Malaysia: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to Malaysia — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Population
31,528,585
#44 of 197 countries
Area
329,847 km²
#67 of 248 countries
Density
95.6 / km²
#116 of 245 countries
Malaysia has a population of 31,528,585 spread across 329,847 km², giving it an average density of 95.6 people per km².
Most Populous Cities
Demographics
Median Age
32.2
Life Expectancy
76.6 yrs
Literacy Rate
95.8%
Government
federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Malaysia is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 31% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.
Income Level
Upper middle income
GDP per Capita
$11,386
Cost of Living
31%
of US
Inflation
2.5%
Inequality
40.7
High