Penang Overview

Penang is one of the states of Malaysia. It is also called Pulau Mutiara or Pearl of the Orient is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis. It is also the eighth most populous state. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite. The Penang Overview gives us the detailed information about the state.

Fast facts about Penang

National Name : Persekutuan Tanah Malaysia/Federation of Malaysia
Area : 329,759 sq km/127,319 sq mi
Capital : Kuala Lumpur
Currency : Ringgit
Population : 25,325,000 (2005 est)
Language : Bahasa Malaysia (Malay; official), English, Chinese, Tamil, Iban, many local dialects
Religion : Muslim (official) about 53%, Buddhist 19%, Hindu, Christian, local beliefs
Time difference : GMT +8

Geography of Penang

Penang Island is a part of the state of Penang, in Malaysia. It is located on the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia. The island is 293 km long and experiences a tropical climate. The average highest temperature is 31 degree centigrade and the lowest average temperature is 24 degree centigrade. The maximum rainfall occurred in the months of April and May and again, between August and October.

History of Penang

Earlier Penang was nothing more than a jungle. Francis Light, a captain of the English East India Company, changed the future of the island city forever after he made the city a harbor in the year 1786. Since then, the island witnesses increase in trade and commerce with the Far East and European nations on account of being a duty free port.

Economy of Penang

Penang has a high standard of living. The fact that this state is the third largest economy in Malaysia proves it. The main industrial section of the island is the southern part with technologically advanced IT parks. The industrial face of the island sits pretty with names like Siemens, Bosch, Blaupunkt, Osram and Makro. Agriculture is the main occupation of most of the population. The main exports amongst the agricultural produce consist of rubber and oil palm.

Society and Cultural Life of Penang

Penang has a rich cultural heritage. The foundation of this culture is laid on the strong grounds of “freedom of worship”. The official religion of the state is Islam. The presence of people from so many ethnicities and religions living together in harmony makes the island special.

Transport System in Penang

Among other things, transport system in Penang is very good. You can travel to Penang by taking the connecting flights of Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Eva Air or you can get trains to and from the Butterworth station. For driving to Penang, take the North South Expressway to Penang.

Tourism in Penang

Penang has many travel options for the tourists. You can choose from the various historic centers of George Town, historic places of worship or even go to the parks and gardens. Other tourist attractions at Penang are the shopping areas and the nightlife. There are many good hotels to accommodate the huge flow of tourists every year.