Rank #116 by World Population
🇲🇾Malaysia
Malaysia has a population of 35,126,298, ranking #116 in the world. The capital is Kuala Lumpur. Located in East Asia & Pacific.
World Bank: Upper middle income
35,126,298
Population
#116
World Rank
76.7
Life Expectancy
$11,386
GDP Per Capita
Malaysia, #116 by world population
Malaysia Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Malaysia had a population of 7,956,197 in 1960 and 35,557,673 in 2024, a 4.5× growth over 64 years. The peak was 35,557,673 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.37%.
35,557,673
Population (2024)
7,956,197
Population (1960)
35,557,673
Peak (2024)
2.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 7,956,197 |
| 1961 | 8,164,443 |
| 1962 | 8,380,172 |
| 1963 | 8,602,160 |
| 1964 | 8,828,406 |
| 1965 | 9,056,408 |
| 1966 | 9,284,688 |
| 1967 | 9,507,099 |
| 1968 | 9,725,281 |
| 1969 | 9,947,597 |
| 1970 | 10,178,802 |
| 1971 | 10,423,453 |
| 1972 | 10,676,835 |
| 1973 | 10,935,621 |
| 1974 | 11,200,906 |
| 1975 | 11,471,914 |
| 1976 | 11,750,097 |
| 1977 | 12,035,713 |
| 1978 | 12,328,157 |
| 1979 | 12,627,862 |
| 1980 | 12,983,363 |
| 1981 | 13,399,203 |
| 1982 | 13,832,798 |
| 1983 | 14,285,907 |
| 1984 | 14,759,009 |
| 1985 | 15,252,258 |
| 1986 | 15,760,419 |
| 1987 | 16,276,737 |
| 1988 | 16,796,605 |
| 1989 | 17,314,997 |
| 1990 | 17,833,171 |
| 1991 | 18,342,464 |
| 1992 | 18,834,572 |
| 1993 | 19,322,664 |
| 1994 | 19,820,446 |
| 1995 | 20,330,599 |
| 1996 | 20,850,087 |
| 1997 | 21,375,218 |
| 1998 | 21,906,713 |
| 1999 | 22,435,531 |
| 2000 | 22,967,816 |
| 2001 | 23,526,538 |
| 2002 | 24,102,477 |
| 2003 | 24,679,602 |
| 2004 | 25,256,772 |
| 2005 | 25,836,071 |
| 2006 | 26,417,909 |
| 2007 | 26,998,389 |
| 2008 | 27,570,059 |
| 2009 | 28,124,778 |
| 2010 | 28,655,776 |
| 2011 | 29,162,039 |
| 2012 | 29,662,831 |
| 2013 | 30,174,265 |
| 2014 | 30,696,137 |
| 2015 | 31,232,798 |
| 2016 | 31,789,685 |
| 2017 | 32,355,644 |
| 2018 | 32,910,967 |
| 2019 | 33,440,596 |
| 2020 | 33,889,558 |
| 2021 | 34,282,399 |
| 2022 | 34,695,493 |
| 2023 | 35,126,298 |
| 2024 | 35,557,673 |
Demographics
| Population | 35,126,298 |
| Population Growth Rate | 1.23% |
| Urban Population | 76.4% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.55 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 76.7 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 6.9 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$11,386
GDP Per Capita
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
Upper middle income
Income Level
132.6%
Trade (% of GDP)
4,333,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
4.0%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
2.34
Physicians per 1,000
3.5%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
6.9
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
97.4%
Internet Users
138
Mobile Subs per 100
106.9
People per km2
181,071
Net Migration
Environment
57.7%
Forest Area
Malaysia Climate
Malaysia has an average annual temperature of 27.5°C (82°F) and receives about 2379 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is April and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
27.5°C
Avg Temp
2379
Precip (mm/yr)
Apr
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27° / 81° | 155 mm |
| February | 28° / 82° | 140 mm |
| March | 28° / 82° | 202 mm |
| April | 28° / 82° | 239 mm |
| May | 28° / 82° | 204 mm |
| June | 28° / 82° | 135 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 130 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 162 mm |
| September | 27° / 81° | 201 mm |
| October | 27° / 81° | 277 mm |
| November | 27° / 81° | 297 mm |
| December | 27° / 81° | 237 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Malaysia
The most comfortable months to visit Malaysia are typically July, June and February, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is April (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 23°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in East Asia & Pacific
Malaysia in global context
Malaysia is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia has a population of 35,126,298, ranking #116 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 1.23%.
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years. The infant mortality rate is 6.9 per 1,000 live births.
Malaysia's GDP per capita is $11,386. It is classified as a upper middle income country by the World Bank.
76.4% of Malaysia's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 106.9 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Malaysia is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Malaysia are typically July, June and February, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Malaysia has an average annual temperature of 27.5°C and about 2379 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically April and the coldest is January.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Malaysia is a country in East Asia & Pacific with a population of 35,126,298. Population growth is modest, around 1.2% a year.
GDP per capita is about $11,386 (Upper middle income, by World Bank classification). Life expectancy is high at 76.7 years, with a fertility rate of 1.6 births per woman, and 76.4% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.