This statistic shows the ten biggest cities in Malaysia in 2020. In 2020, approximately 8.09 million people lived in Kuala Lumpur, making it the biggest city in Malaysia.

Malaysia Population in Largest City data was reported at 7,318,545.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 7,081,137.000 Person for 2016. Malaysia Population in Largest City data is updated yearly, averaging 1,870,358.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7,318,545.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 343,527.000 Person in 1960. Malaysia Population in Largest City data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population in largest city is the urban population living in the country's largest metropolitan area.; ; United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.; ;

Chart and table of Malaysia population from 1950 to 2025. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100.

In 2022, the population density in Malaysia remained nearly unchanged at around 105.6 inhabitants per square kilometer. Still, the population density reached its highest value in the observed period in 2022. Population density refers to the number of people living in a certain country or area, given as an average per square kilometer. It is calculated by dividing the total midyear population by the total land area.Find more key insights for the population density in countries like Philippines and Laos.

In 2022, the urban population in Malaysia reached approximately 26.5 million people. In the last decade, the urban population in Malaysia has increased by more than four million people, indicating an upward trend in urbanization.

Rapid urbanization
In 2021, approximately 77 percent of Malaysia’s population lived in urban areas and cities. This puts Malaysia as one of Southeast Asia’s most urbanized countries. The metropolitan area of Greater Kuala Lumpur had a population of more than eight million in that year, making it Malaysia’s biggest urban area. However, about twice as many Malaysians lived in cities with half a million inhabitants or less.

Urban-rural divide
For many Malaysians, urbanization brought about more and better economic opportunities and job prospects. The average monthly income for urban households was more than three thousand ringgit higher than that of rural households. Poverty rates in rural areas were also significantly higher than that in urban areas. Even so, the countryside still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of Malaysians, encapsulated in the romanticized idea of the ‘kampung’ or Malay village.

This theme includes all OpenStreetMap features in this area matching ( Learn what tags means here ) :

tags['place'] IN ('isolated_dwelling', 'town', 'village', 'hamlet', 'city')

Features may have these attributes:

• name
• name:en
• place
• population
• is_in
• source
• name:ms

This dataset is one of many "https://data.humdata.org/organization/hot">OpenStreetMap exports on HDX. See the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team website for more information.

Chart and table of Malaysia population density from 1950 to 2025. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100.

As of July 2024, 70.4 percent of the Malaysian population were classified as Bumiputera, 22.4 percent were classified as ethnic Chinese, and 6.5 percent as ethnic Indians. Those who do not fall under these three main ethnic groups are classified as ‘Other’. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with three main ethnicities and language groups. Who are Malaysia’s Bumiputera? Bumiputera, meaning sons of the soil, is a term used to categorize the Malays, as well as the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, also known as orang asli, and the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak. As of July 2023, the Bumiputera share of the population in Sabah was 89 percent, while that in Sarawak was 76.1 percent. Thus, the incorporation of the states of Sabah and Sarawak during the formation of Malaysia ensured that the ethnic Malays were able to maintain a majority share of the Malaysian population. Bumiputera privileges and ethnic-based politics The rights and privileges of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak are enshrined in Article 153 of Malaysia’s constitution. This translated, in practice, to a policy of affirmative action to improve the economic situation of this particular group, through the New Economic Policy introduced in 1971. 50 years on, it is questionable whether the policy has achieved its aim. Bumiputeras still lag behind the other ethnic two major groups in terms of monthly household income. However, re-thinking this policy will certainly be met by opposition from those who have benefitted from it.

Malaysia Urban Population Growth data was reported at 2.199 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.341 % for 2016. Malaysia Urban Population Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 4.590 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.579 % in 1962 and a record low of 2.199 % in 2017. Malaysia Urban Population Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on the United Nations Population Division's World Urbanization Prospects: 2018 Revision.; Weighted average;

WorldPop produces different types of gridded population count datasets, depending on the methods used and end application. Please make sure you have read our Mapping Populations overview page before choosing and downloading a dataset.

Datasets are available to download in Geotiff and ASCII XYZ format at a resolution of 30 arc-seconds (approximately 1km at the equator)

-Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020: Population density datasets for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 – derived from the corresponding Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 population count datasets by dividing the number of people in each pixel by the pixel surface area. These are produced using the unconstrained top-down modelling method.
-Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 UN adjusted: Population density datasets for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 – derived from the corresponding Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 population UN adjusted count datasets by dividing the number of people in each pixel, adjusted to match the country total from the official United Nations population estimates (UN 2019), by the pixel surface area. These are produced using the unconstrained top-down modelling method.

Data for earlier dates is available directly from WorldPop.

WorldPop (www.worldpop.org - School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton; Department of Geography and Geosciences, University of Louisville; Departement de Geographie, Universite de Namur) and Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University (2018). Global High Resolution Population Denominators Project - Funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1134076). https://dx.doi.org/10.5258/SOTON/WP00674

Abstract

IPUMS-International is an effort to inventory, preserve, harmonize, and disseminate census microdata from around the world. The project has collected the world's largest archive of publicly available census samples. The data are coded and documented consistently across countries and over time to facillitate comparative research. IPUMS-International makes these data available to qualified researchers free of charge through a web dissemination system.

The IPUMS project is a collaboration of the Minnesota Population Center, National Statistical Offices, and international data archives. Major funding is provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Demographic and Behavioral Sciences Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Additional support is provided by the University of Minnesota Office of the Vice President for Research, the Minnesota Population Center, and Sun Microsystems.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Dwelling

UNITS IDENTIFIED: - Dwellings: Yes - Vacant units: No - Households: Yes - Individuals: Yes - Group quarters: No

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS: - Dwellings: Living quarters have been defined for census purposes as places of abode, which are structurally separate and independent. The terms separate and independent mean the following: Separate: A structure is considered separate if it is surrounded by walls, fence, etc., and is covered by roof. Independent: A structure is said to be independent if it has direct access via a public staircase, communal passageway or landing (that is, occupants can come in or go out of their living quarters without passing through someone else?s premises). In general, living quarters can be classified into two categories, that is: (i) Built or converted for living (e.g. house, flat, apartment, shophouse, makeshift hut, hotel, hostels, etc.) (ii) Not meant for living but used for this purpose on Census Day (e.g. in a building such as office, shop, barn, community hall, etc.) Living quarters built or converted for living can be further classified into housing units and collective living quarters. Housing units are classified into six main types, namely: House; Flat/apartment/condominium; Shop house, office; Room (with direct access to the outside); improvised/temporary hut; and others. House can be further classified into Detached house; and Semi-detached house. - Households: Household is a group of persons who: - Usually live together - Make common provisions for food and other essentials of living - Group quarters: --

Universe

All persons including foreigners who had stayed or intended to stay in Malaysia for six months or more in the Census year were covered. Apart from Malaysians, the following categories were also included provided they had stayed or intended to stay for 6 months or more in Malaysia: (a) Persons commuting across the Malaysian border (e.g. Singapore and Thailand) for work or studies but maintaining usual residence within Malaysia; (b) Malaysians who were away overseas as tourists, on short-term study or attending conferences/seminars or on business; (c) Expatriates and other foreign workers (including housemaids) as well as their family members; (d) Foreign long-term visitors and students; (e) Foreign military, naval and diplomatic personnel and their families staying in the country except for those who had diplomatic immunity and wished to be excluded; and (f) Persons without permanent homes and were found along footways, etc; The following categories were excluded from the Census count on the basis that they were staying in the country for less than six months in the Census year:- (a) Malaysian citizens and permanent residents who were away or intended to be away from the country for six months or more in the Census year because of work, studies etc.; (b) Malaysian military, naval and diplomatic personnel and their families who were staying outside Malaysia; and (c) Foreigners such as tourists, businessman and the like who stayed or intended to be in Malayisa for less than six months.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

MICRODATA SOURCE: Department of Statistics Malaysia

SAMPLE DESIGN: With 2 per cent as the sampling fraction, or a sample interval of 50, the sample was selected using the living quarters serial number starting from 1, 51, 101, 151, 201 ??. N.

SAMPLE UNIT: household

SAMPLE FRACTION: 2%

SAMPLE SIZE (person records): 435,300

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

In the 2000 Population and Housing Census, three main schedules were used namely, Documents 1, 2 and 3/3a. Document 1, which is the Listing Book, was used to list all living quarters and obtain some related information. Document 2, which represented the main questionnaire, was divided into three sections. It collected information on living quarters, households and persons. Document 3/3a, which was an abbreviated version of Document 2, was used for institutions.

Response rate

UNDERCOUNT: 100%

As of July 2024, the population of Selangor was estimated at approximately 7.4 million. Selangor is Malaysia's most populous state, as well as the state with the largest economy in terms of gross domestic product. The Golden Peninsula Malaysia is comprised of 13 states and three Wilayah Persekutuan (WP) or federal territories, which include Labuan, an offshore financial center on the east; the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur; and the administrative center, Putrajaya - both on the west. The aforementioned two federal territories on the west are enclaves within Selangor. In addition to that and the many points of interest it has to offer, Selangor is Malaysia’s most visited state among domestic tourists. Darul Ehsan – The Abode of Sincerity Selangor is a sultanate, ruled by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah since 2001. Located on the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula, the state hosts the country’s two main transportation hubs: Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Port Klang, the country’s largest port.The state is also Malaysia’s largest economy, which contributes a big part to Malaysia’s overall GDP per capita. With the prime location, good infrastructure, and two federal territories within, Selangor will continue to attract more people for work, travel, or more.

Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population. Aggregation of urban and rural population may not add up to total population because of different country coverages.

