Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world, where the co-existence of these various groups is largely peaceful. The Malays are the largest ethnic group at 50.4% of the population and are also the group in power. They are followed by the Chinese at 23.7% of the population, Indigenous groups at 11%, and the Indian population at 7.1%.
The religious divisions are closely correlated with these ethnic groups (Figure 2), with 60.5% of the population following Islam, 19.2% following Buddhist beliefs, 9.1% following the Christian faith, 6.3% following Hindu teachings, 2.6% following Traditional Chinese religions such as Confucianism and Taoism, and 2.3% following either another belief system or none at all.
The official language is Bahasa Malaysia (or Bahasa Melayu), however English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, and Foochow), several Indian languages (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi), and Thai are also widely spoken. Other indigenous languages are spoken on the East Coast in Sabah and Sarawak, where Iban and Kadazan are the major languages (CIA World Factbook, 2010).
Figure 2 - Ethnic Groups in Malaysia: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, Indigenous 11.0%, Indian 7.1%, Other 7.8%
Figure 2 - Distribution of Religion in Malaysia : Islam 60.5%, Buddhism 19.2%, Christianity 9.1%, Hinduism 6.3%, Traditional Chinese 2.6%, Other 2.3%
CONCLUSION
Malaysia is a complex nation, home to a population of diverse ethnicities and one that is quickly adapting to the opportunities of the world's interconnectedness.
With its large Muslim population, Islamic values remain important drivers of products in Malaysia.
Referrence : http://www.ats-sea.agr.gc.ca/ase/5828-eng.htm
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