Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur which means 'muddy estuary' is the capital city of Malaysia. It was founded in 1857 beside the junction of the Kelang and Gombak Rivers as a result of tin-mining. Only forty years later, Kuala Lumpur became the state capital. Since it gained independence from the British in 1957 it has grown to become a thriving economic centre with towering skyscrapers including the Petronas Towers, two of the world's tallest office buildings. Despite its bustling business district it has retained much of the character of its past as can be witnessed by the colonial buildings, bustling night markets, vibrant Little India and colourful Chinatown.

Languages

Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry is succinctly underlined by the many different languages spoken. While Bahasa Malayu is the official language, English, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, Tamil and Punjabi are also commonly spoken.

Religion

While Islam is the official religion, Malaysians are free to follow the religion of their choice and these include Islam, Buddhism, Confuscianism, Taosists, Hindism and Christianity. Under the Constitution, Malays are born Muslims and if they refute this faith they also lose their Malay privileges.