Population density 73 persons per sq km
189 persons per sq mi (2005 estimate)
Largest cities, with population Kuala Lumpur, 1,297,526 (2000)
Ipoh, 566,211 (2000)
Kelang, 563,173 (2000)
Religion
Islam is the country�s official religion, although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. More than half the people of Malaysia are Muslims, including nearly all ethnic Malays. Most Chinese are Buddhists, although Confucianism and Daoism (Taoism) are also important. Most Indians practice Hinduism. In Sabah and Sarawak many of the indigenous peoples are Christians, although traditional beliefs are also widely practiced.
Art and Architecture
Malaysian decorative art forms include colorful batik cloth, silverware, pewter items, and woodcarvings. Like other elements of Malaysian culture, its architecture reflects influences from India, China, and Islam. These influences are most pronounced in religious structures. From 1998 to 2003 Malaysia boasted the world�s tallest buildings, the Petronas Towers. Each tower rises 452 m (1,483 ft). The architect, Argentine American Cesar Pelli, found inspiration for the design of the buildings in traditional Malaysian Islamic architecture.
Music, Dance, and Drama
Hindu, Islamic, and Indonesian forms influenced music in Malaysia. For example, wayang kulit (shadow-puppet theater), was introduced from Java in the 13th century, and today is most commonly found in the state of Kelantan. Malaysian musical instruments include distinctive drums (gendang), of which there are at least 14 types; gongs and other percussion instruments made from native materials such as bamboo (kertuk and pertuang) and coconut shells (raurau); and a variety of wind instruments, including flutes. Ensembles (nobat) and orchestras (gamelan) play these instruments at special occasions. Chinese musical forms, including Chinese opera, were more recently introduced into Malaysia.
Eating
Rice is the staple and fish is the main source of protein.
Spices are used heavily in cooking. Local fruits include pineapples, bananas, papayas, and durians.
Malaysians enjoy dining out at restaurants or at street food markets.
In Kuala Lumpur, restaurants serve a wide range of cuisine.
Traditionally, Malays and Indians eat with their hands and with spoons and forks. Chinese eat with chopsticks, spoons, and forks.
Some cultural groups refrain from eating certain foods�
for example, observant Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcoholic beverages.
Practicing Hindus and some Buddhists do not eat beef.