Malaysia

Malaysia is recognized as a newly industrialized country. Its GDP per capita in 2008 was US $14,225, which makes it the 48th country with the highest GDP per capita and second in Southeast Asia (after Singapore).

During the late 18th and 19th centuries Malaysia was established and occupied by Great Britain, later to be occupied by Japan during the Second World War. The British-ruled territory, located on the Malay Peninsula, became independent in 1957 leading way to Malaysia its formal foundation in 1963 when British Singapore and the East Malaysian states to the north joined the Federation (Singapore withdrew just two years later). For twenty-two years Malaysia was under the rule of Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, during which the nation cultivated a successful economy, diversifying from one which relied on export of raw materials to an economy that expanded to include manufacturing, business services and tourism. Which each successive Prime Minister, Malaysia has sustained these pro-business policies.

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is ranked 65 in the world by landmass, sized just larger than Mexico. Its population is nearly 29 million, ranked forty-three globally. Sixty-five percent of the population is between the ages of 15-64, and the population is growing at a rate of 1.576%.

The cost of living as a percentage to total net income for every person is approximately 27% lower than the cost of living in the Philippines and India, particularly in Noida, Mumbai, Bangalore, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur. Its GDP measured by current exchange rates is $209.8 billion and $381.1 billion when calculated using the purchasing power parity. Efforts are being taken to lessen the country's dependence on exports while strengthening its well-developed regulatory regime and foreign exchange reserves that act as buffers to the global financial crisis.