Malaysia
Malaysia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.12%
With a population of roughly 34.2 million, Malaysia ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 330,803 km², translating to a density of 103 people per km². Its capital is Kuala Lumpur, and official languages include English and Malay, while the Malaysian ringgit serves as the national currency.
Population
34,231,700
Area
330,803 km²
Density
103/km²
World Rank
#44
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 12.4 per thousand against deaths at 5.2 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 21.8% of residents under 15 and 7.7% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kuala Lumpur
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- South-Eastern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- English, Malay
- Currencies
- Malaysian ringgit (RM)
- Calling Code
- +60
- Top-Level Domain
- .my
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+08:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 34,231,700
- Land Area
- 330,803 km²
- Population Density
- 103 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.12%
- Annual Growth
- +383,395 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,050 people
- World Population Share
- 0.42%
- Coordinates
- 2.50°, 112.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $11.9k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—roughly in line with the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3.8%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 40.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
76.7 years
GDP per Capita
$11,874
Birth Rate
12.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
76.9%
Fertility Rate
1.55 births/woman
Infant Mortality
6.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.8%
Literacy Rate
95.8%
Internet Users
98.0%
Under 15
21.8%
Over 65
7.7%
Health Spending
4.0% GDP
Gini Index
40.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
7.5M
15-64 years
24.1M
65+ years
2.6M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 76.9% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net inward migration of 166615.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
26.3M
76.9%
7.9M
23.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 76.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 6.8 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 95.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Malaysia
Malaysia has 83 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Malaysia is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.6 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Malaysia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 34,231,700 |
| 2030 | 35,758,273 |
| 2035 | 37,691,818 |
| 2040 | 39,658,105 |
| 2045 | 41,662,171 |
| 2050 | 43,709,123 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Malaysia.
Largest Cities in Malaysia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Malaysia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Malaysia?
The population of Malaysia is approximately 34.2 million as of 2026, making it #44 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Malaysia?
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia?
The main languages spoken in Malaysia are English, Malay.
How big is Malaysia?
Malaysia covers an area of 330,803 km² with a population density of 103 people per km².
Is Malaysia growing or shrinking?
Malaysia is growing at a rate of 1.12% per year, adding approximately 383,395 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Malaysia?
The average life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Malaysia?
The GDP per capita of Malaysia is $11,874.