Penang

Penang
TUBS · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Penang
Settlement type	State
Pushpin label	George Town

Penang. Located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities like George Town and Butterworth. The state is connected to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, which spans over 13.5 kilometers, and is also accessible by ferry from Butterworth to George Town. Penang is home to many notable figures, including Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, a former Chief Minister of Penang, and Anwar Ibrahim, a prominent Malaysian politician who has served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Geography

Penang is an island state, with a total area of approximately 1,048 square kilometers, and is separated from the mainland by the Penang Strait. The state is bordered by the Andaman Sea to the north and the Malacca Strait to the south, and is located near the Thai border, close to the states of Kedah and Perak. The island's terrain is characterized by a central hill range, with the highest point being Penang Hill, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Kek Lok Si Temple and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. The state's geography is also marked by several rivers, including the Pinang River and the Jelutong River, which flow into the Penang Strait and are home to a variety of marine life, including species found in the Coral Triangle.

History

Penang has a long and complex history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period, and has been influenced by various cultures, including the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, as well as the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers. The state was founded in 1786 by Francis Light, a British colonial administrator, who established the first British settlement on the island, and was later governed by the Straits Settlements, a group of British colonies that also included Singapore and Malacca. During World War II, Penang was occupied by the Japanese, and was a key location for the Allies during the Malayan Campaign. The state has also been home to many notable historical figures, including Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore.

Demographics

Penang has a diverse population, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnic groups, as well as smaller communities of Eurasians and Thais. The state is home to many notable institutions, including the University of Science, Malaysia, the Wawasan Open University, and the Penang Medical College, which is affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the University of Dublin. The population of Penang is predominantly urban, with many residents living in the cities of George Town and Butterworth, and the state has a high population density, with over 1,500 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated states in Malaysia.

Economy

Penang has a strong and diverse economy, with major industries including manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. The state is home to many multinational corporations, including Intel, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard, which have established manufacturing facilities in the Bayan Lepas area, and is also a major hub for the electronics and semiconductor industries. The state's economy is also driven by the Port of Penang, which is one of the busiest ports in Malaysia, and handles a significant volume of trade with countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Penang is also a popular destination for medical tourism, with many hospitals and medical centers, including the Penang General Hospital and the Gleneagles Penang, which offer a range of medical services, including cardiovascular surgery and oncology.

Culture

Penang is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. The state is home to many cultural attractions, including the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the Khoo Kongsi, and the Kek Lok Si Temple, which is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia. The state is also famous for its cuisine, which includes popular dishes such as char kway teow, hokkien mee, and nasi kandar, and is home to many notable cultural figures, including the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra and the Penang State Museum. Penang has also been influenced by the British colonial era, with many examples of colonial architecture, including the City Hall, Penang and the Penang Town Hall.

Tourism

Penang is a popular tourist destination, with many attractions and activities to suit all interests. The state is home to many beautiful beaches, including Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah, which offer a range of water sports and activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. The state is also famous for its night markets, including the Chowrasta Market and the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, which offer a range of local food and souvenirs. Penang is also a popular destination for food tourism, with many restaurants and cafes serving a range of local and international cuisine, including hawker centers and street food stalls. The state has also been recognized for its efforts to promote sustainable tourism, and has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for its historic city of George Town. Category:States of Malaysia