runways
total:39
over 3,047 m:8
2,438 to 3,047 m:8
1,524 to 2,437 m:7
914 to 1,523 m:8
under 914 m:8 (2013)


Airports - with unpaved runways
total:75
914 to 1,523 m:6
under 914 m:
69 (2013)


Heliports
4 (2013)


Pipelines
condensate 354 km; gas 6,439 km; liquid petroleum gas 155 km; oil 1,937 km; oil/gas/water 43 km; refined products 114 km; water 26 km (2013)


Railways
total:1,849 kmcountry comparison to the world: 75
standard gauge:57 km 1.435-m gauge (57 km electrified)
narrow gauge:1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2010)


Roadways
total:144,403 km (does not include local roads)country comparison to the world: 33
paved:116,169 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)
unpaved:28,234 km (2010)


    Waterways
7,200 km (Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km) (2011)
country comparison to the world: 20


Merchant marine
total:315country comparison to the world: 31
by type:bulk carrier 11, cargo 83, carrier 2, chemical tanker 47, container 41, liquefied gas 34, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 86, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 5
foreign-owned:26 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 2, Russia 2, Singapore 13)
registered in other countries:82 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 6, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Singapore 27, Thailand 3, US 2, unknown 2) (2010)



Ports and terminals
major seaport(s):Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang (Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas
container port(s) (TEUs):George Town (Penang)(1,202,180), Port Kelang (Port Klang)(9,435,403), Tanjung Pelepas (7,302,461)


Transportation - note
the International Maritime Bureau reports that the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea remain high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; in the past, commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; increased naval patrols since 2005 in the Strait of Malacca resulted in no reported incidents in 2010

Military

Military branches
Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2013)


Military service age and obligation
17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent and proof of age); mandatory retirement age 60; women serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces; no conscription (2013)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:7,501,518
females age 16-49:7,315,999 (2010 est.)


Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:6,247,306
females age 16-49:6,175,274 (2010 est.)


    Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:265,008
female:254,812 (2010 est.)


Military expenditures
1.55% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 57
1.67% of GDP (2011)
1.55% of GDP (2010)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international
while the 2002 'Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea' has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding 'code of conduct' sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; land and maritime negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait


    Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin):92,287 (Burma) (2013)
stateless persons:40,001 (2012); note - Malaysia's stateless population consists of Rohingya refugees from Burma, ethnic Indians, and the children of Filipino and Indonesian illegal migrants; Burma stripped the Rohingya of their nationality in 1982; Filipino and Indonesian children who have not have been registered for birth certificates by their parents or who received birth certificates stamped 'foreigner' are not eligible to go to government schools; these children are vulnerable to statelessness should they not be able to apply to their parents' country of origin for a passport



Trafficking in persons



Illicit drugs
drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously and carries severe penalties; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional drug market
 Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook