"KL" has become a modern Asian city of gleaming skyscrapers, but it still retains much of its local colour. Take a look at the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest building in the world that provides a bird's-eye view of the cosmopolitan metropolis. Then visit the colonial buildings in the centre and a vibrant Chinatown with street vendors and night markets that will provide an astonishing array of ethnic foods. The city is without a doubt a melting-pot of many cultures, ethnic groups and religions, embracing both tradition and modernity. Kuala Lumpur is truly the heartbeat of Malaysia!

Country
The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Located between 2oC and 7oC north of the Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.

Climate
Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures in the lowlands range from 21oC (70oF) to 32oC (90oF). The highlands are cooler, where temperatures range between 15oC (59oF) to 25oC (77oF). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

Time
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.

Population
The population of Malaysia is 26 million

Government
Malaysia is governed by a parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The head of state is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, a position that is awarded to a different state monarch every five years and the head of government is the prime minister.

Economic Profile
Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are other major contributors to the economy.

Religion
Islam is the official religion but other religions are freely practiced.

Language
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

People
Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest.

Currency
The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. US$1 is roughly equivalent to RM3.70. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changes.