Malaysia

Malaysia

Where is it?  Malaysia is in the southeast region of Asia.  It's area is close to the size of New Mexico.  Most of the land is covered in forestry; there is also a mountain range that runs through it.

Ethnicity...57% of the population are Malays and the rest are Chinese, Indian, and Bumiputeras.  

Language...Malay is the national language, but ethnic groups do converse in their languages along with the English language.

Religion...Islam is the official religion but Buddhism and Christianity are also practiced.

Fun side notes...

-Their flag is very similar to ours, red, white, blue, and yellow colors.  Not 50 stars, but a crescent moon and sun.

-Population=30,000,000

-Public Celebrations are very common

-Handshakes should only be initiated by women when greeting them

-To greet someone correctly you offer both hands out and the other person will lightly touch your outstretched hands then quickly bring his/her hands to their chest to symbolize they greet from their heart.

-It's best to call before visiting someone's home

-You must use your right hand when offering/receiving a gift and when eating.

-Because of the country's large Muslim population drinking is not a common thing in Malaysia

-A lot of their buildings are on stilts to allow for more breezes and a way to cool off the houses/structures.

-Malaysia has 65,877 km of highway which is more than the Earth's circumference of 40,075

I found it extremely fascinating to hear about the diversity of this small place.  I found so many websites that just had random fun facts on Malaysia and I found it to be extremely fun to read and observe the photographs provided.  There are many common aspects between Malaysia and America, but Malaysia seems to have a much more unique environment.  It's definitely a place I would like to someday visit and it definitely not a place I had considered at all before.

I found it very interesting to hear about the greeting rituals in Malaysia.  I'm not a feminist, but it does irritate me to see women and other people who differ from the Caucasian male get treated differently, but it sounds like it just depends on where you are that different customs are present. 

Malaysia just seems like a very diverse and fun place to be.  I looked at some videos and photos taken in Malaysia and they all just made it look like a fun place to be.  The architecture is unbelievable!  Definitely a great place to visit in the future! :)