Capital of Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia sits in Asia, has a population of 33,938,221, and uses the MYR. Official languages include Malay.
Quick facts
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~33,938,221
- Area: 330,803 km²
- Population density: 103 people per km²
- Official language: Malay
- Currency: MYR
- ISO code: MY
How big is Malaysia?
By population, Malaysia ranks 45th in the world, holding roughly 0.43% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 67th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Malaysia has 103 people per square kilometre, which is somewhat above the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Malaysia is the 18th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Malaysia in population are Peru (34,049,588) and Yemen (33,696,614).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Vietnam (331,212 km²) and Finland (338,424 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Malay is spoken officially in 3 countries in this dataset, including Brunei and Singapore.
Malaysia uses the MYR, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Malaysia in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Malaysia belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Malaysia and a page on the flag of Malaysia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Malaysia?
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur.
What is the population of Malaysia?
About 33,938,221, making it the 45th most populous country in the world.
How big is Malaysia?
330,803 square kilometres, ranking 67th by land area, at a density of 103 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Malaysia use?
The MYR, which no other country uses.