Malaysia Population Density: People per Square Km data was reported at 96.254 Person/sq km in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 94.924 Person/sq km for 2016. Malaysia Population Density: People per Square Km data is updated yearly, averaging 53.374 Person/sq km from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2017, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 96.254 Person/sq km in 2017 and a record low of 25.623 Person/sq km in 1961. Malaysia Population Density: People per Square Km data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship--except for refugees not permanently settled in the country of asylum, who are generally considered part of the population of their country of origin. Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization and World Bank population estimates.; Weighted average;

Malaysia rural population for 2023 was 7,302,226, a 1.24% decline from 2022.

• Malaysia rural population for 2022 was 7,393,781, a 1.26% decline from 2021.
• Malaysia rural population for 2021 was 7,488,317, a 1.25% decline from 2020.
• Malaysia rural population for 2020 was 7,582,878, a 1.19% decline from 2019.

Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population. Aggregation of urban and rural population may not add up to total population because of different country coverages.

WorldPop produces different types of gridded population count datasets, depending on the methods used and end application. Please make sure you have read our Mapping Populations overview page before choosing and downloading a dataset.


Bespoke methods used to produce datasets for specific individual countries are available through the WorldPop Open Population Repository (WOPR) link below. These are 100m resolution gridded population estimates using customized methods ("bottom-up" and/or "top-down") developed for the latest data available from each country. They can also be visualised and explored through the woprVision App.
The remaining datasets in the links below are produced using the "top-down" method, with either the unconstrained or constrained top-down disaggregation method used. Please make sure you read the Top-down estimation modelling overview page to decide on which datasets best meet your needs. Datasets are available to download in Geotiff and ASCII XYZ format at a resolution of 3 and 30 arc-seconds (approximately 100m and 1km at the equator, respectively):

- Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 ( 1km resolution ): Consistent 1km resolution population count datasets created using unconstrained top-down methods for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020.
- Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 ( 100m resolution ): Consistent 100m resolution population count datasets created using unconstrained top-down methods for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020.
- Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 UN adjusted ( 100m resolution ): Consistent 100m resolution population count datasets created using unconstrained top-down methods for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 and adjusted to match United Nations national population estimates (UN 2019)
-Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 UN adjusted ( 1km resolution ): Consistent 1km resolution population count datasets created using unconstrained top-down methods for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 and adjusted to match United Nations national population estimates (UN 2019).
-Unconstrained global mosaics 2000-2020 ( 1km resolution ): Mosaiced 1km resolution versions of the "Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020" datasets.
-Constrained individual countries 2020 ( 100m resolution ): Consistent 100m resolution population count datasets created using constrained top-down methods for all countries of the World for 2020.
-Constrained individual countries 2020 UN adjusted ( 100m resolution ): Consistent 100m resolution population count datasets created using constrained top-down methods for all countries of the World for 2020 and adjusted to match United Nations national population estimates (UN 2019).

Older datasets produced for specific individual countries and continents, using a set of tailored geospatial inputs and differing "top-down" methods and time periods are still available for download here: Individual countries and Whole Continent.

Data for earlier dates is available directly from WorldPop.

WorldPop (www.worldpop.org - School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton; Department of Geography and Geosciences, University of Louisville; Departement de Geographie, Universite de Namur) and Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University (2018). Global High Resolution Population Denominators Project - Funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1134076). https://dx.doi.org/10.5258/SOTON/WP00645

This dataset is about countries in Malaysia per year, featuring 4 columns: country, date, fertility rate, and urban population. The preview is ordered by date (descending).

This statistic shows the degree of urbanization in Malaysia from 2013 to 2023. Urbanization means the share of urban population in the total population of a country. In 2023, 78.72 percent of Malaysia's total population lived in urban areas and cities. Urban areas in Malaysia Malaysia is currently one of the most urbanized countries of East Asia, and also one of the most rapidly urbanized regions around the world; over the last ten years, the urban population in Malaysia has increased from around 66 percent in 2004 to 74 percent in 2014. This growth is expected to continue, as people from rural areas migrate to urban areas due to the economy and employment continuing to shift from agriculture to industry and services. At present, the largest city in terms of population is Kuala Lumpur, which is home to around 1.31 million inhabitants - which is still relatively small, considering that the entire population of Malaysia amounts to around 31 million. Malaysia is also home to a number of smaller urban areas, and there are three other urban areas with more than 500,000 inhabitants. Urban areas in Malaysia, notably Kuala Lumpur, are less dense than is common for urban areas in East Asia. This means that dealing with and limiting sprawl will be a challenge. As the urban transformation continues, there is still a chance to find a balance between urban and rural settlements in an equitable, compact and sustainable manner.

This dataset is about countries in Malaysia per year, featuring 4 columns: country, date, hospital beds, and urban population. The preview is ordered by date (descending).

This scatter chart displays urban population living in areas where elevation is below 5 meters (% of total population) against date (year) and is filtered where the country is Malaysia. The data is about countries per year.