Malaysia

Malaysia is a multiethnic society of Malays and other indigenous groups, a large Chinese minority, and an Indian minority, a diversity that shapes its politics and affirmative-action policies. Malay is the national language, and English is widely used.

Islam is the official religion and that of the Malay majority, alongside substantial Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and other communities.

Society

Malaysia has high literacy and rising living standards with a young, urbanizing population, though ethnic and religious balance remains a sensitive feature of national life.